It is so discouraging that despite constant cautionary warnings about scams and scammers, all too many people who let their guard down continue to be victimized by them.
Recently, one such scam happened in Sartell. Someone was working on their computer when the screen seemed to go haywire. A message appeared that said the computer had been hacked and to call a number to remedy the problem. The person called the number. The one who answered claimed to be a Microsoft employee and told the caller in order to fix the serious problem, to go to the bank, withdraw a large amount of money, then go to a crypto currency machine and put the money in there. The gullible victim did so, and the scammer (crook) got the money. And, sorry to say, it was lots of money!
Computers and emails alike can be veritable mine fields for scamming schemes.
Here are some vital tips to avoid being gulled by computer scams:
As in the above case, do not open online programs or offers that look suspicious. If you do by accident, do not call a number as requested. If you do anyway, do NOT send any money to anyone or anything, and do NOT give any banking information or Social Security number. If you do receive snoopy requests, hang up the phone!
That goes for all scams: Never ever give out personal or financial numbers or any other information for that matter.
Beware of threat calls, such as one supposedly from a law officer demanding payment for this or that or else you will be jailed or lose your home. Or that a grandchild is being held in jail, so send bail money immediately to free that child.
Police stations, hospitals, Social Security, Medicare and other legitimate agencies do not make phone calls demanding money or asking for personal financial information. Always keep that uppermost in mind.
Any unsolicited calls and requests (ones you yourself did not initiate) should be ignored with a brisk hang-up. Even calls asking you to contribute to charity can sometimes be scam schemes. If you want to contribute to this or that charity, you yourself should initiate the contribution by writing or calling that particular charity.
It’s often said, “If it sounds too good to be true, it is” Some scam callers or Internet offers will claim you won a fabulous trip or a big-ticket item like a car. Then they’ll try to wheedle and cajole banking information out of you. Don’t fall for it!
Report every scam or scam attempt immediately to the police and/or sheriff departments.
It’s a shame that more and more in our plugged-in electronic age, we have to be so suspicious, so leery so often. But, like it or not, it’s become a fact of life, a form of survival tactic.
To learn more about scams, google “Scams” online. You will find all kinds of advice on how to avoid them, how not to fall for them. Share the tips you learn with family and friends, and encourage them to pass along those tips.
And remember most of all the two cardinal tips: Never give personal or banking information if someone requests it online or on the phone. And never – NEVER! – send money even if the crooked caller threatens you with some form of doom or damnation.
