Boomer Alert!!! How To Avoid Being A Scam Victim

11 Jan Boomer Alert!!! How To Avoid Being A Scam Victim

By Boomeryearbook.com

As the world becomes more technologically advanced, thieves have more ways to swindle you out of your money. There are internet scams, lotto scams, pyramid scheme scams, mail scams, scams set to play on your emotions – numerous ways designed to reel you and your bank account in when your guard is down. So how do you strike a balance between being a good Samaritan and a cautious person? Your mother had the formula, and so did her mother. It’s simple really: Say No to Strangers.

You wouldn’t give someone on the street your credit card number or access to your bank account right? That same prudence is needed in all areas of life- the telephone, the internet, and at your kid’s school. Scams are easily avoided if we remain alert and cautious. Learn how to not make yourself vulnerable to the many tricks and ruses of the 21st century scammer by learning what scams are ‘out there.’

Internet Scams

It seems that everyday a new internet scam pops up. Some of the more recent ones include the E-Greeting Card scam- a scam designed to extract personal information from your email and your computer while you are viewing the e-card, and use it for mail fraud, or annoying spam mail or telemarketing; Password Security/Verification scam- this goes a step further, you are asked to enter your password and a security question/answer to secure your online passwords from hackers, but the truth is that you are giving hackers access to your computer, email etc by entering and re-entering your password.

Finally, the most recent scams have to do with online job searches. You post your resume on a website and are contacted by email from a ‘vibrant new company’ who are eagerly setting up an interview for you in which you will be tested on knowledge about the company exclusively available for you to purchase with your credit card online. They tempt you with a hefty salary and it is only two weeks and zero interviews later that you realize no such company exists. You’ve been scammed.

Telephone Scams

These are generally of the same nature. You receive a phone call from a friendly-sounding operator telling you that there was a problem with your credit card/ bank account/ package at the post-office etc. and that you need to answer a few questions to get it up and running again. You are grateful for the call thinking that you were saved some future embarrassment but, think for a second. Most banks and related institutions require you to come into their office with a valid ID to sort out any problems. This woman on the phone then is probably just trying to buy a pair of designer shoes courtesy of you!

Sympathy Scams

These are varying in kind and usually involve someone in need of desperate help and only your money can help them. The Nigerian Scam is where, persons pretend that a relative of theirs has died leaving them money and the only way they can receive it is if it is sent through an American bank account. Suddenly, the person has access to your bank account and you are suddenly the contributing relative. Here’s something you can tell them: Western Union is available in Nigeria!

Say No to Strangers!

A sure-fire way of avoiding a scam is to not speak to strangers. Don’t open mail from a sender you don’t recognize, don’t loan money to a person you don’t know personally, and don’t give out private information unless you can see where it is going. Don’t talk to strangers!

Do you know of any other scams that are used to target Baby Boomers? Tell us at BoomerYearbook.

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