With technology ever evolving, there are always new methods for scammers to take advantage of you. While it may sometimes seem hopeless, there are steps you can take so the likelihood of you becoming a victim is lower. Here are some steps you can take to reduce the chances of being scammed.
CONFIRM CALLERS
Caller IDs are easy to fake. If you receive an unsolicited call from someone asking for money or personal information, even if it’s a charity you’ve helped in the past, hang up and call them back directly. In general, unless you know with 100% certainty of where a call is coming from, don’t answer the phone.
SECURE PAYMENTS
Before making a payment, stop and think about how it’s being requested. For example, let’s say you find a couch in an online classified that you would like to buy. It appears in good condition and is a great price. You reach out to the seller and they request you send the money via a payment app and they’ll take care of the rest. With these types of apps, once the money has been transferred, it’s gone and there’s no way to track it.
CHECK EMAILS
Read emails carefully before clicking or responding. A scammer may create a fake email from a company you trust, leading you to click on links that compromise the security of your device. Check for blatant typos, check out who the email is from, and hover over URLs before clicking to ensure they are legitimate. When in doubt, go directly to the source by either typing in the address yourself or using google.
CHECK YOUR CREDIT
Make it a habit to check your credit reports frequently. The earlier you are able to notice a discrepancy, such as an unverified account that was opened in your name, the earlier you will be able to fix it. You are able to request one free copy of your report from each of the three credit reports every year. Request a copy every four months so you’re always up to date on what’s happening with your credit.
