The
main thing to understand about scams is that they create a situation
that makes people feel pressured to act quickly and then make
mistakes.
The
most dangerous scams are when the scammer threatens something
disastrous to the victim, such as criminal proceedings or financial
loss if they don't comply.
These
phone calls always start with a recording. The victim might be told
that their bank account or credit card has been suspended for fraud.
The recording might say that they are being investigated by the FB,
IRS, or some other scary organization. Or it may claim that their
computer is sending out viruses.
If
you press the relevant number (usually 1), someone, often with a
distinctive foreign accent, will answer. Claiming to be from that
organization, they will assure you there is nothing to fear and try
to convince you that they can help you sort out the problem.
This
help always involves you giving them some of your most confidential
personal information. Their excuse for needing it is to prove your
identity. This info can include bank account data, credit card
details, passwords, or other things like social security numbers.
There
are also other robocalls saying that your Amazon or eBay account was
used to order something expensive. You are told to press a number to
contest this purchase. Once again, someone with an American-sounding
name but an un-American accent usually answers.
The
easiest way to prevent yourself from being scammed is to ask yourself
what the other person wants.
1.
Check the caller ID.
2.
Think about the scenario.
The more pressure there is, the more likely it is a scam.
The
FBI, IRS, and other government agencies never call to say people they
are going to be arrested. They definitely do no use busy call centers
in foreign countries.
Banks
always verify who you are with partial information, such as the last
four digits of your account, credit card, or Social Security number.
Banks will never ask you for the full numbers.
3.
Listen to the caller's accent, grammar,
and word choice. Also,
listen for any background noises.
4.
Ask questions. Regardless
of what organization they claim to be calling from, ask them to give
you its full name, location, phone number, their department, and
extension number.
When
they ask why you need that information, tell them you're going to
call back using the phone number on the organization's official
website.
If
they refuse to answer your questions, hang up.
