Imagine getting a phone call from your bank. The bank’s name is listed on the caller ID with the correct phone number. They know key details about youâyour name, your account numbers, maybe even your Social Security number or mother’s maiden name.
They warn you that you have fallen victim to a financial scam. But the plot twist is that they are the scammers!
YOUR FAMILY COULD BE ONE PHONE CALL FROM A BANK SCAM
This is happening across the country at an alarming rate.
Technology can help increase our productivity, but it also can boost scammers by enabling increasingly sophisticated tactics that allow them to impersonate companies, access sensitive information, and create a panic that causes even the savviest people to unwittingly help them complete their scams.
FRAUD EXPERT WARNS AI IS HELPING CRIMINALS OUTPACE THE GOVERNMENT: ‘DON’T HAVE THE RIGHT TOOLS’
So, how can you protect yourself from these growing scams, including those in which the scammer is impersonating your bank?
If you see your bank, credit card company, Amazon, Microsoft, or any other company with whom you do business calling, and you aren’t immediately expecting that call, do not answer your phone.
Scammers are “spoofing” phone numbers so that the phone number shows up on your phone with the name of a big company even though they are not affiliated with it. Sometimes, it even shows the correct phone number even though they are calling from another number.
If you don’t answer your phone, you take away a huge tool for scammers: their ability to create urgency and panic. When you are told that you are the subject of fraud, that your money is at risk, or something similar, and you need to take action, you panic.
APPLE PAY TEXT SCAM THREATENS $8,250 LOSS IN 35 MINUTES
In a state of panic, you do not think clearly, and this can lead you to take actions that you would never undertake in a calm state.
I personally suggest not answering any phone calls. If you receive a call, try calling the person or business back using the number in your contacts if they leave a message.
AMAZON’S ALEXA CAN NOW VERIFY SUSPICIOUS MESSAGES
If you get a voicemail message about an issue (such as supposedly being the victim of a scam) or a text or email, again, do not panic.
Instead, find a trusted touchpoint.
THE SCAM TEXT TEST: SPOT DANGER BEFORE YOU TAP
For banks, credit card companies, and other financial providers, find their phone number on the back of your bank card or on an old paper statement that you know is legitimate.
You can also go to their website and look for a phone number or customer service email address.
HI MOM TEXT SCAM: HOW TO SPOT FAKE EMERGENCY TEXTS
This puts you in control of the contact, and you can safely find out if there is legitimately an issue or if you have been contacted by a scammer.
Controlling the contact instead of letting the scammer be in cont
