Whether it's fake checks, bogus products and services, or identity theft, it seems as if there's always someone out there trying to make money at the expense of the “good guys”.1. If it sounds too good to be true…it probably is too good to be true!
2. Always memorize PIN numbers. Do not write them on cards. hield them when entering and never share passwords or PINs!
3. Carefully review all statements upon receipt. You may limit your liability for unauthorized transactions by reporting them immediately.
4. Only transact online with reputable companies. Look for https in the web address and the secure padlock. Beware that the “bad guys” sometimes re-route you to fictitious websites to steal information. Check out merchants with the Better Business Bureau (http://www.bbb.org/) before transacting. Sign up for MasterCard ® Secure Code ™ and Verified by VISA for extra protection with online transactions.
5. Beware of fake check schemes. They come under many guises. Bogus checks can be used to pay for something you're selling, such as a used car. Or someone might contact you about a "work at home" opportunity or a lottery or sweepstakes that you supposedly won. You may be asked to be a Secret Shopper. Then the “bad guys” might use a fake check to pay you, with instructions to deposit it and then wire a portion of the proceeds to another party, perhaps to pay "required" fees or taxes. In many cases, these scams involve what appear to be certified checks. Before depositing a check from an unfamiliar source, check with the institution whose name appears on it. And because the contact information on the check could belong to the scammer, search for the financial institution's phone number and address separately.
6. Beware of phishing, vishing, spoofing schemes. Scammers use e-mail messages, phone calls, and other ways to trick people into revealing their passwords, credit-card and Social Security numbers, and other personal information they can use to steal identities, open credit lines, and the like. Don't respond to e-mail messages or phone calls asking for your passwords or other personal information, no matter how urgent the appeal or how legitimate it may look. Instead, contact your credit union, bank or other party to see if it made the request.
7. Avoid computer viruses and malware. Keep your computer's antivirus, antiphishing and antimalware software up-to-date. Never click on hyperlinks you receive in e-mail messages until you investigate and never download files from unknown sources or websites.8. Requests to wire funds. A call may come from a family member, perhaps someone who identifies himself as your grandson, saying he needs help. The story might be that he was in an accident or arrested while traveling outside the country and needs you to wire emergency money, often outside of the United States. Don't send money to anyone without verifying his or her identity.
0 comments:
Post a Comment