Scamming is a big business. It is no longer the “geek in the basement”. Scamming represents a LOT of money and these people are getting rich on YOUR money.
In a Federal Trade Commission report, consumers reported losing more than $12.5 billion to fraud in 2024, which represents a 25% increase over the prior year.
Scammers will try to get your personal information and your money through texts, emails, phone calls, and in person (yes, they may show up at your door). Keep in mind: scammers are not your friends. They will say and do whatever it takes to hook you.
Protect yourself!
Here are some reminders from the Federal Trade Commission on how to avoid scams.
- Know who you’re dealing with. Do an online search for the entity you suspect, looking for the company name, website, and any posted reviews.
- Know about your method of payment. If you wire money, it’s like sending cash. You most likely cannot reverse the transaction or trace the money. Gift cards offer the same risk. Once the money is gone, it’s gone. Scammers often request cash or gift cards.
- Check your monthly statements and review the charges.
- Donate to charities you know. Beware of charity scams.
- Don’t reply to messages that ask for personal information. Don’t click on links or call numbers listed in the message. If you have a question about an account, get the number from a trusted source such as the customer service number on your credit card or the number listed on the account statement.
- Don’t send money to strangers. It could be an online seller scammer or an online romancer scammer.
- If you get a request for money or gift cards from someone you THINK you know, check with them to verify the request. The request probably has NOT come from your pastor or the PTA. Make the call before you purchase gift cards or follow through with the “request”.
- Don’t fall for domestic prize winning schemes. You will not be asked to pay a fee to receive your winnings. You will not be called by Publisher’s Clearing House.
- Don’t answer the call or reply to the message. Delete the email or text message.
Scams happen domestically and internationally. Scammers are not unique to the United States. The US Department of State offers some tips for traveling abroad.
- Scammers will try to sell tourists art, rugs, or other items.
- Scammers may offer to give a tour of the city and set you up to be robbed. They may be a cabbie who “knows a shortcut”. Be cautious.
- If someone claims to be a U.S. citizen overseas and says the embassy won’t help, call the Department of State’s Overseas Citizens Services at 888-407-4747. They can help you verify if the situation is real or a scam.
You’re not being paranoid if they really are out to get you.
Stay safe.
