Stay Sharp, Stay Safe: A Simplified Guide to Spotting and Preventing Scams
These days, scammers have serious tricks up their sleeves. But being in the know is half the battle. Here’s your guide to the most common scams and how to keep yourself secure.
Charity Cons
Charity con artists pose as a real charity or make up a real-sounding organization to steal money from you. Generous folks can become their targets, especially around the holidays or when disasters strike.
What to do: Don’t rush to open your wallet. Ask for the charity’s details and do a quick online check or reach out to a trustworthy third-party to confirm that the fundraiser is real. If it doesn’t add up, don’t donate!
Debt Collection Deception
Most times, debt collectors are just doing their job, reminding you to pay what you actually owe. Some, however, try to make you pay debts that you’ve already squared away, or worse, that aren’t yours.
What to do: Hold on tight to your personal info, and don’t share it with anyone. Confirm the debt is really yours before even thinking about settling it.
Debt Relief Ruse
Be wary if someone promises to sweep your debts under the rug for a price. Debt settlement companies will promise to settle or renegotiate your debt, but dealing with them can be risky and could leave you even further in debt.
What to do: Seek out legitimate credit counseling services, many of which won’t cost you anything. They’ll help you work with your creditors.
Watch for Imposters
Scammers love hiding behind the screen and pretending to be anyone from law enforcement to a non-profit worker to get their hands on your cash.
What to do: Always double-check. Remember caller IDs can be falsified. A quick call to the actual organization can save you from a bad case of swindler’s remorse.
Don’t Be a Money Mule
A money mule moves stolen funds for thieves, sometimes without knowing they’re part of a crime. That “easy money” online job offer or an online friend asking for a monetary favor might be up to no good.
What to do: Don’t agree to send or receive money or packages for people you haven’t met or don’t know well. And remember, if that job sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
Money Transfer Tricks
Just when you thought money transfers were fool-proof, scammers stepped up their game. Scam artists can use mobile payment services to trick you into sending money or goods without holding up their end of the deal. For example, a scammer might buy an item from you and send payment, but then they’ll cancel the payment before it reaches your bank account.
What to do: Stick to transferring money between people you know and trust. Always verify it’s really them on the other end of the request.
Lottery Prize Lies
In a perfect world, you could win the lottery without even entering, but that’s not reality. Swindlers might call or email you to let you know you’ve won a prize from a sweepstakes you never entered.
What to do: If they’re asking for money or personal info to claim your win, just say no. Genuine wins don’t require upfront fees or your social security number. Never make an upfront payment for a promised prize, especially if they demand immediate payment.
Don’t forget– never send money to people you don’t know. Scammers and con artists often use wire transfers, mobile payment apps, and gift cards to collect money from you. Keep these tips in your pocket and you’ll outsmart even the craftiest of scammers.
Disclaimer: This material is prepared for informational purposes only and may not be a complete list.