SCAM TRENDS: Scams, from texts to calls, are ever evolving.
What are the most common schemes right now?
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Scams demanding an “urgent” payment made with gift cards: Calls requesting Apple App Store cards, Google Play cards, and Green Dot cards are always a scam. Many victims report they were asked to pay off a fake warrant, cover a phony bond amount for a far-away relative in dire need, or complete the transaction as part of a bogus job application.
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Deceptive job application forms that collect personal information for identity theft: Frequently, victims scrolling social media will find a convenient application on their news feeds. Only after they have entered their social security number and banking information, do they realize the position was a sham.
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“Surprise” checks that promise an unexpected windfall, if cashed: Those who have fallen prey to cashing a “contest prize” have received a letter that promised them a percentage of the check, if they promised to send a portion back to the alleged company or business.
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Selling goods on Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace? Also, beware of potential buyers who offer to pay with a check that is twice the selling price of the item. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
TIPS TO STAY SAFE!
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If ever you get a suspicious call or text, NEVER: - Provide or confirm your personal information. - Engage the caller in a discussion. - Give your credit card number or financial information.
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It is always okay to hang up. If you can, try to obtain the name of the person who is calling you. If they refuse, it is likely a scam.
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If you receive a suspicious email or text, do not click on any attached links. Visit the website or the location of the business in person to see if it is a legitimate organization. The less information you are able to find, the more probable it is a scam.
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You can always call the official organization’s 1-800 number to verify the phone call, text, or email you received.
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Local, federal, and state agencies will !!!NEVER!!!� ask you to pay over the phone. Any claims of your pending arrest or license revocation if you fail to make an immediate payment are patently false.