Telephone Scam Series: Fake Cashier Checks

Fake Cashier Check Scams

 These scams can occur  when you are trying to sell something. The scammer may send you a fake check for more than the amount you asked for; and they might give you a more or less credible reason for overpaying. They will then ask you to deposit the check and wire back a portion of the money. Their check is no good, so you don’t get any money. You also lose any money you send them. You have to pay for the bounced check. And you lose whatever you tried to sell. All around, this is a very bad deal for you, and an excellent one for the criminal!

Another example might not involve an overpayment. The victim could be someone trying to sell a car, and they need to ship it to a buyer in another state. The “buyer” pays for the car, plus shipping, with a cashier’s check or money order; but, by the time the seller realizes the check is no good, the criminal has shipped the car overseas and can longer be located. The seller has to pay for the bounced check, and the criminal gets away with the car, which can be sold or scrapped.

Be careful when selling anything online or through other types of advertisements, because a potential buyer might try to get away with something. Many news stories also warn about buyers who physically attack sellers who agree to meet them somewhere. This has happened more often than you would think. But long-distance buyers can still hurt you financially,  so do not wire money to strangers.

READERS, what do you think?

1.    Have you or anyone you know ever advertised anything for sale? Did potential buyers try to get away with anything they shouldn’t?

2.    How do you think you could sell something without being victimized by criminals?

Reference:

Sassi, H. (2014). Be on the Lookout for These Common Telephone Scams. Better Business Bureau: Consumer News and Opinion blog. Retrieved November 3, 2014, from http://www.bbb.org/blog/2014/02/be-on-the-lookout-for-these-common-telephone-scams/.

Telephone Scam Series: Phishing Scams

Phishing Scams

Today, we are also discussing phishing scams that occur over the phone.

Phishing scams are becoming more common these days. In one  scam you might encounter, someone calls claiming to be from a credit card company; they say they are checking on your credit card because a large purchase was just made on it out of state. Then they ask for private information such as a password, PIN, or account number to verify you are the real cardholder. Never give this kind of information over the phone! Your real bank or credit card company already has this information on file and would never ask for it over the phone.If you get a call like this, hang up immediately and call that company (at a number you look up yourself) to make them aware of the scam.

READERS, what do you think?

1.    When do you think it is appropriate to give your credit card or other personal information? Who do you think genuinely needs you to give them this information?

2.    If you needed to call your bank or other financial institution, what account information do you think you would need to give them during your call?

Reference:

Sassi, H. (2014). Be on the Lookout for These Common Telephone Scams. Better Business Bureau: Consumer News and Opinion blog. Retrieved November 3, 2014, from http://www.bbb.org/blog/2014/02/be-on-the-lookout-for-these-common-telephone-scams/.

Telephone Scams Series: Prize and Sweepstakes Scams

Telephone Scams

This week we are posting a series on phone scams. Anyone who has a phone can become a victim of telephone scams. Criminals may approach you by e-mail or text message, but phone calls don’t cost them much and it is easier for them to prey on you when they have you on the line. Being on the federal Do Not Call Registry may stop more legitimate businesses from calling you, but it will not always stop scammers from trying to steal your money or identity. If you are targeted or are victimized by a scam or fraud, be sure to file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission.

Today we cover prize and sweepstakes scams.

In this type of scam, the person calling may promise you a new car or a vacation. Or they may say you have won a “sweepstakes” that you never entered (or likely heard of). If you choose to stay on the line with them, you first need to listen for any fees for claiming your “prize.” This is a clear sign the offer is not legitimate; if the caller wants your credit card number, or otherwise tries to collect a fee, hang up immediately. Real prize winners are not charged fees and are not asked to verify their identity via credit card number. A person who calls, asking for your credit card number or other personal information is likely up to no good, and you should not talk to them.

READERS, what do you think?

1. Have you ever picked up the phone and found yourself talking to someone who offers you a prize or deal? Or has the caller asked you for personal information? What did you do?

2. What do you think could be done to stop these types of scams?

Reference:

Sassi, H. (2014). Be on the Lookout for These Common Telephone Scams. Better Business Bureau: Consumer News and Opinion blog. Retrieved November 3, 2014, fromhttp://www.bbb.org/blog/2014/02/be-on-the-lookout-for-these-common-telephone-scams/.