How To Protect Yourself From Internet & Phone Call Scams
Written by Cooper & Friedman PLLC on December 10, 2019
We live in an age of information technology. People have constant access to the internet and can easily find any information they need. Despite this, many fall for internet and phone call scams. These scams can cost you thousands of dollars and cause a great deal of stress. Here’s a look at some of the most common scams and how to avoid them:
1. IRS Scams
No one likes to think about the IRS, and no one wants to get a phone call from them. Scammers try to capitalize on this inherent fear and discomfort to scam people by posing as IRS agents. Here’s a look at how they operate:
- They call taxpayers and insist that the taxpayers have an unpaid tax bill that must be cleared immediately to avoid arrest.
- The scammers send people into a panic by using manipulative language and tones.
- They make their call seem genuine by tricking the caller into giving their ID and even getting the victim’s social security number.
Most scam victims are senior citizens. You can avoid these scams by taking the steps mentioned below:
- Hang up immediately. IRS doesn’t call taxpayers and will only send a letter to your property.
- Forward all scam emails that claim to be from the IRS to the IRS or Treasury Department. You can report them here.
- File a fraud alert and freeze your credit if the scammer knows your social security number.
- If someone claiming to be an IRS employee visits you, ask for identification. Legitimate employees will have two official credentials; a pocket commission and a standard federal ID.
Never share any personal or financial information with the scammers. Don’t engage in conversations with them and alert authorities if you feel threatened.
2. Utility Bill Spam
Imagine you’re facing a sweltering summer, and the utility company calls you to say your bill is overdue. You need to pay a staggering amount of money immediately to avoid disconnection. It is natural to panic, but it’s essential to pause and think. Here’s a look at how these scams work:
- Some scammers will claim you have unpaid bills and will time the call carefully. Most call before cold winters or hot summers to ensure their victims feel the pressure to react.
- Scammers also try a reverse tactic by saying you’ve overpaid, and they need to refund the money. They will ask for your financial information and steal money from your account.
- Utility company imposters can show up at your doorstep and carry out “free inspections” or “audits for energy efficiency.” They then charge you for a fake service or useless product. They might even steal valuables from your home after gaining access.
These scammers target vulnerable populations like senior citizens, new immigrants, or people who aren’t native English speakers. The best way to avoid these scams is to:
- Call the utility company on the number mentioned on your bill to check whether you have any dues.
- Know that these companies don’t ask for personal or financial information over the phone or via email.
- Don’t allow people to enter your property unless they furnish legitimate proof of identification.
- Notify the utility company and your neighbors about the imposter.
These scams are easy to avoid if you’re more skeptical and vigilant. Don’t trust everyone who calls or threatens you with dire consequences.
3. Pre-Approval Scams
Loan scams are prevalent, and the offers are very appealing. Who doesn’t want a temporary financial boost that they can pay off at leisure? Unfortunately, these scams can cost you a lot of money. Here’s how they work:
- Scammers reach out through phone calls and emails, offering you a preapproved loan.
- They offer attractive interest rates and tempting repayment terms.
- You get more loans than you require.
They sweeten the deal to attract more victims knowing that there are people with poor credit scores and financial issues looking for some assistance. Here’s how you can avoid them:
- Don’t respond to emails and hang up phone calls, especially if you haven’t applied for any loans.
- Don’t make any upfront payments.
- Refrain from sharing personal financial information.
It is a good idea to contact local authorities and share information about the scam. If the offer sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
If you believe you have been the victim of some sort of billing or credit scam in the State of Kentucky or in Southern Indiana – Contact Cooper & Friedman Attorneys At Law today at 502-459-7555 to schedule a free initial consultation. Our experienced lawyers have recovered millions of dollars for seriously injured people like you or your loved ones.