Scams to Watch Out For
Protect yourself against phone and internet scams
Protecting ourselves from theft and crime on the internet is becoming increasingly difficult. Scams and theft can happen to any of us.
Traps that Hook You... and Your Wallet
#1 SEARCHING FOR A BUSINESS'S CUSTOMER SERVICE NUMBER ONLINE CAN LEAD YOU TO SCAMS
Do not search for 800 numbers (customer service numbers) on Google's search bar. Scammers have found ways to impersonate legitimate businesses so that if you search for a customer service number, you'll end up calling the impersonator instead of the business. For example, individuals who searched for Amazon's customer service number on Google (or any other search engine) were directed to an 800 number that appeared to be official but turned out to be a scam.
Impersonators claimed that the caller's Amazon account had been hacked by an international crime ring. The caller was asked to hold while they connected them to the "FBI". They were told to keep the phone call strictly secret and warned that telling friends and family about the call would mean that they would also be investigated by the "FBI". Callers were asked to provide their social security numbers and other personal information.
In another 800-number search scam, callers were told that they would need to download an app (application) onto their phones to fix their Amazon accounts. Downloading the app actually gives the scammer access to everything on your phone. Brimfield Police Department in Ohio warned area residents: DO NOT search for ANY customer service phone number in a search engine. Only call the number(s) listed on the company's direct website. That goes for ANY company, not just Amazon.
#2 AI (artificial intelligence) Can Imitate Your Loved Ones
When the kids call home for money or a cousin asks for a short-term loan, you might not give it a second thought and follow their directions to transfer the cash to them ASAP. But scammers work with AI to imitate your friends and family. For example, the caller ID says it's your son and the voice on the other end of the line sounds like him too. Hang up the phone, take a deep breath, and then call your son from your phone to make sure it's really him.
#3 Emails Can Imitate Your Loved Ones Too
This is similar to the situation above only, instead of getting a fake phone call, you receive an email. For example, the email comes from your friend or family member asking you for some help with a financial emergency or with questions about a family bank account. Do not answer the email. Pick up the phone and call the person and ask them if they really sent the email. If they didn't send you the email, it means that their email has been hacked by a scammer.
#4 Online deals can lead to online steals
Scrolling through Facebook or TikTok, we're bombarded with ads. If the deal offered in the ad feels "too good to be true", it probably is. You might think you're getting the coolest thing for an incredible price and these ads make it easy to buy it quickly. But after putting in your credit card or banking information the vendor suddenly cancels your order... or it never arrives in the mail. They got your money and you've been scammed. Reach out to your credit card company or your bank and tell them what happened. You might decide it's best to cancel your cards, freeze your credit, and get new ones.
#5 Fake charities claiming to represent orphans, veterans, or law enforcement
A fake charity will imitate the names of reputable ones and they will use words that appeal to your sympathy. The names of their charities might include words like “foundation” “operation” “hero” “wounded” “disabled” or “homeless”. Real charities in the United States must follow laws governing charities and non-profits. For example, it is illegal for a charity to call you before 8AM or after 9PM. It is illegal for a charity to contact you using a Robocall service. Before making any kind of donation over the phone or through the mail, be vigilant and do some research first.
#6 "Problems" with your "taxes", "late payments", "credit"
You know where your money goes better than anyone else. You pay your light bill, rent, and car payments. Scammers will exploit your insecurities about anything related to your bills. Robocalls and live calls alike will tell you that there are "questions" or "problems" with your accounts. Hang up. If you are concerned that a creditor hasn't received a payment on time, contact them directly and find out.
#7 Receiving a Package with no Return Address
You might get an unexpected package in the mail with no return address. When you open it, there might be a small "gift" and the sender has included a QR code for a discount on another purchase. The sender might reference that they have a store on Amazon or another online sales distributor. Scanning the QR code can give the the scammer access to your phone. If you receive a package like this, take it to law enforcement.
Strategy & Resources
Report Fraud: The US Federal Trade Commission has a Consumer Advice page with details on the latest scams. To learn more about scams and how to report fraud, as of the date of this publication, the USFTC website is https://consumer.ftc.gov/
Donate Locally Instead: Make charitable donations locally to trusted groups instead of donating to national groups. A $50 donation will help our local Emergency Responders or 4-H clubs more than a national charity. Besides, our local groups need it more.
Freeze Your Credit: Every American has a Credit Score that is monitored by financial institutions. When you make a big purchase like buying a car or a house, a lender will run a credit check to assess your trustworthiness for paying off debt. Your credit score will be impacted if a scammer gains access to your name and social security number; they can open credit cards in your name. If you feel a scammer got your personal information, consider putting a freeze on your credit. Freezing your credit means that scammers can't open new credit cards, buy cars, or open bank accounts in your name. To freeze your credit, contact the primary organizations who handle your Credit Score: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. As of the date of this publication, here's the government link to resources that will help you put a freeze on your Credit: https://www.consumerfinance.gov/consumer-tools/credit-reports-and-scores/consumer-reporting-companies/
Make a Plan with your Loved Ones Now: Make a strategy with loved ones when money is involved. If you know that you could potentially help a loved one with finances, talk to them about how you will communicate about these transactions. Put a plan in place that protects you while you support your loved ones... not the scammers.
Think for yourself: Scammers find sophisticated ways to exploit our insecurities. In today's society, where loneliness and isolation are a part of daily life, remember to have faith in yourself. We're bombarded by media that constantly tells us that we're not "enough". If isolation and alone-time is getting too much, make some connections in your community. Visit with a stranger at the store or call a friend. Join a local civics club like the Moose or Ruritans. Volunteer for a charity or join a Rec Center. Find a local knitting group and bring your projects. There's a lot of good stuff going on right here around us and getting connected will help us be stronger when those scammers aim for our wallets.
