What the imposter looks like: Someone asks you to buy gift cards or send money How the imposter convinces you to send money: A scammer might use different ways to convince you to send money. The scammer might say: There is a security problem with your computer You owe taxes to the IRS You won...
It is easier and more common that you think. Any device you use that has a camera could be taken over: your computer, tablet, and smartphone are all at risk. How do they gain access? Webcams are an amplified risk because they can record video without users being aware. This is called webcam hacking or is also...
Here’s how they work: Someone might offer you a job. Or say you’ve won a sweepstakes. Or start an online relationship with you. Whatever the story, next they want to send you money – and then ask you to send it on to someone else. They often say to wire the money or use gift...
In this scam, you receive a pop up, an email or text message or even a phone call that appears to be from a legitimate company or financial institution, asking you to “update” or “verify” personal information. In one of the variations, you might receive an email that appears to be from the IRS about...
Because you might be planning for retirement, several investment scams have targeted individuals looking to safeguard their cash. From pyramid schemes, like the one that made Bernie Madoff infamous, to stories of a Nigerian prince looking for a partner to claim inheritance money, investment schemes have long been a successful way to take advantage of...
Scammers like to take advantage of people who own their homes. Unfortunately, this valuable asset increases the potential dollar value of specific scams. Scammers send personalized letters to different properties, apparently on behalf of the County Assessor’s Office. The letter, made to look official but displaying only public information, identifies the property’s assessed value and...
Sometimes your might receive emails warning that your sensitive personal information is being sold in the shadowy marketplaces of the dark web. Some emails list the stolen information, like all or part of the person’s Social Security number, date of birth, and driver’s license number. If you receive one of these emails, take steps to...
This simple scam is one with which most credit unions are familiar. In this one, scammers inform a member that they have won a lottery or sweepstakes. However, they must make a payment to cover the taxes before they can collect the winnings. To lend credibility to the scam, people will often be sent a...
Scammers often pose as support or service representatives, offering to resolve issues related to a compromised email, a virus on your computer, or even a software license renewal. These scams usually start with a phone call or a pop-up warning of a computer problem that gives a number to call. The scammers often claim to...
There is a surge of “smash-and-grab” thefts from parking lots at retail stores, event centers, parking ramps, sports fields, wedding venues, and more. Perpetrators smash your window and grab your purse, wallet, or phone. The thief will use the stolen items (checks, ID, credit card, debit card) to access your financial information. This can lead...
