Scammers changed their game!
how can you stay protected?
According to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), real-life scams are up over 300% in the past five years.
Everything we do online from socializing with our close friends and family to ordering our favorite products and services puts us at risk.
The most common scams involve individuals, posing as legitimate people, businesses, or government agents. These scoundrels often come well prepared, by studying your background to put you at ease and lower your guard.
Often they conduct the scam using one or more methods; including phone calls, e-mails, text messages, social networks, or online offers.
Some of the most common scams include:
Grandparent, posing as your relative or friend and asking you to help them out of a bind
Government, notifying you of an outstanding debt and demanding immediate payment
Lottery, congratulating you and asking for a small fee before transferring the “winnings”
Although tricky, scams can be detected and avoided by always following 3 simple rules:
Don’t pick up unknown calls! Screen them on your voicemail instead, and decide whether to call them back.
Don’t open unfamiliar emails or texts! Search online for their official contact info, and reach out directly.
Never agree to perform an urgent action! Tell them you need to think about it, and that you will call them later
No matter whether you are having a ‘conversation’ face-to-face, over the phone, or using e-mail, text, or social media, always stay on the lookout for individuals rushing you into making decisions on the spot!
By thinking about it for a few minutes you might save yourself from the financial and emotional grief of being scammed.