Scams & Your Security -- Pause and Research Before Doing Anything!

​Scams & Your Security
 
Can you imagine getting a call from someone impersonating a loved one saying they have been kidnapped or have been in a tragic accident? Then they ask you to send money to help them. That is exactly what Scammers are doing now. They impersonate and mimic your child or loved one’s voice. It is their voice! AI Technology makes it possible.
 
My family has a code word; just in case someone tries to scam us. Security/Alarm system companies use a passcode to validate that you live at the residence where an alarm is going off. If you don’t know the code the Police are dispatched. You can also ask the Scammer an important detail that would not be common knowledge. It is always important to pause before doing anything rash with your money.
 
I attended the 2023 American Association of Daily Money Managers conference in Chattanooga November 10 – 12th 2023.  I learned a lot about scams from a Retired Police Officer that had worked in the Financial Exploitation department.  It was so sad to listen to the horror stories he told us.
 
The most upsetting exploitation story was about an Elderly Couple and their Grandson. The Grandson convinced his Grandparents to add him to the deed of their house. He eventually SOLD their home without their knowledge or consent. He arranged to pick up the Grandparents when prospective buyers were touring their home. The couple lost their California home AND their relationship with their Grandson.
 
Social engineering scams: Text Messages becoming more prevalent
 
According to Conversationally Security Blog post dated Oct. 4, 2023
 
Social engineering is when scammers use deception to obtain personal information from an individual and use it for fraudulent purposes. Test your security knowledge by taking Ally Bank’s quiz. Click the link above to discover the latest scams.
Ally’s bank blog illustrates a provoking example: you have a family, your super busy, and you are making dinner. You get a text from your Utility company stating your payment is late. You are relieved that they are “so nice” to remind you. You click the link and give them your personal information. A few hours later you deeply regret it. Pause! Scammers catch us off guard and yes you don’t have to be in your 80’s or 90’s to fall victim to scammers. Have you ever received a Text from this biller before? Log in or call that provider directly. Never enter your information through a link.