Red Flag Warnings for Potential Scams
We are all subjected to spam every day. Here are some reminders how not to be a victim, too.
1. If you receive an email that requires an immediate response, don’t respond until you do #2.
2. Check with a trusted person first, before taking any action.
3. If you receive any message from “your bank” which gives you a phone number and urges you to call because your bank account has been hacked, don’t call the number. Do #4 next.
4. Put the phone number in a Google search to see if it has been reported in a SCAM operation, or if it really is the organization you want to talk to. Example: You are trying to reach Microsoft or Apple but the phone number you were given reveals something like this: “bobmartin@happyvalley.com”.
5. If you need to speak to a representative from Microsoft, Apple or your bank, call the agency yourself after ensuring the number you are using is correct. Google “Apple Customer Support” by going to the Apple website to find the Customer Support contact number.
6. If you have been contacted by phone telling you not to hang up because your funds, safety, privacy, etc. are in danger, HANG UP. Avoid having a conversation with any such caller. They may be recording your voice for future use. If the phone message begins with “Can you hear me?” DO NOT RESPOND. They are trying to get you to say “yes” and recording it. Or they are testing to see if your phone number is live. If they decide it is a legitimate phone with a human being on the other end, it will insure that your phone number goes to the top of their list, and you will keep receiving these calls. Best advice is to send the call to Voicemail and see if they leave a message. Scammers don’t leave voicemail messages. (See #10).
7. Keep in mind that Microsoft, PG&E, the I.R.S., any local law enforcement agency, etc. will NEVER contact you by phone or email telling you that you have a bad virus in your computer, or that some “Urgent Action is Required”. Ignore the message.
9. Scammers will always try to scare you first and then tell you what to do next. Take a deep breath and clear your head. Don’t fall for the scare tactic.
10. Scammers are becoming increasingly sophisticated. Even if you receive a phone call from a friend or relative requesting money, the call may be coming from an Artificial Intelligence (AI) assisted source. They can generate a perfect match of anyone’s voice with a few samples of their speech patterns. Hang up and contact the person directly.
11. If you have any uncertainty of what to do, contact your trusted individual first for advice or call the police (non-emergency number).