Millions of people are defrauded by inventive crooks every year, resulting to huge losses for both direct and indirect victims of fraud. To make this possible, fraudsters create ways to use old tricks and new technology to steal money, information, and other valuables from people. Avoid falling to victim to their schemes by brushing up on our 8 tips to avoid fraud.
Keep Updated with Scam Alerts
Either follow blogs that talk about the newest scams (like ours) or sign up for free scam alerts at government websites. This way, you?ll be informed of new schemes as authorities get wind of them.
Don?t Entertain Recorded Calls
Recorded calls or robocalls are illegal, not to mention that whatever they are selling or talking about is often bogus. Simply hang up and report the call to the right authorities and avoid prolonging the call or clicking on an option to talk to a real person. An opt out action is simply a way to get you to divulge personal information.
Be Wary of Imposters
Not everyone who calls you, texts you, or emails you are who they claim to be. Fraudsters often claim to be a trusted person such as a family member, a government official, a company you transact with, or even a charity in order for them to get your personal information or for you to send them money. A common scheme is pretending to be someone you know stuck in a foreign land and in need of funds right away. If in doubt, call, text, or email the other party using the contact details they usually use.
Do Your Research
If you?re offered something that seems too good to be true, it won?t hurt to search online for reviews, a scam, feedback, or anything that describes your situation. Consult with someone. You?ll be thankful you did.
Beware of Free Trial Fraud
A lot of businesses offer a free trial to get you to sign up and provide your credit card details. Once they have your details, they?ll charge you until you cancel or they can have a cancellation policy that requires payment. Not worth your headache.
Be Skeptical of Caller ID Details
Caller ID can be faked (just like email addresses) so if a certain company called you to ask for sensitive information, it would be safer to hang up and call them using their official number listed on their website.
Review Your Payment Methods
If a service or a company wants you to pay via means that offer nearly no way to get your money back (such as via reloadable cards or moneygram), they?re usually up to no good. A legitimate business will have no trouble setting up options for encrypted payment using credit card.
Stay Away from Cheque Schemes
If someone wants you to deposit a cheque on their behalf but wants to use your own account to encash and send them the money, there is a huge chance the cheque is fake. Fake cheques on your account will have to be repaid by you.
Avoiding fraud is easier now more than ever by having the right mindset and seeking expert help from professionals (such as a private investigator) when needed. Contact us should you be in need of private investigation services.
