Even with new protections from email providers, telephone companies, and even the government it seems like we get more and more scams that pop up each day. Today we will discuss these scams and the underlying tactics they use to dupe you out of money.
Scammers will usually use phone calls or email to initiate a scam. Don't be fooled even if it comes from what looks like someone you know. There are reports of emails being sent from someone you know asking for help that looks like the email is from a saved contact but the scammers email address has been inserted under that contact information. Phone calls about any sort of very important and troubling issues are common such as your electricity being shut off or amazon purchases of large amounts. They use these scare tactics to get you to drop your guard and provide them with all sorts of information you wouldn't normally give.
What to do if you receive an email or call from suspected scammers:
Don't panic and think logically not emotionally
Never give information or any sort of payment to someone who calls you, call whoever they claim to be to verify there is something that needs your attention
Do not download any apps or programs on your phone or computer at their instruction
First off we have don't panic. They will try to scare you into thinking something is against you or will happen to you but these are made up. If you make a large purchase on Amazon, do you really think Amazon will call you and tell you that a large purchase has been made? No. You can easily verify this by going on your Amazon app or website and look at your purchase history. It is also just as easy to cancel an order that was made without your consent and change your password rather than have some random caller "help" you.
Never give any information. They will ask for things that any reputable business would not require to access your accounts. You should never give out your login credentials, banking information, passwords, personal details, address, or anything else as these will all be used against you either directly or used to hack your account indirectly. Having things like your email address, home address, pets name, etc will get them further into the system to change your password or redirect your account to their control.
Never download anything for them. Let's be honest, no one at your bank, online retailer, or your car warranty place is getting paid to remotely login to your computer or phone to help you do anything. They don't need to as they should have database access on their end and they are not technically savvy enough to help themselves most of the time. This is why they have their own IT team and they are not paying those guys to field calls. They will try to get you to download programs like Anydesk or other remote viewing software and they will instantly make themselves a secret back door to allow themselves access without your permission.
There are other red flags to know you are being scammed. If they ask you to go anywhere to buy gift cards or digital cards to pay whatever they are telling you that you owe, this is absolutely a scam. Business want money, not a Best Buy gift card. This makes it to where they can take your money with almost no chance of getting your money back. Your electric company does not want you to give them digital items for an online game to keep your power on. This goes hand in hand with not panicking and thinking logically.
Lastly, the most important thing is to verify there is a problem. If you get an email from someone you "know" asking for help, call that person. Don't replay to the email, call them. If your power is being shut off, hang up with them and call your power company to verify there is no issue. Go to your bank if your account "is being frozen." Scammers are more prevalent but they are easily thwarted because they usually do not work or live where you do. All they can do is scare you into giving them what they did not earn.
If you think you have already been scammed, contact your bank and card companies to mitigate any financial lose. If you think your computer or phone has been compromised you can call us or a knowledgeable shop to get rid of their access.
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