Don’t Get Caught in an Election Scam

Democracy is a privilege that’s upheld by the election process. But scammers are out to hijack this process and cause havoc throughout election season. Here are three scams to watch out for this time of year.

Eleventh-hour campaign contributions

This scheme targets voters right before elections by asking them to make a donation toward their chosen candidate’s campaign. They’ll claim to represent the candidate and suggest that the candidate just needs one big push to move to the front of the line.

Unfortunately, if the target believes the caller and makes a donation, they’ll be giving money helping to line a scammer’s pockets.

Stay safe: If you’d like to contribute to a candidate’s campaign, reach out to campaign headquarters on your own through their website.

Polling for information

During election season, informal poll-takers and petitioners are everywhere while canvassing voters. Once they have your attention, they’ll ask who you’re voting for, request that you fill out a survey or have you sign an election petition on a particular issue. But first, some will say they’ll need your personally identifiable information (PII), like your name, date of birth, home address and even your Social Security number. If you oblige, you’ll be sharing your information with a scammer.

Stay safe: Never share your PII with an unverified contact. If you do decide to fill out a voter survey, be super-selective about the information you share. Don’t share your Social Security number, driver’s license number or any other information that can be hijacked for crime.

Voter re-registration

In the weeks leading up to Election Day, you may get a bogus voter registration form, claiming your name has been mistakenly removed from voter rolls. They will say you can get back on by filling out this form and mailing it out. Alternatively, they’ll reach out over the phone, text or email, and tell you to register by responding. Naturally, this is a ruse.

Stay safe: Remember that you can only register to vote by mail. In addition, there’s no reason to believe your registration is no longer valid. If in doubt, search your state’s Secretary of State website.

Stay safe!

Beware of Auto Repair Scams

Unless you’re an auto mechanic or self-professed expert on cars, you likely don’t know all there is about the inner workings of your car. This can make you vulnerable to falling for an auto repair scam, which can be challenging to spot.

Here’s what you need to know about auto repair scams, and how to keep yourself from falling victim.

How auto repair scams play out

Auto repair scams can come in many forms, but they generally follow a similar pattern. Here are a few common scenarios:

The mystery problem scam. You take your car in for a simple issue, like an oil change or tire rotation and the mechanic “discovers” a more serious, often vague problem requiring immediate attention.
The bait and switch scam. Here, a repair shop advertises a low price for a common service. Once your car is in the shop, they’ll find additional “necessary” repairs that inflate the final bill. The shop may even perform the extra work without your consent, leaving you with no choice but to pay.
The used parts scam. In this scam, a mechanic charges you for new parts but installs used or refurbished ones. The parts may be of inferior quality, leading to more frequent breakdowns and the need for additional repairs..
The endless repairs scam. After completing a repair, the mechanic tells you that another unrelated issue needs fixing. This cycle continues, with one repair leading to another, making it seem like your car is constantly in need of service.

Red flags to watch out for

Look out for these warning signs that you may have been targeted by an auto repair scam:

1. Unsolicited repair suggestions.
Vague or confusing explanations for repairs that are allegedly necessary.
High-pressure tactics.
Refusal to provide written estimates.
Unexplained charges on the invoice.

Protect yourself

Here’s how to protect yourself from falling victim to an auto repair scam.

First, before hiring a mechanic or heading to an auto repair shop, do your research. Look up reviews online, ask for recommendations from friends or family and check the shop’s credentials. It’s also recommended that you familiarize yourself with your car’s basic maintenance needs and how it functions. The more you know, the less likely you are to be taken advantage of.

Next, get a second, or even third opinion on any major repairs before agreeing to have work done. Comparing estimates can help you determine if a shop is overcharging or recommending unnecessary work.

Keep detailed records of all repairs and services performed on your vehicle so you can track its history and identify any inconsistencies if a mechanic claims something needs repeated attention.

Finally, if you find a mechanic you trust, stick with them. Building a long-term relationship can help ensure that your car receives honest, high-quality service over time.

Auto repair scams can be a nightmare for car owners, but by staying informed and vigilant, you can protect yourself from falling victim. Stay safe!

How to Protect Yourself from Google Voice Verification Scams

The Google Voice verification scam can result in a lot of inconvenience and possible identity theft. Here’s all you need to know about Google Voice verification scams and how to stay safe.

How does the scam play out?

It all starts with a scammer contacting a target under the impression of responding to an online ad or inquiry the target has posted. The scammer expresses interest in buying an item the target is selling. To verify the victim’s legitimacy, they’ll claim they need to send a Google Voice verification code. They’ll ask the victim to share this code with them. What they are really doing is using the victim’s code to set up a Google Voice account in the victim’s name. Once they have this account, they’ll use it to carry out additional scams, masking their identity behind this phone number.

Protect yourself

Follow these tips to protect yourself from falling victim to this scam:

Understand how the scam works

Be aware that no legitimate transaction or interaction requires you to share a verification code sent to your phone by Google. If someone asks for this code, it’s a huge red flag!

Do not share verification codes

Giving verification codes to someone else can grant them access to your personal accounts or allow them to set up new accounts in your name.

Enable two-factor authentication

When possible, enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on your Google account and other sensitive online accounts. This adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second form of verification in addition to your password.

Verify identities carefully

When dealing with online transactions or interactions, verify the identity of the person you are dealing with. Use trusted platforms and be wary of deals that seem too good to be true.

Monitor your accounts

Check for unauthorized logins or any other unusual behavior. If you notice anything suspicious, change your passwords and contact the platform’s support team.

If you’ve been scammed

If you suspect you’ve fallen victim to a Google Voice verification scam, here’s how to mitigate the damage:

Reclaim your Google Voice number by following Google’s support instructions.
Report the scam to Google and the platform where the scam originated.
Change your Google account password and any other passwords that may have been compromised.
Enable additional security measures, such as security questions or biometric verification, to your Google Voice number account.

Stay safe!

Political Fundraising Scams

The Better Business Bureau (BBB) is warning of an uptick in political fundraising scams seeking to collect donations allegedly going toward a candidate’s campaign or specific cause.

Here’s all you need to know about political fundraising scams:

How the scams play out

In a political fundraising scam, the victim receives a call from someone claiming to be collecting money for a political candidate or cause. The caller is aggressive and demanding until the victim agrees to make a donation. They will also insist on immediate payment. The victim, not recognizing the scam, willingly donates money — which goes directly into the scammer’s pockets.

In another variation of this scam, the victim is targeted by a bogus online ad or email. After clicking on the ad or embedded link in the email, the victim is directed to donate funds. Here, too, the money goes directly to the scammer.

Red flags

To spot a political fundraising scam, be on the lookout for these red flags:

Fundraising email has grammatical errors and spelling mistakes
Caller urges voter to make an immediate donation
Caller or email insists on payment by specific means, such as wire transfer or prepaid debit card
Email is sent from an insecure domain
Email is sent from a domain that does not have a legitimate online presence

If you’d like to donate

If you’d like to make a donation to your favored campaign or cause, follow these tips:

Donate directly on the candidate or cause’s official website.
Never make a donation on a website that has an insecure address.
Be cautious of phone solicitations for donations.
Research any cause you’d like to donate to by researching FEC.gov or the Center for Responsive Politics.
Don’t donate to a cause that does not ask for your citizenship status.
When donating funds, it’s best to use a credit card.

If you spot a scam

The FBI urges all citizens to report any election scams to a local FBI field office as soon as possible.

This election season, vote no for scams!

Beware Advance Payment Scams!

It’s an awesome deal, but there’s a catch: payment of an advance fee. Before you pay up, though, take a step back and look at the transaction from every possible angle. You might be wrapped in the allure of an advance payment scam.

Let’s take a look at these scams, how they work and what steps you can take to keep yourself from falling for these ruses.

How the scams play out

In an advance payment scam, a fraudster asks for an upfront payment from the victim. They promise something valuable in return. Once the payment is made, the promised goods, services or benefits never materialize. Instead, the scammer disappears with the money and is never heard from again.

Variations of advance payment scams

Advance payment scams can play out in many forms:

Job offer scams-Scammers post fake job listings offering high-paying positions. They’ll ask for an upfront fee to cover the cost of background checks, training materials or other expenses. Once the fee is paid, the job offer vanishes.
Lottery and prize scams-Victims get notifications claiming they’ve won a big payday or valuable prize. To claim it, they must pay taxes, fees, or shipping costs ahead of time. After paying, they receive nothing.
Loan scams-Individuals seeking loans are asked to pay processing fees, insurance, or collateral fees upfront. The loan is never provided, and the advance payment is lost.
Investment scams-Scammers lure victims with promises of high investment returns. They require an initial investment or fee. After payment is made, the scammer disappears.
Online marketplace scams-Fraudsters advertise high-demand items at attractive prices online. Buyers are asked to pay upfront for the items, which are never delivered.

Red flags

Here are red flags of a potential advance fee scam:

Offers that are too good to be true
Requests for upfront payment
Pressure to respond quickly
Lack of contact information
Poor grammar and spelling
Requests for untraceable payments

Protect yourself

Here’s how to protect yourself from advance payment scams:

Before making any payments, research the company or individual offering the deal to confirm legitimacy through official sources. You’ll also want to verify every job offer by contacting the company directly using authenticated contact information. Be wary of surprise wins; if you don’t remember entering a sweepstakes, you probably didn’t win a big prize. Consult with a professional when investing in a new stock and, finally, only make online payments by methods that offer protection and recourse, such as credit cards.

If you’ve been scammed

If you’ve fallen for an advance fee scam, contact your financial institution or payment provider to request a reversal of the transaction. Next, reach out to the FTC and other law enforcement agencies to let them know about the scam. Share your experience to warn your friends and family about the scam. Finally, keep a close eye on your bank and credit card statements for any unauthorized transactions.

Stay safe!

How to Report Fraud

You’ve been frauded! It’s a disaster, and the longer you wait to act, the worse it will get.

What do you do now?

It’s a crucial question, and we’ve got answers! Here’s what to do if you’ve fallen victim to fraud:

Immediate steps

As soon as you discover the fraud, take these steps:

Document the fraud. Collect all relevant info, including emails, receipts, account statements and any other documentation that can serve as evidence.
Contact your financial institutions. Notify your credit union or bank, credit card companies and any other financial institutions about the fraud. They can freeze your accounts, issue new cards and help prevent further unauthorized transactions.
Change passwords. Immediately change passwords for any online accounts that may have been compromised.

Reporting fraud to the authorities

Here are the key organizations to contact:

Federal Trade Commission (FTC). The FTC is the primary agency for reporting fraud in the United States. You can file a complaint online or call 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357).
Local law enforcement. File a report with your local police department. Provide them with all the evidence you have collected.
Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3). For online fraud, report to the IC3, a partnership between the FBI and the National White Collar Crime Center. File a complaint here.
State consumer protection offices. Many states have consumer protection offices that handle fraud complaints.
Credit reporting agencies. Contact the major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian and TransUnion) to place a fraud alert on your credit report.

Specialized reporting for specific types of fraud

Depending on the type of fraud, you may need to report to additional specialized agencies:

Identity Theft: Report identity theft to the FTC at IdentityTheft.gov.
Securities Fraud: If you’re a victim of investment fraud, report it to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) at SEC.gov.
Tax Fraud: For tax-related identity theft or fraud, contact the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) at IRS.gov or at 1-800-908-4490.
Mail Fraud: If fraud was conducted using the U.S. Postal Service, report it to the U.S. Postal Inspection Service at USPIS.gov.

How to protect yourself from future fraud

Monitor your checking account statements, credit bills and credit reports regularly for sketchy activity. Also, use strong, unique passwords for all of your accounts. Never share personal information with an unverified contact. Finally, keep yourself educated about scams.

Stay safe!

Spring has Sprung Scams: Facebook Marketplace

With Spring in the air, a lot of people have started their Spring Cleaning, selling unused, unwanted items on Facebook Marketplace. Facebook Marketplace has become a hotspot for scammers. Here are some things to look out for:

Prices that are too good to be true

One red flag to watch out for is if a seller is offering an item at a price that seems too good to be true. Scammers often lure in buyers with significantly low prices to attract attention. In the end, the buyer never receives the item. Another warning sign is if the seller insists on using unconventional payment methods or requests personal information such as your bank details or social security number. Never share your personal information and report any suspicious behavior.

Rental Scams

A scam that has become increasingly popular is rental scams. These scams show fake listings for a number of different items. Such as, boats, bikes, equipment, properties, etc. In this scenario, the scammer will ask for payment upfront or a deposit to secure their rental. The victim then ends up with no rental and lost money. Protect yourself by first seeing the rental in person and paying after, use reputable rental platforms instead of Facebook, be cautious of below-market pricing, and avoid wire transfers.

Return Scams

In this scam the buyer states that they want to return the item that they purchased, they will ask for a refund. The scammer will then either not return the item or return a similar item that is broken or something totally different than the original item. The fraudster will send fake tracking information to show “proof” that they are returning the item. To avoid this scam, sellers should wait for the returned item and check that it is in good condition before issuing any sort of refund.

Two-Factor Authentication Codes

Never share a two-factor authentication code! If someone asks for this code, there’s a high chance that you are speaking to a scammer. These codes are ONLY meant for you. Phishers will ask you to send them this code to verify that you are who you say you are. In reality, they are really going to use this code to log in to one of your accounts. You are at risk of being hacked if you share a two-factor authentication code.

Trust your Instincts

To stay safe while using Facebook Marketplace, it’s recommended to meet sellers in person, in a public place, and inspect the item before making any payment. Share your meeting location/plan with a friend or family member and avoid carrying large amounts of cash with you. Additionally, trust your instincts – if something feels off or suspicious, it’s better to walk away from the deal. By staying informed and alert, you can enjoy the benefits of Facebook Marketplace without falling prey to scams.

https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/info-2024/facebook-marketplace.html

https://www.comparitech.com/identity-theft-protection/top-facebook-marketplace-scams/

https://www.facebook.com/help/2374002556073992

Don’t Get Caught in an Emergency Scam!

Your grandson’s calling – and he’s in bigtime trouble! He’s been kidnapped and being held for ransom, so he needs you to wire over money ASAP.

Before you wire over anything, stop! You’re probably being scammed. Here’s what you need to know about emergency scams and how to protect yourself.

How the scams play out

In an emergency scam, a target gets a phone call, email or text message pretending to be a close relative. The caller will claim to have been caught in hot water, which can be anything: a kidnapping, an issue with the police, a car accident or getting stuck overseas with no money.

The caller will then ask the target to send over money pronto, using a wire transfer or prepaid debit card. While emergency scams are commonly played out with a grandparent of an alleged caller, they can also target the parents, uncles, aunts, and siblings of the “caller.”

Unfortunately, if the target follows the caller’s directions by sending over money, these funds will go into the scammer’s pockets.

Red flags

Here are some signs that can alert you to the possibility of an emergency scam:

Your “relative” calls to tell you about an emergency situation they’re in, but they ask you not share this information with family members or anyone else.
You’re urged to act quickly.
You’re asked to send money by a wire transfer, prepaid gift card or cryptocurrency.
You’re asked to share sensitive information over the phone.

Protect yourself

Follow these tips to help keep yourself safe from emergency scams:

If a friend or family member calls you with an urgent request for funds, hang up and call them directly from a number they’ll recognize.
Never wire money or send a prepaid gift card to an unverified contact.
Ask an alleged caller some questions about your shared memories to determine if they actually are who they claim to be.
Always be cautious and avoid acting rashly regardless of the situation.
Don’t share your personal info with an unknown contact.
Don’t be afraid to share details of a phone call with other family members and friends.

Stay safe!

All You Need to Know About Tech Support Scams

There’s little in life that’s more frustrating than a computer that won’t do its job. But sometimes, like your own private miracle, a message appears on your screen. It says: “Technical difficulties? Click here for assistance.”

Unfortunately, if you follow these instructions, you’ll probably fall directly into a scammer’s trap. Here’s what you need to know about technical support scams and how to prevent yourself from falling victim.

How the scams play out

In a tech support scam, a target may have an unresponsive computer with a message, get an email, text message, pop-up or even a phone call allegedly from a computer technician who works for a well-known company. The “rep” will offer to help with any computer issues they may (or may not) have. They’ll direct the target to call a specific number or click on an embedded link, which will connect them to the “rep” who can supposedly help them. Once connected, the scammer will ask the victim to pay for the services before they’re rendered using a wire, prepaid gift card or cryptocurrency. Once the payment is made, the scammer disappears.

Red flags of technical support scams

You get an unsolicited message or phone call offering tech support for an issue you aren’t having.
Your computer may be unresponsive playing an alert audio with a phone number to call.
You’re required to pay for tech support by wire transfer, prepaid gift card or crypto.
A pop-up message appears claiming there’s a security issue with your computer and directing you to call a specific number.

What you need to know about tech support

Legitimate tech companies won’t reach out to you by phone, email or text message to let you know your computer is having issues.
Security pop-up warnings from authentic companies won’t ask you to call a number or click on a link.
Legitimate companies won’t demand that you pay for a service by wire transfer, prepaid gift card or crypto.
Logos are easily spoofed and should never serve as proof of a message’s true origin.

Protect yourself

Don’t fall for a tech support scam!

First, if you run into technical difficulties with your computer, don’t wait for a rep to contact you to offer assistance. Instead, directly reach out to a trusted company.

Also, if you believe there may be a problem with your computer, update its security software and run a scan to identify any potential problems.

Finally, never provide an unverified contact with access to your device or credit card information.

If you’ve been targeted

If you believe you’ve been targeted by a tech support scam, here’s how to mitigate the damage.

If you’ve given a scammer remote access to your computer, update your computer’s security software, then run a scan and delete anything that’s flagged as a problem. If you’ve shared your login credentials with a scammer, change all your passwords.

If you’ve provided any credit card or banking information, contact the institution and relay the situation.

Report the scam to the FTC.

Stay safe!

How to Avoid Romance Scams this Valentine’s Day

Don’t be the next victim of a romance scam! Here’s all you need to know:

How the scam plays out

In a romance ruse, a scammer will create a bogus online profile and attempt to connect to singles on dating apps and websites, as well as through social media platforms. After a connection is formed, the scammer will work to build up the relationship with the victim, calling and texting often. Once the scammer has gained the victim’s trust, the scammer will spin a sorry story and ask the victim for money.

The scammer may explain that they cannot meet in person because they are currently living or traveling outside the United States. They’ll claim to be a doctor working for an international organization, a blue-collar worker in the middle of a construction project or to be part of the military and currently serving overseas. They may ask for money to help cover travel expenses, pay for medical treatment, cover customs fees at the airport or to pay for a visa or other official travel documents.

The scammer will ask for payment via wire transfer or prepaid debit card. Once they’ve received the funds, they will disappear. Alternatively, the scammer will ask their “date” to share personal financial information and then go on to empty the victim’s accounts.

How to spot a romance scam

If you’re in the market for a new date and you’re hoping to meet someone online, look out for these red flags:

Profile is too good to be true. If a single’s profile has unrealistic credentials, including a magazine-worthy photo, you’re likely looking at a scam.
Single rushes into the relationship. If the contact comes on too strong, too fast, it may be a scam.

Single asks you for money. Don’t believe a money-starved story of someone you just met online, especially if they start asking you to help them out.

How to play it safe online

Avoid falling victim to romance scams and similar ruses by following basic online safety rules.

First, never share personal details online with anyone whose identity you cannot verify. This includes all financial information, credit card details and personal information that can be used to unlock a password on any of your accounts.

Second, only visit secure sites and keep all the settings on your social media pages private. Never engage in conversation with a stranger who reaches out to you on a platform you’ve just begun using, or who sends you personal texts or emails you without any prior communication.

It’s equally important never to send money to anyone online.

If you suspect a romance scam

If you believe you’ve been targeted by a romance scam, take these steps to avoid further damage:

Research the name on the profile to see if the details check out. You can also use an online background checking tool, such as BeenVerified or TruthFinder, to verify the credibility of the profile.

Do a reverse-image search of the profile picture to see if it’s a stock photo or an image that was plucked off the internet. You can also ask the contact to share a current photo of themselves.

If your research confirms your suspicions, stop all communication with the scammer immediately. Block the scammer’s number and flag their emails as spam. If you’ve already paid a romance scammer with a prepaid gift card, call the company that issued the card to ask them to refund your money.

Report the scam to the FTC. It’s also a good idea to alert the website or app that the scammer is using. You may also consider warning your friends about the scam.

Follow the tips outlined above to keep your love life scam-free.

6 Naughty Holiday Scams to Beware of This Season

‘Tis the season to be jolly! Unfortunately, though, not everything about the holiday season is all happy and nice. As always, scammers are on the scene, ready to turn the joyous season into a nightmare. Here are six naughty-list scams to watch out for this holiday season.

Online shopping scams

In this classic scam, a shopper is lured into a bogus site that appears to belong to a popular retailer and proceeds to purchase an item that does not exist. Alternatively, a too-good-to-miss deal will be heavily promoted through pop-up ads and emails. In either scenario, the shopper will never receive the ordered item and won’t be able to reclaim their lost funds. In some cases, the product will be delivered to their home, but it will be of inferior quality, in poor condition or completely different from the advertised item.

Protect yourself: Only shop reputable websites. Check the URL of each landing page you visit to ensure you are still on a trusted site. Also, if a deal seems too good to be true, it likely is.

Charity scams

Here, a charity targets do-gooders in the weeks leading up to the holidays, asking for donations. Unfortunately, though, the charity is completely bogus, and the money will go right into the hands of scammers. Sometimes, scammers will impersonate a well-known charity and use its name and/or logo to appear authentic.

Protect yourself: If you want to donate money to a specific charity, seek it out yourself instead of following a link or an ad. It’s also a good idea to verify charities on sites like Charity Navigator, GuideStar or CharityWatch.

Gift card scams

Gift cards have always been a popular choice for holiday gifting, but scammers have found ways to exploit them. In a gift card scam, fraudsters convince victims to share their gift card codes by pretending to be tech support or another believable contact.

Protect yourself: Never share sensitive information with an unverified contact.

Porch pirates

In this simple but devastating scam, thieves stake out private residences and snatch up delivered packages from porches soon after they arrive. Scammers may even follow UPS and Amazon trucks so they can pilfer more easily. They’ll wear hats, hoodies or masks to avoid detection via security camera, and once they make off with the goods, there’s virtually no way to recover the packages.

Protect yourself: Track your ordered packages, and once notified that an item has been delivered, bring it inside immediately. If you aren’t home when an item’s been delivered, ask a neighbor to take it in for you.

Travel scams

Traveling during the holidays can get expensive, and scammers know this. In holiday travel scams, they’ll offer vacation packages, or what looks like a dream vacation rental at rock-bottom prices. Then, they’ll disappear once the victim has paid. Alternatively, the victim will arrive at their vacation to find it is quite different than the way it was promised.

Protect yourself: Don’t believe travel deals that are far too cheap for what they are offering. Research any travel agency you are using and be wary of sites and/or ads containing poor grammar and/or lots of spelling mistakes. Finally, be sure to read reviews on vacation rentals before booking and to do a reverse image search on the rental to see if it’s an authentic pic or a stock photo.

Romance scams

The holiday season can be lonely for some people, and romance scams tend to pick up this time of year. In this scam, a love interest will build a relationship with an unsuspecting target, and then ask the victim for funds to help them out of a financial tight spot.

Protect yourself: Be wary of anyone who wants to build a relationship very quickly. It’s also a good idea to do a reverse image search on any photos a new love interest has shared with you to determine if it’s authentic. As always, never wire money to an unverified contact.

Don’t let scammers be your Grinch this Christmas. Watch out for these and similar scams, and use the tips outlined here to stay safe!

Don’t Get Caught in a Utility Scam!

Knock, knock! It’s your energy company, here with the bad news that your bill is overdue, so we’re shutting off your electricity unless you pay up right now.

Sounds like a nightmare, right? Well, it’s going to get worse: this is a scam. Pay the visitor at your door, and you’ve just paid a scammer.

It’s happening a lot more lately. So, here’s what you need to know about these scams and how to keep the lights on without falling victim.

How the scam plays out

In a utility scam, a target receives a phone call, email, text message or even an in-person visit from an alleged representative of their gas, water or electric company. This “rep” will claim to be collecting a past due account that’s pending shutoff unless payment is made immediately. They’ll often ask for the payment to be made via wire or through a prepaid gift card. Unfortunately, any money paid will go directly to the scammer, and not to the utility entity they claim to represent.

What to do if you’re targeted

Do not engage with the caller or visitor. If the alleged rep sent you an email or text message, mark it as spam, block the address and do not respond. You can also call the company the scammer claimed to represent to confirm that your account is not pending shut off.

Red flags

Watch out for these red flags which can help you avoid a utility scam:

A demand for immediate payment with no prior warning. Authentic company reps will always give you ample warning, in writing, before enacting a shutoff.
Pressured to act quickly. Scammers want you to act now and think later.
The “representative” cannot provide details about your account or a means to verify their identity.
They request a specific form of payment. Prepaid card requests are almost always a huge red flag in any scenario.

Stay safe

To avoid utility and similar scams, follow these precautionary measures:

Never wire money or send a prepaid gift card to an unverified contact.
Keep the security on your devices at its strongest and updated settings.
Update your spam list often.
Never share your personally identifiable information with an unverified contact.

Utility scams pose a real threat to your financial security. Follow these tips to stay safe!

Beware of Mobile App Scams

In today’s digital world there’s an app for practically everything; the weather, mobile banking, socializing, games, entertainment… the list goes on. There are millions of downloadable apps for your phone and electronic devices. With all these convenient apps, there’s more ways for fraudsters to take advantage of innocent mobile app users. Unfortunately, mobile app fraud can come in numerous forms and is not always easy to identify. Here’s some things to look out for:

Fake apps: These apps are made to look like the real apps that the user is intending to download. Also called Malware apps, these apps make it hard to know whether you are downloading a real one or not. Here’s how to spot a fake mobile app:
- Reviews/Downloads. If the app has few downloads and short/vague reviews, chances are it’s a scam. A reputable app will have lots of downloads and descriptive reviews.
- Research. Look into the app developer. See what other apps their company has created and if they’re reputable.
- Details. Make sure the images look professional, no misspellings, different fonts, or anything else that may seem off. A true app developer will also have a description and instructions/features of the app.
- Signs you may have downloaded a fake app; strange messages, battery drainage, random pop-ups, and spikes in data usage

Vishing (Voice Phishing): Voice Phishing is when a scammer calls or leaves voice messages pretending to be from a reputable company or agency. They will attempt to illicit an action such as downloading a malicious application or request personal information such as a credit card number to defraud that person or company. Vishing makes the user believe they are talking to someone or a company they trust. Often Vishing will be done in conjunction with caller ID Spoofing. If you are being asked to download an application or for credit card information from an inbound call, it is best to verify the caller. Validate the phone number by performing a call back to that number. It’s also best to call the number on the back of your bank card if you’ve received a voicemail from a number you don’t know. Be cautious of anyone that wants sensitive information.

Remote Access Scams: This last scam tends to use both fake apps and vishing/phishing to mislead the victims. Remote access scams are when scammers impersonate trusted workers such as tech support, banks, government agencies, etc. This is typically done by vishing or phishing; they call the victim or send them a text and/or email of an urgent issue that needs to be resolved right away. Fraudsters will then trick victims into giving them control of their device by downloading an app, remote desktop software, or built-in tools. Once these fraudsters have remote access, they can access sensitive information such as passwords and financial information. With all that information they can commit identify theft, hold your information hostage, and/or sell your information on the dark web. Here’s how to protect yourself:
- Only download apps from trusted sources, never click a link from an unknown sender
- Before downloading an app check its reviews and ratings
- Research all apps before downloading
- Regularly update your operating system and app versions
- Be cautious when answering unknown numbers, hang up right away if they’re asking about sensitive information
- Never give remote access to someone you don’t know

Sports Gambling App Scams

With football season back in full swing, so are sports betting scams. It’s Sunday, you place a bet, and you win. But as soon as you try and cash out it says declined, you try again. It keeps saying declined. You contact someone about this issue, they say that they need more information and/or identity verification. No matter how much information you give them, you never get your money. Not only do these fraudsters now have your money, but they also have any personal information that you shared with them.

Avoiding Sports Gambling Scams:

Delays in getting paid. One of the most common tricks used is the slow payout scam. Fraudsters delay payment in the hope that the user reverses the request for payout. A scammer will typically request more identity verification before a “payout” is made to slow the payment process, when really, they aren’t going to pay you at all.

Look for verified apps. It’s important to look for sports books that have been approved by your area’s gaming commission. Do not enter any personal information/payment information on apps that can’t be verified. And only download apps from the app store, not through links or pop-up ads. Bookmark websites you know are safe, so you don’t click on a website made to look real.

Phishing and identity fraud. Phishing redirects a user to a fake website and will then collect personal information, such as passwords and security info. These links are made to look like the real deal but beware! Look at the URL, make sure it’s taking you to a trusted site, never open a link from an unknown email, number, or pop-up ad.

Read the fine print. Gambling sites/apps typically offer incentives or bonuses for new users. But they could be misleading, often they’re too good to be true. Be sure to read the fine print carefully. “Risk-free” doesn’t usually mean there’s no risk, typically money lost will turn into a credit that you can use only to place other bets. Even legitimate sports betting apps have the right to freeze your winnings if they suspect there’s an unfair advantage or irregular playing pattern. Be sure to take the time to read the important details.

Stay on the lookout for phishing scams, only place bets on verified sports betting apps, and don’t believe the too good to be true bonuses (they really are too good to be true).

https://www.scams.info/blog/player-protection/sports-betting-scams/

https://www.bbb.org/article/scams/26620-bbb-scam-alert-betting-on-a-big-game-dont-fall-for-a-sports-betting-scam

https://lifehacker.com/how-to-spot-a-shady-online-sports-betting-site-1848525467

AI Fraud and How to Protect Yourself

Artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing the way we live and work. Unfortunately, though, it’s also revolutionizing the way scammers play their games. Here’s what you need to know about AI fraud and how to protect yourself.

What is AI fraud?

AI fraud is the use of artificial intelligence to deceive or defraud individuals or organizations. Fraudsters and/or Scammers have begun using AI backed software to assist in scams that utilize vast amounts of knowledge and techniques to assist with fraudulent practices. Some of the fraudsters through the use of AI have been able to create convincing fake identities, manipulate social media, generate realistic fake images and videos (AKA “deepfakes”) and more.

The scammers then create fake social media profiles and email addresses using these bogus identities and footage. Often, they’ll pretend to represent celebrities for soliciting money and information. Similarly, they may create fake websites or emails that appear to be from legitimate sources, such as financial institutions or government agencies, and ask people to provide their personal information or login credentials.

AI fraud comes in several forms, including:

Phishing
ID theft
Deepfakes
Fake news
Social engineering
Chatbot scams

Red flags

Are you being targeted by AI fraud? Look out for these red flags:

Multiple unsolicited emails and/or text messages
Asked to provide personal info or login credentials by an unverified contact
Unusual activity on your social media accounts
Requests for money or gift cards

If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to investigate. If the contact claims to represent a government agency or financial institution, do not engage. Reach out to the agency that supposedly contacted you to see if the communication is legit.

Protect yourself

Never share sensitive info with an unverified contact.
Check the URL of each landing page when banking online or using another platform to share sensitive information.
Use strong, unique passwords across all of your accounts.
Keep your device’s security on its strongest setting.
Use updated antivirus software.

If you’ve been targeted

If you suspect you’ve been the victim of AI fraud, act quickly to mitigate damage. First, contact High Point FCU at 800-854-6052 to let us know your information has been compromised. Similarly, reach out to your credit card companies to let them know about the fraud. Next, report the fraud to the FTC so they can take appropriate measures in catching the humans behind the bot-generated scam. You’ll also want to change your passwords and consider a credit freeze. Finally, if your identity has been stolen, reach out to identitytheft.gov to learn your next steps.

All You Need to Know About Pet Adoption Scams

Pet adoption can be a highly rewarding experience. Unfortunately, though, scammers often exploit people’s adoration for animals through pet adoption scams. Let’s take a closer look at these scams and how to protect yourself from falling victim.

How these scams play out

In a pet adoption scam, fraudsters pose as legitimate pet sellers or rescue organizations to scam potential adopters. They may advertise pets online, and use emotional appeals to lure unsuspecting individuals. One scam variation includes “puppy mills,” where animals are bred in inhumane conditions and then sold. Another variation is the “phantom pets” scam, where the scammers falsely claim to have pets available for adoption. In the first scam, the buyer is charged a huge price for a severely neglected pet. In the second, the buyer makes the required payments for a pet that never arrives.

Red flags

If you’re in the market for a new pet, watch out for these red flags:

The seller only communicates by email.
The seller demands upfront payment.
The seller refuses to provide important documentation and details about the pet’s background or health.
The seller asks for additional fees for shipping, vaccinations or permits.
The ad featuring the adoptable pet has tons of typos.
All photos of the pet are generic or stock photos.

If a potential pet seller shows any of these red flags, you’re likely looking at a scam.

Search safely

When searching for a pet to adopt, verify the authenticity of the seller or rescue organization before proceeding. Look for a physical address, contact information and a secure online presence. Check out any online reviews or complaints about the seller. Finally, reach out to local animal shelters or breed-specific rescues to validate the legitimacy of the seller.

Finalizing an adoption

Once you’ve found a pet, continue to exercise caution as you finalize the sale.

First, insist on meeting the seller and pet or visiting the rescue organization in person. This will enable you to observe the animal’s living conditions, assess its health and interact with it directly. If everything checks out and you’re going ahead with the sale, use a secure payment method that offers fraud protection, such as a credit card.

Don’t get caught in a pet scam! Use the tips outlined here to stay safe.

Don’t Get Caught in a P2P Scam

Before discussing how to avoid a P2P scam, you may be wondering what “P2P” stands for. A peer-to-peer (P2P) service is a decentralized platform whereby two individuals interact directly with each other, without intermediation by a third party. Instead, the buyer and the seller transact directly with each other via the P2P service. Google Wallet, PayPal, Snapcash, Venmo and Bitcoin are examples of P2P services.

P2P platforms are super-convenient. But, P2P scams are rampant and varied. Plus, once money is transferred by P2P, it’s usually gone forever.

Here are five P2P scams to beware of:

1. Mystery money

In this P2P scam, a stranger “accidentally” sends the target money and then reaches out, wanting their money back. The target sees these funds in their P2P account and returns them. Unfortunately, though, because this money was added to the target’s account using a stolen credit card or account, the platform flags the original transaction as fraud and removes the funds from the victim’s account.

2. Hidden credit card fraud

In this P2P scam, a fraudster purchases an item listed on a site, like Craigslist, using a P2P service. They’ll pick up the item, or have it shipped to their home, and they’ll never be heard from again. Meanwhile, the P2P platform will eventually recognize the funds for the purchase come from a bogus source, and will take the money back from the seller.

3. Utility scams

In this scam, a “rep” from a utility company reaches out to a target, claiming their service will be shut off unless a payment is made immediately. The scammer insists on payment by P2P. Unfortunately, once the transfer is made, it can be impossible to reclaim the money.

4. Password scam

In this scam, an alleged representative of a credit union or bank will reach out to a target by text, asking them to approve a recent large P2P transfer from their account. A “no” response will prompt the scammer to call the victim. Posing again as a rep of their financial institution, they’ll offer to assist in reclaiming the allegedly frauded money. To do so, the scammer claims the victim will need to share their Zelle login credentials. Unfortunately, if the victim shares the one-time passcode, the scammer can change the password and send themselves money through the victim’s account.

5. Bogus receipts

Here, a scammer will insert themselves into a legitimate P2P transaction by digitally manipulating a screenshot to make it appear as if they have completed a part of an ongoing deal and insisting you now owe them money. In truth, though, the transaction was never completed and, if you send the money, you’ll be sending it directly to a scammer’s P2P account.

Stay safe

Only send and accept funds from people you know and trust.
Never give out your passwords/pins/challenge response tokens to anyone.
Use strong passwords and don’t reuse them across any accounts.
Use 2 Factor Authentication.
Don’t use guest or unsecured networks when doing transactions or logging into accounts.
Always confirm you’re interacting with the correct person by verifying their phone number at every stage of the P2P transaction process.
Call the P2P platform’s customer service number directly to resolve any errors. Similarly, reach out to High Point Federal Credit Union directly if you receive notification of an allegedly frauded account.
Check your checking account after every P2P transaction to confirm that you’ve received the funds.

Device Advice: How to Keep Your Phone Safe from Fraud

Smartphones are the millennial’s answer to the disorganized life. You can buy anything with just a few swipes, schedule appointments and store your photos in this one, convenient spot. Unfortunately, all of that convenience comes at a price: Your mobile devices pose an inherent risk to your security if they fall into the wrong hands. Fortunately, there are ways to protect your device and information.

Here are 6 tips to help keep your phone safe and secure.

1. Keep your phone locked

If your entire life is on your phone, you run the risk of giving a thief access to your identity if it’s stolen or misplaced. The best way to prevent this from happening is to have a lock on your screen. Opt for a physical lock if possible, such as fingerprint or face recognition. Finally, adjust your phone’s lock settings so the screen automatically locks when not in use by setting a lock based on idle time.

2. Choose strong, unique passwords across all your devices and apps

Use a different password for each device, app and other online accounts. The longer your password the stronger it is, but security can also be improved when you include a blend of letters with varied capitalization use, numbers, and symbols.

3. Browse safely

Look for the padlock icon and the “s” after the “http” in the URL of each landing page you visit.
Never give your login information to anyone. Olean Area Federal Credit Union will never ask for this information. Please report if someone claiming to be from the Credit Union asks for your login.
Never share your personally identifiable information (PII) with an unknown contact.
Keep your security settings current.
Avoid clicking on pop-up ads or links in emails from unverified senders.

4. Use secure Wi-Fi

Using public Wi-Fi can make you vulnerable to hacking. It’s best not to use public Wi-Fi at all, especially when banking online. To help keep your device safe while using public Wi-Fi, consider using a virtual private network (VPN). In addition, be sure to keep your own Wi-Fi secured to avoid having strangers access it.

5. Encrypt your data

Using encryption on your devices along with secure logins can assist with protecting its data and potentially any PII contained on those devices.

6. Install antivirus software on your phone

Consider the use of Antivirus software for all your devices including phones and tablets.

Use the tips outlined here to help keep your phone safe from fraud.

All You need to Know About Credit Card Fraud

With the advent of online commerce, credit and debit card fraud has exploded. Unfortunately, credit card fraud can go unnoticed until it causes serious damage. Here, we’ve outlined what you need to know, how to protect yourself, and what to do when you’re targeted.

What is credit card fraud?

Credit and debit card fraud occurs when a scammer gains access to a victim’s card information and goes on to empty their accounts, commit identity theft and more.

Credit card fraud can be pulled off in many ways:

Card skimming involves a scammer tampering with an ATM or payment terminal. The machine reads the victim’s card information and transmits it to the scammer.
Brute force attacks employ an auto-dialer to access the card numbers issued within the target’s BIN. The scammer can perform infinite guesses until they land on the card’s expiration date, security code and numbers.
Online phishing is done through insecure links embedded in emails or online ads, or through bogus surveys, solicitations, job offers, dating profiles and the like. The scammer uses these means to gain access to the victim’s credit or debit card information.

Protect yourself

Follow these tips to stay safe from credit and debit card fraud:

Sign up for alerts. Many issuers will send you texts or emails when new charges post to your account or card-not-present transactions happen.
Monitor your checking and credit card accounts frequently so you can spot the first signs of fraud.
Use strong, unique passwords across all your accounts.
Shop with caution. Only shop reputable sites and avoid clicking on pop-up ads or links in emails from unverified senders. To confirm a site’s security, look for the padlock icon and the “s” after the “http” in the URL. Avoid storing your credit card info in online shopping accounts. Finally, make sure the security settings on your devices are current.

If you’re targeted

If you believe your card has been frauded, take immediate steps to mitigate damage. First, let the credit card company know about the fraud. Similarly, if your debit card has been frauded, let High Point Federal Credit Union know as soon as possible. Your old card will be canceled, and you’ll be issued a replacement card immediately. You may also want to place a credit freeze on your accounts to prevent the scammer from taking out a loan or opening another account in your name.

After you’ve reported the fraud to your financial institution and/or credit card company, be sure to report it to the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov, so others can avoid becoming victims.

Free Vacation Scams

Congrats – you’ve won an all-expense paid vacation to the Bahamas! It’s a dream come true! Or is it? If you’re notified that you’ve landed a free luxury vacation, you’ve likely been targeted by a scam. Here’s what you need to know.

How the scams play out

In a free vacation scam, a target gets a letter, email or text message telling them they’ve won a sweepstakes for a free vacation. They’re asked to pay a fee or tax to process the prize. Alternatively, they may be asked to share their credit card information before it can be claimed. After paying the fee, they’ll never hear from the sweepstakes company again.

In another variation of this scam, the target is asked to attend a “short” meeting before claiming their prize. This turns out to be a prolonged and overt sales pitch for a time-share purchase or travel-club membership. There may be vouchers for the promised vacation at the end of the class, but they can only be used for specific dates, and require all sorts of additional fees before the “free” vacation can be redeemed.

Red flags

Look out for these red flags to help you spot a free vacation scam:

You’re told you’ve won a sweepstakes you never entered.
You’re asked to pay a fee or tax before a prize can be processed.
You’re pressured to sign up for a time-share purchase or travel club membership.
You’re asked to share your credit card information to claim a free vacation.

Protect yourself

Never share personal information with an unverified contact.
Never agree to pay a “processing fee” or “tax” to claim a prize.
If a caller insists on payment by gift card or wire transfer, hang up.
Always read fine print and do research before signing up for a time-share or club.

If you’re targeted

If you believe you’ve been targeted by a free vacation scam, there are steps you can take to mitigate the damage.

First, if you’ve paid the “processing fee” or “tax” with a credit card, dispute the charge as soon as possible. If you’ve shared your credit card information, cancel the card and consider placing a credit freeze on your name as well. Finally, let the FTC know about the circulating scam.

Stay safe!