It’s surprising that scammers can still get ahold of our information and continue to pester us via emails, calls, or texts despite the calls for enhanced privacy and secured data. In some instances, scammers would have enticing offers that could help us through difficult times or bring in financial security. Unfortunately, some people would fall for it and let these scammers continue their dubious schemes. Now, you might be thinking, am I being scammed, and how can I avoid getting scammed?
Types of Scams
It’s easy to get scammed nowadays. Take note of these common scams:
- Call
- Text
- Email
- Social media
- Unsecure sites and payment methods
Scammers will use your contact information and call you incessantly until you give in. If your digital information has been compromised, they will also send you an email about winning the lottery or help you with your taxes.
With the rise of cryptocurrency (and the suspicious activities done using it), scammers have also taken advantage of those who use it. CNBC reports that there’s a “Rug pull” scam. This allows scammers to deceive investors into purchasing scammer tokens, and then scammers leave once they reach their amount goal.
But one of the most prevalent forms of scams through the phone and email is gift cards. In fact, Forbes reveals that this form of scam has increased in 2021. Plus, Target gift cards are likely a scammer’s preference for their schemes.
One reason many scammers use these gift card schemes is many victims are susceptible to sharing gift card information. Plus, these transactions are difficult to trace as well. Unfortunately, you won’t be able to reverse this transaction.
However, many retailers have put up signs indicating if you’re paying through gift cards, you’re getting scammed. You should remember any business or legitimate institution will NOT ask you for gift card payments. Should this happen to you, hang up.
How Am I Being Scammed?
If you’re being scammed through gift cards, the caller will tell you there’s an issue with your account. Usually, they would say they’re from a big company like Apple or Amazon. Or for some other scams, they would say they’re from the Internal Revenue Service, making the caller worried. However, some have the nerve to admit they’ve committed a crime, alarming the victim.
Other scammers would even ask their victims to use their computers and monitor if payments have been made via their bank account. Those scammers would even use programs to take over your computer.
Employees aren’t also safe from scams. Some of them might encounter scams from people claiming they are CEOs or high-level executives. Employees will receive texts or emails, reading that they need money for rewards.
Another type of scammer to look out for is a tech-support one. They might reach out to victims saying their computer needs an update or has been attacked by a virus, and paying will help that go away. Remember, your computer will give you updates regarding your operating system. Plus, for viruses, you can install anti-virus systems to ensure that your devices are safe.
Some Fight Back
Fortunately, some scammers will encounter people that are aware they’re being scammed. In turn, these people will fight back. YouTubers like Jim Browning and Kitboga record themselves talking to scammers and going along with their schemes until the scammers get aggravated and hang up.
What To Do If I Was Scammed?
Those who live in the US can report if they’ve been scammed through the Fair Trade Commission (FTC). The FTC has also provided other means of reporting, such as talking to the attorney general OR law enforcement.
Plus, ensure that you’re vigilant whenever you receive a phone call from a stranger. Don’t give out any personal information, then hang up if you think they’re suspicious. Moreover, make sure to contact the company the person claims to be working for. This will help you confirm if the call was legitimate.
