Common Scams to Avoid

Common Scams to Avoid

Thank you for visiting my blog! Here I strive to empower you with cyber security awareness and scam prevention. If you find this content helpful, please sign up for my FREE monthly safety newsletter at https://shadowworldpresent.wixsite.com/safe.

Last week, I was thrilled to become a volunteer Digital Fraud Fighter for AARP at aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork. I will be receiving recurring training and correspondence with fellow participants to spread the latest news and events to help keep you vigilant. 

I encourage you to check it out AARP's scam tracking map at https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/tracking-map/. With this tool, you can check for active complaints around your neighborhood, community, and everywhere! 

I wish to briefly refresh you about some of the hottest rip-offs going on during this Coronavirus pandemic. Don't get swindled! 

Employment Cons

Reportedly, scammers are preying on those are looking for work. They utilize online search tools to review submitted resumes from either fake agencies or reputable networking sites. They may even act as a prospective employer by sending you an unsolicited email. 

Regardless of their mode of operation there is a catch. In order to be guaranteed a job, there are heavy expenses incurred by this so called organization. 

This is why they mail you a fraudulent check to cover training expenses. The amount will be more than what was intended. So, they will ask you to deposit the check into your banking account and wire them back the difference or send gift cards to satisfy the fees. 

In reality, there is no offer for employment. If a check is involved, the bank will eventually discover it is no good and you will be left with the stiff tab. 

Genuine employment do not come with a price tag. Recruiters are compensated by traditional businesses. Verify the reputations of those purporting to be an unheard company with your local Business Bureau and/or the Federal Trade Commission at https://ftc.gov/compliant

Census Scams

Imposters acting as census takers are showing up at doors, send an abundance of emails, and initiating unsolicited phone calls to unsuspecting victims. 

They are asking for security card numbers to verify occupants of a home. They even go as far as to solicit donations for a cause. 

This year, we have seen a spiked in these criminals demanding payment of fines from victims and making threats of arrest. 

For now, in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Official U.S Census Bureau has only suspended person to person visits. If someone comes to home claiming to work for the Census, it's not true. 

Do not provide any details about yourself or anyone living there! 

Election Scams

Be mindful of fake political ads posing as political action committees, pollsters, and campaign volunteers. 

By purporting to be collecting fundraisers, they seek to get information about your banking card numbers. They are so desperate, they may even ask you to make a donation by gift card or wire transfer. 

These type of attacks can materialize by phone, email, and even social media posts. 

Steer away from donating to a candidate on the basis of an unsolicited pitch. Reach out directly to the campaigns you support. Do the best you can do keep personal information off social media that can influence a scammer to zero in on you. 

Medicare Fraud

Have you ever received a phone call or email from a company offering free DNA swab tests for cancer, medical devices, or other services?

They want your Medicare number! 

These criminals may even come directly to your house with a too-good-to-be-true sales pitch. 

Only share your health conditions and Medicare information from trusted providers. 

The desires of these criminals are either to bilk the system for money for items that you may not need or nondelivery of services or products at the expense of taxpayers and your time lost. 

Phishing Scams

Computer criminals chase headlines. For example, in 2019, they shipped an estimated 3.5 billion packages. 

As a result, fraudsters have taken up the roles of Amazon representatives in the form of emails. 

They will contact you about a package intended for you that needs "confirmation" of your credit card number before it can reach you. 

Millions of these unsolicited emails are sent. The content includes a link that places malware on your operating system to pry out sensitive information. 

This is how fake tech support scams are often run. Some may even impact a virus into your computer and charge you for removal. They may also have you pay for a worthless computer maintenance program. 

COVID-19 Scams

Since the outbreak, Americans have lost over 10 million dollars to theses type of scams. Once again, cyber attackers are following world wide trends along fear and uncertainty to line their pockets. 

Naturally, people want to believe there is a cure or treatment for what is plaguing the world. Apparently, emails offering vaccines or access to critical medical equipment is transforming hopeful people into believers. 

Such high urge for preferable outcomes has seen victims surrender credit card information for products that never arrives. The technique of phishing is a preferable practice in this fraud as scammers are unleashing links in the body of emails to install malware and steal passwords. 

Always visit official state and federal government websites for updates! Don't rely on any unsolicited email claiming to have good news about treatment or cure for this diabolic disease. 

Conclusion

With all that said lets be weary of the following.

• If you are or suspect you have been victim of fraud, don't be afraid to contact someone you trust about it. Reach out to reputable agency like the Federal Trade Commission at https://ftc.gov/compliant, AARP Fraud Watch Network at AARP.org/fraudwatchnetwork, or your local Better Business Bureau. 
• Avoid Medical product claims. Research questionable companies through official government websites and  nonprofit organizations.
• Be weary of offers sounding too good to be true. Look for honest reviews online from safe websites you trust. 
• Be smart and aware. Consider using a password manager for your accounts. Change passwords often and never share with anyone. Enable two or three step verification when possible. 

Funny video but educational as well! Ransomware: a subcategory hazard of malware! 

Thank you again for visiting my blog!

Here I strive to empower you with cyber security awareness and scam prevention. If you find this content helpful, please sign up for my FREE monthly safety newsletter at https://shadowworldpresent.wixsite.com/safe.

Until next time my friends stay safe and secure!

Ken Harris
Writer/Puppeteer
https://www.kenharrisnews.com