How Not to Be Victimized by Scam Artists

Scam or con artists are everywhere. Scam/con artists seek to reach victims face-to-face, through the mail and telephone and online. Many who fall victim to scam/con artist schemes lose their dignity, self-confidence, identity and, usually, thousands of dollars. Some victims have lost their entire retirement savings.

After we'd filed our taxes, I received an email claiming all I had to do to claim my refund was to return pertinent information. The guess as to the amount of my refund was close enough to make me wonder if someone had hacked into information about my taxes, finances and identity. Was I taken in by this scam/con? Was I going become one more victim of financial or identity fraud? No. I knew the government would never contact me in such a manner and would not ask me to disclose personal information in this way.

Most scam/con artists are successful because they feed on three emotions: need, greed and compassion. One common online email scam/con focuses on all three. This scam tells the potential victim about the sad death of some wealthy loved one, often the destitution of those left behind and a problem with obtaining the inheritance. That's where we, the potential victim, come in. We're told that we can help by obtaining the funds for the family and receiving a cut of the inheritance when the transaction is complete. Of course, it will take a little seed money of our own to either prime the pump or to show our good faith. These scam/cons play on the heartstrings as well as baser emotions. It is far too easy to become a victim to these scams. But you do not have to be a victim. Never respond to these email posts. This is an email scam/con meant to get hold not of an inheritance, but your funds-as much as they can con out of you. This scam/con is re-played with some variety, but remains basically the same scam.

Something similar can play out with a letter to you through regular mail. There are also checks that may arrive through the mail that look legitimate. Cash the check, send some of the money to a certain location and keep a portion. You are now a victim. The scam/con artists get the money you send. You get caught with a bogus check and the money lost is all yours.

Another scam/con has to do with the endless lotteries offered. There are legitimate contests. But, if you are asked for money or sensitive personal information, back away, before becoming another victim of financial or identity fraud.

There are even scams that reach out for authors/speakers like me. The scam/con artists send an invitation to speak at a conference in London or some prestigious location? They'll pay all expenses, of course. You just put some money upfront and they'll repay. This one feeds on the victim's ego. Another scam/con.

Scam/con artists play on the emotions of a potential victim. So, think before you act. Asking hard questions might save you time, money and the safety of your identity. Ask such questions as... Does this make sense? Why would anyone ask me to fork over money in order to get more money? How did you get my name? Why not go through legitimate government or financial channels?

A relative, through an intermediary, who asks for funds to get out of jail or for other crisis "needs" should have you asking some serious questions. Why is this person contacting me and why isn't the relative asking directly? Ask to talk directly to the person or facility where your "relative" is being held. Don't let concern or compassion have you becoming a victim by giving sensitive information over the phone. The only "relative" getting bailed out is the scam/con artist.

Are you being asked about your credit card or told you're being issued a new card? "Just provide us with the number on your present card and we'll go from there." They aren't kidding. Once these scam/con artists have your credit card number, they can steal your identity and put you thousands of dollars in debt. Don't want to be a victim to financial or identity theft? Don't give out your credit card number over the phone.

But what if you receive an email from your bank? The email has their logo and information. All you need do is to click on the link. Stop! Yes, this email may be from your bank. It may also be from a scam/con artist who is seeking to fool you and turn you into a victim by diverting you to a look-alike web site. As soon as you enter your password or other information, they can steal your identity and your money.

Never click a link in an email purporting to come from a place with which you do business. If you have business to attend, go directly to the web page by entering the correct address in the browser.

If you respond to many of these scam/cons, you have become a target and a victim. Once they have your number and cooperation, there will be more problems and more need for funds until you find your bank account draining straight into that of the scam/con artist's account. If you have responded, stop. Contact your local police department officials. Don't let embarrassment at being a victim keep you from exposing a scam/con artist. While you may or may not get your money back, you many save many others from being taken in and losing their hard-earned money. You may save yourself from identity theft.

How can you keep from being victimized by scam/con artists?
Don't give out sensitive information over the phone.
Don't assume the person calling is legitimate.
Don't let your need or compassion keep you from asking pertinent questions.
Always ask why? Why contact you?
If you are asked for money, the situation is probably not legitimate.
When doing business, always go directly to the web site and do not click a link on an email purporting to come from that business.
When doing business on the phone, ask for mail confirmation.
Be skeptical. If it sounds too good to be true-it is.

Other things you can do.

Add your name to the Do Not Call Registry. This puts you on a list of those who do not want to be solicited by businesses. If you are contacted and you report the business, the business can be fined. However, this does not apply to places with which you regularly do business or to charities.

Scam/con artists can pick up important information from trash. Don't think scam/cons don't go through trash. Trash diving can be very lucrative for scam/con artists as they often find information they can use to apply for credit cards, gain access to accounts and steal your identity. Always shred any papers with an account number or important personal information on them, before tossing them in the trash.

Filter junk mail. As your email posts change, you will want to change filters to rid your email of the worst offenders. Many email accounts also offer a way to report attempts to defraud you.

Just in case, check your credit rating with Equifax, Expeian or TransUnion. You have the right to request one free report a year from each. You can ask for one report from each every year.

Don't be a victim. Stay alert. Don't let anyone play on your emotions or need. The best way to keep from being victimized is to hang up the phone, delete the email and toss that letter.

You don't have to be a victim to a scam or con artist.