Minimize the risk of getting scammed .
Unfortunately attempts to scam , most of us , became part of our
daily routine .
Scam attempts use all means of access , like : phone , mail , web ,
etc. … , & become more sophisticated as time goes by .
The vast majority of it try , & sometimes succeed to hit our pockets .
One of our highest priorities should be to recognize a scam attempt ,
learn how to avoid it ( protect ourselves ) & report it to the
authorities .
One of the most updated places to learn more about scams , how to
avoid them & get alerts is the : Federal Trade Commission’s website .
Worst case scenario – Identity theft .
The act of stealing personally identifying information like : full name ,
date of birth , Social Security number , etc. … .
Usually done in order to gain access to a person’s financial resources &
use them , without his / her permission .
The main problem is to stop the process as soon as possible , before it
becomes complicated . One of the few ways to learn about it , is to check
your credit score & monitor changes , at least , twice a month .
Identity theft is not a new phenomena . The term was coined in 1964 .
To learn more about identity theft click here .
The latest identity theft statistics is here .
Real life scam attempt .
The following happened to me a couple of days ago .
My cell rang ; didn’t look at the caller’s number & picked up .
On the other end , a well – mannered granny , introduced herself
& claimed she calls from a foundation that feeds starving kids .
She mentioned the name of the foundation briefly & started pressing
forward : ” I need your full name & address , so we’ll send you the
donation form ; these kids need food now ” .
Something felt wrong . I excused myself mannerly & ended the call .
Googled the phone number , from which i was contacted . It was
listed as a scam .
Simple steps to minimize risk .
Daily :
1. Use your bank’s A.T.M.s & try to avoid outdoors A.T.M.s .
2. Pay with credit cards instead of debit cards or cash .
3. Complete forms , which require personal information ,
indoors & only in safe places .
4. Don’t throw out bills & credit cards receipts ; shred them .
5. Never carry all your cards & ID.s with you at all times .
Carry only those you need , on your body & inside an
Online :
1. Install a good reputable internet security software on your
computer & learn how to use it .
2. While out of the house , try to avoid free public networks .
Use your carrier internet connection .
3. Don’t provide any personal information on a non – secured
website . Those without the padlock symbol at the left side
of the address bar .
4. Suspect that a URL or a file is infected ? – Check it here .
5. Use one bank account for all your on – line & automated
transactions . Verify , each week , that the amount of money
in the account , will cover the expenses , but nothing beyond .
6. Set smart alerts on all your bank & credit accounts . Alerts
that will help you monitor transactions .
7. Check your credit score , at least , bimonthly & monitor
changes .
8. Find out here , if any of your e-mail accounts has been compromised .
Learn more here .
Bear in mind – All means are valid & in use ;
Number of scam attempts grow annually ;
Stay alert & do your best to protect yourself .