Many of us have been targeted by a scam at some point in our lives, and we are usually pretty good at not falling victim. But, how do you know if something is a scam? Here are some of the more common telltale signs that consumers have been experiencing lately:
— The consumer was told to buy gift cards and then provide numbers from these cards to the scammer by phone.
— A very real looking, but fake check was sent with instructions to deposit the check and then wire money or buy gift cards and provide the scammer with information from these cards.
— The scammer used scare tactics telling people that their bank accounts or computers were compromised, they would be arrested for not paying taxes, lose Social Security benefits, or they posed as a loved one was in need of money.
— The scammer also appealed to the senses of people who were looking for love, money or success such as through online dating sites or a job offer.
If you are contacted via phone, text message, email or U.S. postal mail with something that seems confusing, disturbing or enticing, check out things with reputable sources. The Federal Trade Commission, state consumer protection offices, Better Business Bureau and our Call 4 Action office are good sources for getting information about scams, and filing a complaint. Your information can help others from falling victim in the future.
