Scams
If you are asked to wire money IT IS A SCAM. If you receive a check for over the amount IT IS A SCAM. NEVER WIRE MONEY to anyone you don't personally know for any reason. If you didn't enter, you cannot win.
- If it seems too good to be true, it probably is.
- If it comes from Canada, Europe, Aftrica, or Asia, it is probably a scam.
- If you didn't enter, how can you win? It's also illegal to enter out of country lotteries - you can be arrested!
- English, grammar, and spelling are usually very bad. If the pitch comes in the form of a telephone call, the scammer may have a foreign accent.
- Even if you are given a telephone number and address, the telephone is probably a throw away cell phone untraceable) and the address is probably non-existent.
- Remember, these people always want you to WIRE them money, not mail a check.
Never provide any personal information, such as social security number, credit card or bank account information over the phone or internet to someone who has contacted you. Contact your bank, credit card company or other business and ask if they have requested this information over the internet or phone. Remember, they already your information—they don’t need to ask for it again.
These people are smooth. If you receive a phone call, they will try to be your best friend and pretend they are working in your best interest. If you decline their offer, they may turn pushy and threatening; just hang up.
Following are some common scams but beware, criminals are constantly adapting and it may be a variation of one of these themes (click on any tab to view more information):
You receive a phone call from someone claiming to be a Microsoft technician saying there is a problem with your computer. They will tell you to go to your computer and talk you through how to provide shared access. They then take over your computer and will put in colored warnings making you believe that something is wrong with your computer.
They will tell you that, before they can fix the problem, you will need to buy an expensive extended warranty.
Microsoft will NEVER call you and tell you there is something wrong with your computer and request access to it.
A call is received, either live or a voice mail, claiming that you owe the IRS for back taxes; if it’s by voice mail, they will leave a spoofed phone number for you to call. The scammer claims that you have ignored their previous warnings and a lawsuit has now been filed against you and that your “local” law enforcement is going to come arrest you if you do not pay. The IRS scammer will ask you to verify your name and SSN – if it was truly the IRS they would have that information. The scammer will then tell you that to avoid any lawsuit or arrest, you will need to wire, via Western Union or MoneyGram, usually within the hour, a rather large sum of money. One scammer told a local resident that she also had to pay Washington taxes (even though Washington does not have a state tax).
If you receive such a call, just hang up. They may be persistent and call a couple of times before they get the hint. They may become verbally abuse if you stay on the line with them. Law enforcement is not going to come knocking at your door to arrest you. The IRS is not going to call you – they always send a letter out. For more information, go to www.irs.gov or if you do get a call, go to www.tigta.gov (Treasury Dept) and complete the only form.
If you receive such a call or message, find out as much information as you can then contact a direct relative to find out if the person really is on vacation or possibly in trouble. You could also ask the caller a specific question that requires more than basic knowledge about the family, that only the real friend or relative would know. For example ask "What is your mom's name? What is your favorite pet's name? Where were you born?" Ask for a phone number.
For more information on how to protect yourself from the the Grandparent Scam visit AARP.
If you receive a letter, email or phone call telling you that you have won millions in an overseas lottery but you just need to wire a few hundred dollars to cover the taxes - IT IS A SCAM. Payments will only lead to requests for more money.
Also referred to as "catphishing".
From OnGuardOnline.gov
Millions of Americans use dating sites, social networking sites, and chat rooms to meet people. And many forge successful relationships. But scammers also use these sites to meet potential victims. They create fake profiles to build online relationships, and eventually convince people to send money in the name of love. Some even make wedding plans before disappearing with the money.
AN ONLINE LOVE INTEREST WHO ASKS FOR MONEY IS ALMOST CERTAINLY A SCAM ARTIST.
Please visit OnGuardOnline.gov for information on how to recognize a dating scam artist and what you can do about it.
BEWARE: Do not trust your caller ID as scammers have found ways to mask their true identity!
If part of the process of getting a job requires sending money, it is probably a scam. Check references, research the company, check with the Better Business Bureau.