Watch Out For These Scams as the Country Reopens
The country has been struggling with the virus sweeping the world. But many places are beginning to reopen. And many states are making bold moves toward opening after the coronavirus lockdown. But, as usual, scammers aren’t far behind any change. Scammers aren’t keeping 6 feet away from your personal information. Watch out for these scams as the country reopens.
Account Takeovers
Shorter hours and percentage-capacity rules mean many consumers are still shopping remotely. This cutback leads to increased online retail scams, like account takeovers, where scammers hack a company’s database to break into a customer’s account. Using the customer’s remembered payment information, the scammer goes on to place large orders to their scammer address — all on the client’s dime.
Protect yourself:
Account takeovers are usually focused on dormant accounts. Outsmart the scammers by checking your retail accounts for new orders or deleting remembered information on accounts you rarely use.
Job Scams
The FBI is warning against a surge in scams in which cyber criminals pose as employers by spoofing websites and posting bogus job openings on online boards. Sometimes, they’ll even conduct “interviews” with applicants. The scammers ask for personal information and may demand payment before the “application” can be processed. Of course, there is no job waiting for the applicant, their information is in danger of being abused, and they’ll never see that money again.
Protect yourself:
Beware of outrageous job claims that promise big money for little work. Never share sensitive information online with an unverified source. Finally, research an alleged company on the BBB website before agreeing to an interview.
The Contact Tracer Scam
The FTC is warning of a new ruse in which scammers impersonate a COVID-19 contact tracer and reach out to people via phone call or text message. These scammers ask for the victim’s personal information, including their Social Security number, claiming they need it for their work. They’ll use this information to pull off identity theft or hack the victim’s accounts. Sometimes, the scammer will ask the victim to click on an embedded link, which will grant them access to the victim’s phone.
Protect yourself:
Contact tracers will always identify themselves and their department. If a contact tracer reaches out to you, verify authenticity by researching this information. Most importantly, they do not need your Social Security number, nor will they ask for it.
Watch out for these scams as the country reopens, and make sure you inform your neighbors, family, and friends. So, stay aware, and stay safe! Check out some of our Money Smart posts about scams and fraud so that you are in the know.
