Crooks use clever schemes to defraud millions every year. They often combine sophisticated technology with age old tricks to get people to send money and give out personal information. They will add new twists to old schemes and pressure people to make important decisions on the spot. The scammers rely on you to act quickly, for if you were to think about the situation long enough , you would use reasoning. This is why they use emotion, emotion clouds reasoning. One thing that never changes—-they follow the headlines and the money. This is why they read the obituary notices, and it gives them the information they want to complete their scams.
Some people still seem amazed that anyone “could fall for these scams.” According to the Federal Trade Commission, it is not a matter of intelligence; these opportunists use “shock and emotion” to reel you in. Then, the “urgent factor” as; your grandson is in imminent danger, you must send the money for a lawyer NOW!
Your bundling service, or even your electrical service will be interrupted unless you call the number, and make a payment NOW! In another scenario, you will loose your chance at the winnings if you do not reply (and send the money to pay the taxes on your winnings) NOW!
The remarkable copy of icons and or logos of businesses or agencies are convincing.
Be suspicious of unsolicited offers to “speed up” or make repairs to your personal computer. Ask yourself how are they know how “slow” your computer is?
Never enter an UNKNOWN site, an offer (you have not solicited) to “click here for…” no matter how enticing or interesting.
The Scam Squad was alerted by a resident concerned with all the scam mail he was receiving. WE suggested that he access the Direct Marketing Association at (www.thedma.org) or write to the DMA at: Mail Preference Service, Direct Marketing Association, P.O. BOX282, CARMEL, N.Y. 10512. This will eliminate “Junk Mail” which may include scam mail. Your name may be sold on an illegal “scam list”—so you must remember “they follow the headlines.” If you read about changes in Medicare in the newspaper, be aware that the scammer will read it also, and you may receive a call from some “helpful” scammer, pretending to work for the government, wanting to help ensure that you continue to receive your benefits….HANG UP!