We’ve seen an uptick in scam callers, texts, emails, & pop-ups lately, which means you’ve probably been feeling it too. With that in mind, we came up with 3 tips & extra resources to help you protect yourself from scammers!

 

#1 STRANGER DANGER

When you get a call, or text from a number you don’t know, it’s tempting to answer to answer STOP, but ANY response tells scam centers there’s a responsive human at the end of that phone number & often results in MORE spam. Even clicking unsubscribe links in emails can be risky. Delete the text, or let the phone call go to voicemail. If it’s legitimate, they will leave a message, & you can call them back. That said, if you’re calling someone, please leave a voicemail so the recipient can call you back. (I’m looking at you, millenials.)

 

#2 FALSE ALARM

You are your most vulnerable when panicking. Scammers create false emergencies to scare you into doing what they want, often with urgency, so you don’t stop & think. Sometimes it’s a call saying there’s a warrant for your arrest. Sometimes it’s a web page saying your computer is infected. Sometimes, it’s a new phone number saying they’re a stranded family member (or coworker) borrowing a phone & need money to get an uber. Stop. Think. Turn off your computer, or hang up, & call the person/business directly to check.

 

#3 QUICK QUESTION

A lot of companies use security questions to recover passwords. Scams may acquire these answers in sneaky ways. Quizzes like “What’s your spirit animal?” or “What kind of cheese are you?” seem innocent enough, but could be loaded with common security questions. Similarly, if you’re job hunting, some “Personality Quizzes” come up with similar questions. Even innocent looking games can be hiding these sort of things. Be vigilant!

 

Bonus – STAY CALM, BE SAFE

You’re smarter than you think you are! Stay educated, especially as AI and technology are advancing like crazy. If you think you’ve been scammed, or want to learn more about common scams & services available to further protect yourself, you can visit the Crime Prevention page at the Billings website, & even download their list of “Common Scams” HERE