By Shannin Prather
October 2019 | 2019 Fall Newsletter
While most people are good spirited, there are those who will take unfair advantage if given the opportunity. Scammers are individuals who take advantage of people whom they consider an easy target. These smooth-talking swindlers cheat and steal from innocent and unsuspecting consumers of all ages and economic status.
Know how to protect yourself from scammers by recognizing a possible scam when you see it. Learn how to avoid common scams listed below:
- Government imposter scams. It starts with a call from someone claiming to be from the IRS, Social Security, or Medicare. Maybe the telephone number even matches the toll-free number for these agencies. The caller tells you that your account is locked or they say you need to provide some information to get a refund or service, like your Social Security benefits reinstated. The imposters may say that you are facing a possible arrest for unpaid taxes or stolen identity charges.
- Tip: Hang up the phone immediately. Federal government agencies and federal employees are not permitted to ask you to wire money or add money to a prepaid debit card to pay for anything.
- Telemarketing scams. Perhaps one of the most common schemes is telemarketing where scammers use fake telemarketing calls to prey on older or homebound adults. Seniors are at a higher risk because they are more familiar and comfortable with shopping over the phone.
- Tip: Do not give out your Social Security number or credit card information; unless you are sure that the party calling is representing a legitimate business. Consider putting your name and phone number on the National Do Not Call List. This is a free service and will stop most telemarketers from contacting you.
- Email scams. Email messages may appear to be from a legitimate company or institution, asking individuals to “update” or “verify” your personal information. For instance, an email that appears to be from the IRS about a tax refund may appear in your inbox.
- Tip: The IRS will mail you official documents, and normally will not email you to ask for personal information.
- Sweepstakes and lottery scams. Scammers inform individuals that they have won a lottery or sweepstakes but need to make some sort of payment to access the prize money.
- Tip: If you win a prize, you do not pay for it. Similar to not winning the lottery because you did not buy a ticket, you cannot win a sweepstakes if you did not enter one.
If you suspect that you have been the victim of a scam, do not be afraid or embarrassed to talk about it. Telling your story could help someone else avoid being scammed. Report scams to your local police department. You can also call your local Adult Protective Services office at (800) 414-2002. To register for the Do Not Call list, visit: donotcall.gov.
While most people are good spirited, there are those who will take unfair advantage if given the opportunity. Scammers are individuals who take advantage of people whom they consider an easy target. These smooth-talking swindlers cheat and steal from innocent and unsuspecting consumers of all ages and economic status.
Know how to protect yourself from scammers by recognizing a possible scam when you see it. Learn how to avoid common scams listed below:
- Government imposter scams. It starts with a call from someone claiming to be from the IRS, Social Security, or Medicare. Maybe the telephone number even matches the toll-free number for these agencies. The caller tells you that your account is locked or they say you need to provide some information to get a refund or service, like your Social Security benefits reinstated. The imposters may say that you are facing a possible arrest for unpaid taxes or stolen identity charges.
- Tip: Hang up the phone immediately. Federal government agencies and federal employees are not permitted to ask you to wire money or add money to a prepaid debit card to pay for anything.
- Telemarketing scams. Perhaps one of the most common schemes is telemarketing where scammers use fake telemarketing calls to prey on older or homebound adults. Seniors are at a higher risk because they are more familiar and comfortable with shopping over the phone.
- Tip: Do not give out your Social Security number or credit card information; unless you are sure that the party calling is representing a legitimate business. Consider putting your name and phone number on the National Do Not Call List. This is a free service and will stop most telemarketers from contacting you.
- Email scams. Email messages may appear to be from a legitimate company or institution, asking individuals to “update” or “verify” your personal information. For instance, an email that appears to be from the IRS about a tax refund may appear in your inbox.
- Tip: The IRS will mail you official documents, and normally will not email you to ask for personal information.
- Sweepstakes and lottery scams. Scammers inform individuals that they have won a lottery or sweepstakes but need to make some sort of payment to access the prize money.
- Tip: If you win a prize, you do not pay for it. Similar to not winning the lottery because you did not buy a ticket, you cannot win a sweepstakes if you did not enter one.
If you suspect that you have been the victim of a scam, do not be afraid or embarrassed to talk about it. Telling your story could help someone else avoid being scammed. Report scams to your local police department. You can also call your local Adult Protective Services office at (800) 414-2002. To register for the Do Not Call list, visit: donotcall.gov.