Scams & Fraud

[Anonymous]

Any tips on how to avoid scams and fraud?

[williamb39198]

It sounds very simplistic, but trust your intuition…if something sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Or take a moment to consider… if it’s a phone call, most credible agencies, do not call you on the phone to threaten you. If it’s a questionable email, do not open or reply. 

And pay close attention to bank and credit card accounts. Any suspicious activity, immediately report to the bank or credit card company. 
Most of all, don’t think that scams and fraud will not happen to you…it just might, read about it to learn how to recognize the signs. 

[Travis55Chevy]

There are allot of ways to avoid scams but it all starts with you.   So many people are quick to talk themselves up not realizing that they are playing into the scammers hand. Just the slightest bit of info and there off to the races and your off to the dark web. Example if you were tp look at your profile page people load up all info about them selves cities they live in, family mermbers  jobs when they retire martial status and then they can get the ball rolling. also did youy know that crooks can get your credit card number just by walking past you. They use a card reader that can penetrate the walls of your wallet. Never play games with them try to tie up their lines  or try to anger them you may think you won but they hold the upper hand you could say the wrong things and make you vulnerable not to mention your name will be sold to another scammer  just hang up. The only one who can protect you is you

[Anonymous]

Yikes @Travis55Chevy , the card reader scares me!!!! 😱 Anyway to protect ourselves?

[Travis55Chevy]

yes they do make a wallet for your credit cards that won't allow the scans to penetrate the outer  shell. They the criminals will also place these same card readers on gas pumps and other places  that swipe credit cards. even if you use an atm  you feel safe...think no one is around  well guess again     they could be watching every button you push with binoculars from a distance trust me it does happen. try to shield the buttons with your hand to block their wvew or better yet walk inside the bank use a drive thru teller this is why so many people get scammed criminals are oppertunists  our society is fast paced information in the clouds all around the world how can we possibly feel safe we need to slow down remember every thing that we make can be hacked i remember reading how the government had some of their places hacked, so nothing is safe

[GailL1]

Actually, they don't have to use the binoculars anymore - they attach a device to the card reader called a skimmer.  Very hard to see to the person using the card reader at an ATM or point of sale.  But it reads the card and the strokes -

Bankrate.com - 01/21/2020 - How to spot a credit card skimmer 

from the link ~

A card skimmer is a device attached to a card reader, often ATMs or gas station pumps, to “skim” information about your credit or debit card. It may contain a stealth camera that records your pin as you enter it. Or, in the case of most gas pump skimmers, it may contain a data collecting device that stores and transmits your card data to an identity thief. More high tech thieves might even 3D print a new keypad for a machine to use for recording pin numbers. Card skimmers usually blend into the original hardware of the machines they are attached to, so they can be difficult to spot.

There is some additional info at the Bankrate link on how to spot a skimmer device and some other consumer safe practices.