The best way to keep from getting scammed is to follow these helpful hints:
Telephone calls
· Check the caller ID, do you know who is calling? Let it go to voicemail or answering machine
· If a message is left, don’t call back unless you’re sure it’s someone you know
· Remember, the Social Security Administration or IRS do not call us
· This goes for Microsoft, Apple, Amazon, Computer tech help
· If the caller ID says it’s a charity organization and you answered, get information from them, check them out online, call the Better Business Bureau and if it’s a fake charity, report to the Federal Trade Commission at FTC.gov/complaint and provide them with the fake charity’s telephone number.
Email scams
· Received that email that you won! Do not click on any links for further information – it’s a scam
· Received an email with great offer, remember if it sounds too good to be true – it is
· Received an email from someone you know telling you they need your help. Stop and think is this really the person you know? Call the person and verify if he or she sent the email. Do not respond by emailing them back. Their email address may be compromised.
· Received email from collection agency, they say it is a final notice before it’s turned over to the courts. Get information about how much, what for, and to whom you owe money
Text message scams
· Do not respond to text messages if you do not know who is sending
· Do not call any phone numbers they may want you to call
· Delete or block the sender
· The message is urgent and has to do with your credit card, debit card or bank account
· Check the back of credit or debit card for phone number of Customer Service, call that number
· Check bank statement for telephone number to call about your account
Stay up on the latest scams. TV news networks, the newspaper, magazines, radio news or public service announcements are sources that give information about scams to be aware of. Scam Squad will answer your questions regarding scams or suspected scams.