Scams, what are they? Scams are dishonest schemes done by dishonest people. It used to be people on the streets asking for your help by telling you a dishonest story. Then telephone calls where people pretend to be someone they are not to try and get something from you. Now it’s everywhere. In person, on the phone, and online. Who can you trust these days?
The people who do scams are called scammers and they don’t care about you, they just want something from you. And it’s usually money in some form. What I mean by some form is, a scammer might ask you to purchase gift cards from somewhere because they promised you something in return. You send them the gift cards expecting them to give you what you wanted but you get nothing. A gift card of the certain amount that you buy with your money, and send them means that you are out of that money. And therefore you have been scammed.
Scammers will also ask you personal questions and try and get your personal information after they promise you something. Scammers will impersonate utility representatives on the phone or in emails telling you that your bill is late and if you don’t pay it now, it will be shut off. In the email, they will give you a specific number to call which most generally is not your utility company number. Always check with your utility company first before paying anything. You may also receive legitimate looking emails from the government or social security stating that you need to update your information before getting paid. Don't fall for it and don't even click on it. Some scams can also put a virus on your computer. If you have concerns about payment from the government or social security contact them directly.
Scammers also hide under realtor sites. The bad thing about some of these realtor sites is that you have to put your email and phone number down in order to get contacted about the property that you are interested in. When you do scammers get your information and impersonate the person in charge of the property. Don't ever ever give them money over the phone or online before you get to meet them in person and see the property. If you do pay before hand, chances are you will pay them and never hear from them again. They may even disconnect that number.
The same goes for job offers that you didn't even apply for. If someone reaches out to you on the phone, or internet and tells you that they will pay you some amount that seems to be to good to be true for your work, it is usually a scam. Even though you might feel that your work is worth the amount. What they will then do is ask you for your personal information like a bank account or social security number. If you give it to them so that you can get paid, you will be ripped off before you even realize it.
Winning money or gifts scams is a big one. If you receive a letter in the mail or in an email saying that you won something, be careful. Especially if you didn’t even enter any contests. The scam will make you click on something to receive it and then you will either get a virus on your computer or they will try and get your personal information. There are also so many ads online that if you click on it, it could load a virus. Stay away from any ads to somewhere that you have never been because it could hold a virus. Stick to websites that you are familiar with.
Be careful even when buying or selling on Facebook Marketplace. Some people on there can rip you off as well. If you are buying from or selling something on there, accept and use cash only for the item, and do it in person. And depending on your location it might be best to meet in a public place and not at your home. And keep in mind that if something doesn't feel right about any situation be cautious and talk to someone you trust about it first. It's sad but there are so many people all over the world who will try and rip you off in some way.
So, how can you avoid being scammed? I don’t mean to sound mean but use your common sense. If something sounds to good to be true, it usually is. If someone says you won something be aware. Do some research first by looking into the contest, or company name, or phone number. Don’t take what someone you don’t even know says seriously until you look into it more for yourself. Don’t sign anything that you are unsure about. And don’t give anyone or any website that you are unsure about your credit card number or bank account. Don’t be afraid to ask a friend or family member about it because they might know something about it.
Scammers can present themselves as being a very caring and helpful person, but they aren’t. They are only after your money or ways to get it. And another thing, you don’t get anything for free. There is usually a catch somewhere, so be aware of that too. I’m not saying that when you go to the store and you get two for the price of one that it’s a bad thing. But most likely the price of the one item was raised a few cents more to cover the cost of the free one. Scammers on the other hand will usually hide the fine print when it comes to something they are giving away for free. So read and be cautious.
This is a new year filled with new opportunities for many people. Some good people and some bad people. I have been scammed before so I want to keep all of you updated the best that I can with all the scamming that’s going on. I would like to invite you to get more helpful newsletters like this one in your email. If you are interested in supporting my work, you can click the link below. You will have the option to pay only $5.00 per month or $50.00 for the whole year and receive at least 12 - 15 of this type of newsletter. You will also get access to my full archive of fiction and non-fiction stories.
I hope that you will support my work in the new year, and receive tips on how to keep safe. Thank you in advance and until next time, take care.
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