SCAMS, SPAMS AND OTHER LIES How to avoid scams and be a savvy consumer Suzana Gal Director Consumer Mediation Unit 408-792-2845
What do scammers do? • Pretend to be someone else • Use pressure, urgency • Intimidate or promise unexpected gain • Attempt to befriend you, build trust • Separate you from your money STOP! THINK! CHECK!
IRS IMPOSTERS • Scammers pretend to be IRS officials to get you to send them money by using a prepaid debit card BUT • IRS does not require a specific type of payment • IRS communicates only by regular mail • IRS does not require immediate payments
Hi Grandma, it’s me - Elderly victim receives a phone call - Caller claims to be grandchild, in jail or need - Needs money for bail • What to do: – DO NOT BE RUSHED – Leave the kid in jail – Get off the phone, call grandchild, family, friends, find out where the grandchild is
TECH SUPPORT SCAMS • Scammers call, claiming to be computer techs associated with well-known companies like Microsoft. • Online pop-up freezes the screen and instructs the user to call a toll-free number • They say that they’ve detected viruses or other malware on your computer to trick you into giving them remote access or paying for software you don’t need.
LOTTERY SCAMS - You have been selected to receive a new car, groceries for a year, etc. - “CONGRATULATIONS!! You have won a million dollars!” or a foreign bank found money • BUT : First pay $$$ for transfer fees, insurance, attorney fees, insurance, intercontinental transfer fees, taxes, audit fees
Real Business Real Vict Real Bank Phony Check Victim’s Name Vict Name/Addr
What to do • Stop Think Check: Are they rushing you? Too good to be true? Why can’t they pay the fees? • Do not send them any money • Do not give them any information • Hang up • Get on the “Do not Call” list
Home Repair • Chimney cleaning, Asphalt work, Roof repair, Tree trimming, Pavers, Pesticide spraying, Carpet cleaning, Air vent cleaning. • Targets Elderly • Unsolicited: we were working in your area • Price “Too Good To Be True” • Hard sell for additional repairs/services • Unlicensed
What else is going on in scam land?
upsdispatchservices201@hotmail.com @planet.ni Tel:+2348036554541
Prevention Ask yourself: Is it too good to be true? Does it make sense? Check: Google: names, line from the email, phone # Call the bank at a number obtained from an official directory Call Consumer Protection Unit Tips: www.Onguardonline.gov Note: Do not play detective
Prevention • Never click on a link through email • Do not call numbers provided in an email • Do not open attachments • Do not reveal personal info online (surveys, quizzes) • Obtain promises in writing • Check your statements timely • Deal with reputable businesses • Avoid distant buyers or sellers
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Who else wants your money? • How much is the doggie in the window really worth?
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How do we protect ourselves and our loved ones???
What to do • Locking mailbox ; never put valuable mail out to be collected • Shred everything • Do not carry your Social Security card • Be careful about the personal information you give out • Get your credit reports regularly and review them • Credit freezes • Do not give your CC #, SS #, account info to someone who called you
Obtaining Free Credit Reports www.Annualcreditreport.com Phone Number: 1-877-322-8228 Equifax, Experian, TransUnion – each company: free report every 12 months Report # 1: March 2009 Report #2 : July 2009 Report #3 : November 2009 Restart with new report: March 2010
Which one to use? Credit Card or Debit Card? Credit Cards : liability limited to $50, often 0 Debit Cards : $50 if you notify the bank within 2 days Up to $500 afterwards Unlimited if you fail to report within 60 days after you receive your bank statement Virtual Credit Card #
Ques Questions? tions? Pr Problems? oblems? Nee Need advice? d advice? Call the Consumer Mediation Services: 408 408-792 792-2880 2880
STOP! THINK! CHECK! Thank you for your attention.
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