July 23, 2014 at 2:10 p.m.
Scam artists abound
Editorial
They're back, and they're as creative and persistent as ever.
In truth, though, scam artists are always with us.
But they certainly seem more prevalent during times of economic uncertainty, when folks are a little more vulnerable to a promise of good fortune.
That's what the scam artists are hoping for when they call senior citizens and tell them they've won thousands of dollars from a magazine sweepstakes. While the "lucky winner" is basking in the good news, the scam artist starts seeking enough personal details - including credit card numbers - to steal an identity.
That's what the scam artists are hoping for when they send e-mails and faxes telling people there's big money tied up in some account overseas. With visions of hundreds of thousands just waiting to be picked up, the victim ponies up money that will never be seen again.
In one recent version encountered locally, the scam was for just $170. That's the amount required for a "FedEx Diplomatic Agent" to send $800,000 your way. Though, just for the record, there is no such thing as a "FedEx Diplomatic Agent" and you'll grow old waiting for your package to arrive. As to the $170 - and maybe your credit card number - wave good-bye.
Variations of these scams never seem to go away. They're continually evolving.
But a few good rules of thumb can keep you out of trouble:
•If it sounds too good to be true, it's probably not true.
•Never give your credit card information over the phone to a stranger who contacts you.
•Slow down and get advice. Chances are, if you stall or say you need to run the matter past your attorney or banker or accountant or financial adviser or even the family dog, the scam artist will move on to the next victim.
•Do not hesitate to be rude. Senior citizens today may represent the last generation with good manners, but in this case those can be a liability. There's nothing wrong with saying, "No, thanks" or "Not interested," and hanging up the phone.
•Do not answer e-mail from people you do not know personally.
•Hang up if someone says you've won a prize but there's a fee involved.
•When you run into a scam attempt, talk about it. Mention it to family members. Warn others.
Scam artists are never going to disappear, but the least we can do is make life difficult for them. - J.R.[[In-content Ad]]
In truth, though, scam artists are always with us.
But they certainly seem more prevalent during times of economic uncertainty, when folks are a little more vulnerable to a promise of good fortune.
That's what the scam artists are hoping for when they call senior citizens and tell them they've won thousands of dollars from a magazine sweepstakes. While the "lucky winner" is basking in the good news, the scam artist starts seeking enough personal details - including credit card numbers - to steal an identity.
That's what the scam artists are hoping for when they send e-mails and faxes telling people there's big money tied up in some account overseas. With visions of hundreds of thousands just waiting to be picked up, the victim ponies up money that will never be seen again.
In one recent version encountered locally, the scam was for just $170. That's the amount required for a "FedEx Diplomatic Agent" to send $800,000 your way. Though, just for the record, there is no such thing as a "FedEx Diplomatic Agent" and you'll grow old waiting for your package to arrive. As to the $170 - and maybe your credit card number - wave good-bye.
Variations of these scams never seem to go away. They're continually evolving.
But a few good rules of thumb can keep you out of trouble:
•If it sounds too good to be true, it's probably not true.
•Never give your credit card information over the phone to a stranger who contacts you.
•Slow down and get advice. Chances are, if you stall or say you need to run the matter past your attorney or banker or accountant or financial adviser or even the family dog, the scam artist will move on to the next victim.
•Do not hesitate to be rude. Senior citizens today may represent the last generation with good manners, but in this case those can be a liability. There's nothing wrong with saying, "No, thanks" or "Not interested," and hanging up the phone.
•Do not answer e-mail from people you do not know personally.
•Hang up if someone says you've won a prize but there's a fee involved.
•When you run into a scam attempt, talk about it. Mention it to family members. Warn others.
Scam artists are never going to disappear, but the least we can do is make life difficult for them. - J.R.[[In-content Ad]]
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