Scammers are always trying new and exciting ways to ‘get us!’ So, let’s have a quick scam refresher course.

Passwords: Not Alan Ludden playing games with us in the afternoon but nefarious stinkers always trying to wiggle their way into our secret hiding places. They run computer programs 24/7, searching for common names, phrases, and REPEATS.  Do not make the mistake of using the same *or similar* password for several accounts!  It’s the number one cause of Identity Theft. Dastardly Dan discovers a less secure password, say on your fitness app; then he can soon finagle his way into your credit card and bank accounts by trying variations.  Your best bet is to use a Password Manager.  Do some research or ask a trusted friend or relative to find one that works easily for You.

SCAM: A recent active scam, or shall we say fraud, swindle, con, deception (I could go on), is a phone call asking, “Can you tell me to whom I am speaking?” Or” Can you hear me?”

 

Take note: They may just want a recording of your voice answering “YES.” If the call comes from a number not in your Caller ID, * it is not rude to ignore the call, so hang up! Friends will leave a message. 

In fact, if you are expecting a call but you’re not sure of from what number it will come, (often a business with multiple lines) answer with “Hello, this is (your first name), can I help you?”  This does not allow the caller to get a “yes” or your last name before they must identify who they are. If they aren’t someone you expected, say, “Sorry, I am busy,” and hang up!

 

Email/Text:  Lastly,  Do Not click on any link in an email or a text message unless you are absolutely certain it is legitimate.  With the recent holidays, there was a text going around that claimed it was the USPS, and they had mail for you that they needed address clarification before delivery.  If you click on the link, it wants your personal information, including a credit card number, to pay a fictitious 60-cent fee! It's the same for Amazon. There is a high probability that these are scammers trying to infiltrate your device.

Our mail carrier puts an authentic paper notice in your mailbox if there is really an issue.

For Amazon, sign in separately to your account under Profile, Orders, and you can see if you have a delayed package.

Never Click Email or Text Links unless you are 100% confident of the source. Chances are high that it is from someone in some foreign country just itching to catch you off guard.

None of this information is intended to scare anyone. It’s just that Knowledge is Power. When in doubt, ask a pal to give a second opinion.

If Boris from Volgograd truly wants to send that $1,000 jackpot, you might suggest he send it where the sun don’t shine.