Tips to Avoid Phone/Email Scams

While many scams are similar, scammers constantly try new tactics in the hope that you or a loved one will take the bait. The introduction of the internet has allowed for mass scamming and gives more tools to those trying to take your personal information. Once a scammer has your money or personal information, it is almost impossible to get it back. That’s why being vigilant online and in person is still as important as ever.

There are many different cons; investment, lottery ‘winner,’ tech support, impersonation, spam calls, and IRS notification calls are just a few that you or a loved one may experience. Billions of dollars are stolen by scammers every year. We’ve listed some of the best ways to avoid being targeted by these criminals.

While many scams are similar, scammers constantly try new tactics in the hope that you or a loved one will take the bait. The introduction of the internet has allowed for mass scamming and gives more tools to those trying to take your personal information. Once a scammer has your money or personal information, it is almost impossible to get it back. That’s why being vigilant online and in person is still as important as ever.

The first step is identifying what type of scam it is. Did you receive a strange letter in the mail? Perhaps an email from someone you don’t know? Or is it a phone call from a number you’ve never seen before? All these are common ways someone might be trying to steal your financial or personal information. Often these people will try to disguise themselves as someone they aren’t, such as a government entity, a financial advisor, or a major tech firm like Microsoft or Apple. These companies and institutions rarely call you unless you have contacted them directly and expect a callback.

So, what are the best practices to avoid these common scams?

• Hang up on illegal robocalls.
• Don’t answer phone calls from an unknown number, especially if the area code is unfamiliar.
• Don’t return one-run phone calls. These are often from a number outside the United States, and you could incur hefty fees from your wireless provider for global calls.
• Never give your personal or financial data, such as your social security or credit card number, to an unknown caller.
• Don’t make payments by gift cards, prepaid debit cards, or wire transfers. Scammers love these methods because they are incredibly hard to trace.
• If you do pick up a call, take your time and ask questions. Telemarketers will be more than happy to answer questions about their product, while scammers are often trying to create a false deadline. If you feel pressured to make a decision, hang up.
• If you receive an email from an unknown sender, it’s best to ignore it.
• If it seems too good to be true, it probably is.
• You can help reduce spam by reporting spam calls and email to the FTC at 877-382-4357

According to a recent study, almost 70 million Americans fell victim to phone scams last year. The average reported loss was $577. Last year Americans lost $39.5 billion to phone scams. That’s why staying ever vigilant with your personal and financial data is crucial. Remember, if it seems too good to be true, it probably is.

Evergreen Place in Champaign has all the tools and staff to make sure your loved one is cared for. For more information or a tour, call us at 217-530-4300 or schedule a tour online!