Internet & Email Scams ::: Tips to Avoid Being Scammed



	Tips to Avoid a Scam: 1. The Golden Rule When an offer seems too good to be true, it probably is. 2. Keep Personal Info Private Never give your bank account, social security, or credit card numbers to anyone you don’t know and trust. 3. Avoid High Pressure Sales Say no to any offer or deal that is only available right now. 4. Never Pay for a Prize If you are offered a prize but are asked to pay a “processing fee” or “taxes in advance,”it is likely a scam. You shouldn’t have to pay anything to win a free prize. If you’re still not sure whether it's a scam, call our Scam Hotline at (858) 715-1648.				Scam Menu: Internet & Email Scams Tips to Avoid Being Scammed The advent of the Internet and email has made life more complex in some ways and more convenient in other ways. Information is at our fingertips and it is easier than ever to keep in touch with family and friends. But, it is also easier than ever for scammers to get your information. Here are some of the scams to look out for: Nigerian Letter Scam Phishing Fake Storefronts Work from Home Cheap Rx from Canada Nigerian Letter Scam A common scam is known as the “Nigerian letter.” It acquired its name from its alleged country of origin. Today, however, letters of this sort claim to be from any corner of the world. The letter will claim to be from a foreign politician, member of a royal family, a pastor of a Christian church or even a U.S. solider abroad. Their reason for needing your help varies, but usually they will tell you of hardship, tyranny and lawlessness in a war-torn country. As a result of these circumstances, they will explain that they are looking to move money out of their country to the United States. They claim that if you assist them by providing your bank information, you will receive part of the riches. Please do not fall for this scam. If you provide your bank account number, in all likelihood, your bank account will be emptied and you will receive nothing for your troubles. Be aware, the most recent version involves a U.S. soldier bringing home gold from Saddam Hussein’s palace—this is a scam. Phishing Any unsolicited email trying to get personal information from the recipient is considered “phishing.” Many times these emails look like they are from legitimate banks or credit card companies when in fact, they are cleverly designed attempts to gain your bank account information, your social security number and/or other personal information. Emails received from unknown sources or from people other than friends and family should always be considered suspect until proven otherwise. Banks, credit card companies, and the IRS will not email you requesting personal information. If you receive an email that looks to be from your bank, do not follow the link in the email, unless it is an email you were expecting. Instead, go to the bank home page and log into your account from there. Your personal information can also be sought in pop-up ads. If you believe you are being “phished” do not open the email or click on the link in the email or pop-up. No bank will seek to confirm your account information by email or pop-up. If you are asked to do so, you are being scammed. For more information on phishing, go to On Guard, Online, a government website. Fake Storefronts Online shopping can be fun, convenient and efficient. But, beware the fake storefront. Scammers may create websites boasting huge discounts on popular merchandise. Problems arise when you place an order and either get something other than what you ordered, something of a lower quality than you were expecting, or nothing at all. Sites like this often appear for a short period of time and then disappear. There is very little recourse in these situations because it is next to impossible to track down the scammers. The same goes for individuals posting ads for good or services on such sites as Craigslist. Do not provide payment for an item until you have seen it in person and have met the seller in person. If the seller refuses to meet with you or show you what you are purchasing, chances are they just want your money and have no intention of following through with the item. Work from Home During this tough economic downturn, a lot of people are looking for new ways to make money. So are the scammers. Work from home offers are everywhere and often sound too good to be true. They are. If you are asked to pay for the software or other supplies needed to begin work, you are being scammed. Another aspect of work at home scams involves the stealing of your identity. These scammers use the names of big companies to hide behind and to ease your concerns in order to gain your personal information. You should not provide your social security number or bank account information to someone you have only talked with through email or over the phone. A real company requires you to complete paperwork in person. If you are asked to provide this sensitive information by email or on a website, make sure to investigate it thoroughly before you do so. Otherwise, you will likely be a victim of identity theft. Cheap Rx from Canada If you have an email address, you have undoubtedly received offers for cheap prescription drugs. Because prescription can be so expensive, an inexpensive source can be enticing. Unfortunately, these offers are rarely, if ever, legitimate. It is just one more way for scammers to get your personal information and run up your credit card bills. For further information, feel free to call Elder Law and Advocacy’s newest nonprofit program Senior Shield at their Scam Hotline (858) 715-1648 for advice and helpful resources. Scam Menu: