March 2021: Signs It's A Scam
SCAMMERS will do and say ANYTHING to get YOUR MONEY.
Before you give out your personal information, check for these four signs that it could be a scam:
1. Scammers PRETEND to be from an organization you know.
Scammers often pretend to be contacting you on behalf of the government. They might use a real name, like the Social Security Administration, the IRS, or Medicare, or make up a name that sounds official. Some pretend to be from a business, you know, like a utility company, a tech company, or even a charity asking for donations. They use technology to change the phone number that appears on your caller ID so the name and number you see might not be real.
2. Scammers say there’s a PROBLEM or a PRIZE.
Scammers may say you’re in trouble with the government, you owe money, someone in your family had an emergency, or that there’s a virus on your computer. Some scammers say there’s a problem with one of your accounts and that you need to verify some information. Others will lie and say you won money in a lottery or sweepstakes but have to pay a fee to get it. If you have to pay, it’s not a prize!
3. Scammers PRESSURE you to act immediately.
Scammers want you to act before you have time to think. If you’re on the phone, they might tell you not to hang up, so you don’t have time to check out their story. They will create a sense of urgency through threats of arrest, lawsuits, seizure of licenses, or deportation. They might say your computer is about to be corrupted if you don’t act.
4. Scammers tell you to PAY in a specific way.
Scammers often insist you pay by sending money through a money transfer company or putting it on a gift card and then giving them the number on the back. Some will send you a check (that will later turn out to be fake), tell you to deposit it, and then send them the money.
What You Can Do to Avoid a Scam:
1. Block unwanted calls and text messages.
2. Never supply your personal or financial information to a request that you didn’t expect.
Legitimate organizations will never call, email, or text to ask for your personal information, such as your Social Security number, bank account, or credit card numbers. If you get an email or text message from a company you know, and you think it’s real, it’s still best not to click on any links. Instead, contact them using a website or phone number you know is trustworthy. Never call the number in the email or text or use the number from your caller ID.
3. Resist the pressure to act immediately.
Legitimate businesses will give you time to make a decision. Anyone who pressures you to pay or give them your personal information immediately is a scammer.
4. Know how scammers tell you to pay.
Never pay someone who insists you pay with a gift card or by using a money transfer service. Never deposit a check and send money back to someone.
5. Stop and talk to someone you trust.
Before you do anything else, tell someone — a friend, a family member, a neighbor — what happened. Talking about it could help you realize it’s a scam.
Report Potential Scams to the FTC and your Local Law Enforcement.
For more information, go to https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/how-avoid-scam#signs
Did you know victims of burglaries can become victims of identity theft?
You can help protect yourself and your family by:
- Park your vehicle in a well-lit area.
- Lock your cars and remove your valuables.
- Lock the doors and windows to your residence.
- Place security lights and cameras around your home.
- Get to know your neighbors.
- Keep bushes and trees trimmed away from doors and windows.
- Contact the police department to do a House Check while out of town.
- If you see something out of the ordinary, contact the Winter Springs Police Department at 407-327-1000.
Always Remember, If You SEE Something, SAY Something.
If you see something unusual, do not hesitate to notify the Police. If you feel uncomfortable about calling the police department, you can report suspicious activity anonymously to 1-800-423-TIPS or at www.crimeline.org. You don’t have to give your name.
