by Jeremy Shipley
Scammers have figured out countless ways to cheat you out of your money over the phone. In some scams, they act friendly and helpful. In others, they might threaten or try to scare you. One thing you can count on is that a phone scammer will try to get your money or your personal information to commit identity theft. People lose a lot of money to phone scams — sometimes their life savings. Don’t fall victim.
There has been a large increase in phone scams and emails for our area the past few weeks. Scammers pretending to be Amazon, your banker, law enforcement with a warrant, insurance, IRS, a family member in jail, FedEx, UPS, amongst countless other things. Be aware and alert to ANY phone calls or emails that are asking or requesting personal and financial information. The vast majority of these crimes lead back to foreign countries.
Protect yourself. Hang-up and block the number. Don’t answer phone calls where you don’t recognize the number. Don’t respond to emails or open attachments that you don’t recognize.
Legitimate business calls, friends, and family members will understand.
