New Scams Circulating and How to Avoid Them
Scammers are always finding new ways to take advantage of people, especially those who are more vulnerable. Some recent scams to watch out for include:
Phishing emails or texts claiming you need to “verify” personal information or account access. Legitimate companies will not ask for sensitive data like social security numbers, credit card numbers or account passwords through insecure channels.
Requests to send money for a “family emergency” or other urgent need from someone pretending to be a relative or friend. Call the person directly to confirm before sending any funds.
Senior citizens are often targets of fraud. Be wary of unsolicited calls, mail or door-to-door salespeople offering “free” medical alert devices or treatments, investments, home or auto repairs, or other “too good to be true” deals.
Top 5 Scams to Watch Out for This Year
Scammers are getting savvier, so you’ll want to keep an eye out for the latest cons making the rounds. Here are the top basics Scams Warning Alerts on the rise this year:
Phishing emails and malicious links
Be wary of unsolicited messages and links, especially those asking for personal information like your password or account number. Legit companies don’t ask for sensitive data via email. Delete anything suspicious.
Imposter fraud
Scammers pose as government agencies, family members, or trusted companies to trick victims into sending money or revealing personal details. The IRS, utility companies, and tech support will not call demanding immediate payment or access to your computer. Hang up.
Advance fee scams
If something sounds too good to be true, like an inheritance or lottery win in exchange for taxes or fees upfront, it’s a scam. These con artists will take the money and run. Don’t pay anything to claim a prize.
Tech support scams
Pop-up warnings about viruses or other issues are bogus. Legitimate tech companies don’t advertise support this way. Close the window and do not provide any information or remote access to your device.
Fake charities
Do some research to ensure you’re donating to a real organization. Scammers create convincing charity names, websites, and social media profiles to tug at heartstrings and steal well-intentioned contributions. Verify charities on independent charity watchdog sites before giving.
The bottom line: stay vigilant, trust your instincts, and never send money or share sensitive data with anyone who contacts you unexpectedly. With awareness and caution, you can avoid becoming a victim of fraud.
What to Do if You’ve Been Scammed
If you’ve been the victim of a scam, don’t feel ashamed. These crooks are experts at exploiting human weakness and trust. The important thing is to take action immediately to limit the damage. Here are the steps you should take right away:
Notify your bank and credit card companies
Call your bank and credit card issuers and report fraudulent charges or compromised accounts. Ask them to cancel cards and accounts that have been misused. Be prepared to dispute any unauthorized transactions. Canceling cards and closing accounts quickly can help prevent further fraud.
File a police report
File a report with your local police department about the Scam Warning Alerts . Provide details about what happened, the contact information for the scammer(s), and any financial losses. Having an official police report can help with disputing charges and may deter scammers from targeting you again. The police may also be able to investigate and take legal action against the perpetrators.
Be on high alert
Unfortunately, once scammed, you become a target. Scammers often come back for more or sell your information to other criminals. Be wary of follow-up calls, emails or mail claiming you can recover losses or win prizes. Never provide personal information or send money to anyone who contacts you unexpectedly. Stay vigilant for signs of further fraud or identity theft by
Resources for Reporting Scams and Getting Help
Reporting scams and fraud is important to help prevent others from becoming victims. Here are some resources for reporting scams and finding help if you’ve already been targeted:
Local Law Enforcement
Contact your local police department to report any scam that involves threats of violence or illegal activity. Provide officers with details about the scam and any personal information you may have shared. They may be able to take action against local perpetrators.
Credit Bureaus
Notify your bank, credit card companies, and any other creditors immediately if scammers have access to your accounts or financial data. They can place holds, freeze accounts, and reissue new account numbers to protect you. Closely monitor statements for any unauthorized charges or withdrawals.
Conclusion
So stay alert and on guard against these new scams making the rounds. Remember, if something sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Don’t get greedy, no one is giving away free money or prizes. Never provide personal information or send money to someone you don’t know and trust. And when in doubt, do a quick online search to verify the details before proceeding. The more people are aware of the latest tricks, the less power these thieves have to victimize others. You’ve got this , don’t become another scam statistic!
