Beware of Getting Scammed
5 ways to protect yourself from getting scammed
Can you believe that even in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic, that there are people trying to scam you? Of course, even before the pandemic, there were hundreds of scams.
For example, back in 2005. My husband and I were in the catering business where we received quite a few jobs from an online lead company. For the most part, the leads we received were legitimate.
Imagine my surprise to find out that the name of one of the leads was Samuel L Jackson. Yup. Like me, you are thinking Pulp Fiction, Iron Man and The Avengers.
Only it was not THAT Samuel L Jackson.
This Samuel L Jackson sent us $5,000 in counterfeit money orders for a bogus event.
Two weeks after signing the catering contract and getting payment in full, I received an email. There had been a terrible accident. Mr. Jackson needed to cancel the event and he needed a refund less 25% that we could keep for our trouble. His boss, let’s call him Mr. Smith, was in the hospital and needed emergency surgery. My husband and I were disappointed, but we understood. Things happen.
But then, Mr. Jackson asked that we make the refund by sending a wire transfer.
WHAT???
I explained to Mr. Jackson that since he had sent me money orders by mail then the refund would be in the same form of payment and by mail. Mr. Jackson said he did not have time to wait for me to mail the refund. He needed the money to pay the hospital and doctors, otherwise Mr. Smith was going to die. He wanted the money right now!
I went to the post office to show the postmaster the money orders with the intent of getting money orders to refund.
The postmaster looked at the money orders. Then he looked at me. He told me that the money orders were counterfeit. How could this be? I had deposited the money orders in our bank account over two weeks ago and they had cleared in my bank account. The postmaster told me they did not issue money orders in the denominations that I had received. They told me to go to the bank and notify them.
The bank wasted no time reversing the money from our account. Had I wired the money to Samuel L Jackson, we would have lost over $5,000 because at some point, the bank would have realized their error. The wire would not have been traceable. Anyone in any country with the necessary credentials could have gotten the $5,000.
Scammers are now using COVID-19 as a platform to scam you. What are some common scams?
Scammers are sending out emails and making phone calls to help you get your CARES stimulus check. All you must do is provide them with your social security number and your bank account information. They will then help you by helping themselves to your bank account.
There are bogus charities set up to help COVID-19 patients. Again, all you must do is provide your personal information especially your credit card information.
Scammers will help you “flatten the curve” and slow the spread of the COVID-19 by selling you a home test kit which does not exist.
Then there is the scam where someone pretends to be a grandchild or a military service member who is sick with COVID-19. They ask you to wire them money to pay for fake medical or travel expenses.
Do not be fooled!
So, what can you do to not be a victim of a scam?
1. Never ever share your personal information. Do not share your social security number, driver’s license, bank account information or credit card information. If something seems too good to be real, it usually is not.
2. Be careful when sending wire transfers. Only send them to someone you know. And do not share pass-code information.
3. Do not let anyone bully you or force you to make a quick decision. Take your time. Do research. Talk to a trusted family member or friend before making a decision, especially if you are being asked for personal information or money.
4. Do not open suspicious emails or provide personal information in emails. Be aware of phishing emails where scammers are trying to trick you into clicking a link with the intent to steal information from you.
5. Never provide information to someone you do not know over the phone. Even if you “think” you know who is on the other end of the line, if they ask for personal information, ask them if you can call them back. More than likely they will hang up.
Yes. Even during the COVID-19 pandemic, dishonest threat actors are looking to profit at your expense. Be suspicious and be vigilant. You do not have to be a victim. There are online resources like www.usa.gov that detail common scams and what to do or not do about them. Educate yourself so that you will not be a victim.
