I don’t have much time to write. Mr. Guzzi just texted me that I need to pick up my child at the elementary school. After that, I have to contact “my pastor” who texted me and needs a favor. The “USPS delivery team” texted me about an undeliverable package so I need to complete the delivery information that was provided. But wait! I just won a generator from “Tractor Supply”!
What does this sound like to you? Yep. Scams. I will not respond to any of these but I guarantee you that there are people who will text Mr. Guzzi that he has the wrong number. They will also reply to their pastor about a favor. And, they will reply to the USPS text and provide whatever information is requested. I don’t know what I had to do to get my generator. I didn’t open the attachment. (Don’t open attachments!)
What is the common thread? They are phishing scams. These are attempts to “reel” you in providing strong motivation for you to respond. Scammers depend on your sense of duty (letting Mr. Guzzi know that you aren’t who he is trying to reach), your desire to help out your pastor (he needs a favor), your need to get that package (and your curiosity about what’s in it), and the coolness of winning something. (Holy cow! I won a generator!)
The Federal Trade Commission warns us that scammers will send spam texts, emails, and snail mail. To help you cut down on spam texts and emails:
- Use filters. Does your cell phone have options to filter or block texts from unknown senders?
- Mark any spam that gets into your inbox as spam or junk.
- Unsubscribe from unwanted emails.
- Report unwanted messages. Use your phone’s “report junk” option or forward unwanted texts to 7726 (SPAM) and unwanted emails to your email provider.
For emails, check the return address of the email. Does it look right?
Registering with the National Do Not Call program will cut back on some of the telemarketing calls.
You may also get magazines, insurance offers, and catalogs from legitimate businesses which aren’t necessarily scams but the paper does pile up. What can you do to cut back on some of the spam?
For snail mail, it is recommended that consumers register with the Direct Marketing Association. There is a fee. You can also opt out of prescreened offers. Opt-out options can be designated for credit and insurance offers for 5 or 10 years. There may be advantages to reading pre-screened offers if you are looking for products and comparison shopping. There may be deals not offered to the general public.
There are scammers everywhere. They will try to contact us by phone, email, text, snail mail, and in-person. Be proactive and guard your personal information.
You’re not being paranoid if they really are out to get you. Scammers are out to get you.
Stay safe.
