It seems like every time you turn around, someone you know is being scammed, or being targeted as a potential victim.
Here’s a list, compiled by The Better Business Bureau, to help you to avoid being scammed:
- When someone you have not met asks you to send them money, especially by wire transfer, prepaid debit card or gift card, don’t do it.
- Never click on links or attachments in unsolicited emails or texts. That’s how crooks put malware on your devices.
- Don’t trust the legitimacy of something by its looks. Emails and websites are easy to fake with copied logos and graphics.
- Don’t trust your Caller ID. It can be faked to read any way a crook wants it to read.
- Buy online only from legitimate sources with a website address that has the “s” in “https.” Look for the lock icon in the address bar as well.
- Look up any company you’re unfamiliar with at BBB.org.
- Treat your personal identification information like gold. Don’t give it away to anyone who contacts you out of the blue. Your banking, Social Security and insurance numbers should be closely guarded.
- Anyone pressuring you to act quickly could be a scammer who doesn’t want you to have time to seriously consider the “offer.”
- Get details in writing and read them thoroughly.
- Don’t overshare on social media. Con artists can collect your information from such sources and use it to make you think they know you.
- Keep your travel plans to yourself and only share them after the fact.
- Shred junk mail, old documents, bills and medical paperwork.
- Monitor your accounts and check out any unknown transaction, even for tiny amounts (crooks start with small amounts to see if you pay attention).
- Use strong passwords and keep software and virus protections updated constantly.
Check out the Better Business Bureau’s articles on phishing scams, tech support scams and Social Security scams.
Scammers never quit, but they can be thwarted by staying on top of the latest tips and news from organizations that monitor them, such as the Better Business Bureau and the Federal Trade Commission.
Go to BBB.org, to look up online marketplace business profiles, file a complaint, or write a customer review. Visit the BBB Scam Tracker, to research and report scams.
Avoid ransom scams
The Pasco County Sheriff’s Office shares this tip to help people avoid becoming victim of an economic scam that is known as a ransom scam.
In this crime, the scammer will call the victim and claim to be holding a member of the victim’s family captive.
The scammer instructs the victim to transfer ransom money into the scammer’s bank account or the victim’s family member will be harmed.
The scammers use tactics to convince the victim their loved one is a hostage, such as using screams and cries in the call.
In its posting, the Pasco Sheriff’s Office advises those who receive such a call should hang up the phone and then call your relative to verify his or her safety.
Published April 06, 2022
