Threat of scams must be treated seriously
While many of us log long hours at work to earn an honest living, there are scam artists out there logging extended hours to dream up dishonest schemes. These are schemes concocted to separate us from our hard-earned dollars. Some are intended to drain our life savings.
Con men can knock on our doors, call on the phone, or even reach us through the Internet. They particularly like to prey on elderly citizens.
The story on page 2-A of today’s edition shows yet another way scam artists have found to try and snatch our money. And this scam is especially repulsive.
The victim is called on the phone and told a family member is critically injured – or dead – and they need to call a certain number immediately. The person frantically dials the phone number and is placed on hold or sent through a lengthy directory. By the time the victim realizes it’s a hoax, they’ve been on the phone several minutes and an outrageous bill is on the way.
This is just the latest in a long history of scams. From identity theft to driveway paving, scam artists have been operating for years. The chance of falling victim to one of these scams, or having your identity stolen, is very real. It happens to hundreds of Americans each and every day. Current estimates now indicate 20 percent of all Americans will have their identity stolen during their lifetime.
There are steps which can be taken to help reduce your chances of falling victim to such scams. It’s in the best interest of each and every one of us to take precautions and understand the most appropriate way to react to certain situations.
Here are a few precautions to take.
• Do not believe it just because you saw it on the Internet. Claims of fast money and “guaranteed” returns on your computer screen are no more reliable than classic chain letters and other “get rich schemes.”
• Guard your personal information closely. Don’t give your credit card number (or the expiration date), bank account number, Social Security number, or driver’s license number over the phone or the Internet to anyone you don’t know.
• It is not a prize if you have to pay to get it. With the exception of games of skill where you pay to enter, a prize is something you win by chance – no strings attached. If you must pay for something or buy anything, then it’s a purchase, not a prize. Be careful when calling 900 or 888 numbers to verify your prize. You could end up paying a lot of money for the call.
• Do not fall for high-pressure sales tactics. An offer that is good “today only” is a sign to be even more careful.
Since identity theft is becoming a widespread problem, it also makes good sense to periodically check your credit report with the three major credit agencies. It’s suggested this be done once a year. Those agencies and their phone numbers are: Experian, 888-397-3742; Trans Union, 800-888-4213; and Equifax, 800-685-1111.
Our local Better Business Bureau, headquartered in Murfreesboro, can also be contacted at (615) 867-0032 during regular office hours and 24 hours a day at (615) 242-4222.
Con men are out there – everywhere. Reduce your chances of becoming victimized. Protect your personal information and be careful when a deal seems too good to be true. It usually is.