“It’s a trap!”
That simple, three word phrase is quite possibly one of the most memorable (and re-used) lines from the Star Wars franchise. That single line, voiced by Admiral Ackbar in Return of the Jedi. The line has since found its way into all subsequent films in the franchise and has become the basis for one of the World Wide Web’s most used memes.
That line popped into my head last week, when I learned that someone had filed an unemployment claim using my identity. Now, I can assure you, I am 100 percent fully employed, and would not have a filed a claim with the Texas Workforce Commission due to being “permanently laid off.” Everyone knows that for as long as there has been extra money to be had by claiming unemployment benefits, the scammers have been out in force, working to get money that we hard-working Americans aren’t able to obtain. Learning I had been the victim of identity theft got me to thinking about the numerous scams that seem to be going around right now.
The same day I learned of the fraudulent TWC claim in my name, a friend of mine received a call from Amazon that someone had tried to charge an iPhone 11 on her account. After telling her she needed to give them her bank account information to clear everything up, she hung up and called (the REAL) Amazon; yep, it was a scam.
Though these two are some of the most popular scams right now, it seems, there are so many others. From the “IRS” calling to tell you there is a warrant for your arrest and claims against your social security, to people wanting you to send prepaid VISA cards to settle a debt you don’t really have, there seems to be as many scams as there are people on Earth. But, despite the number of scams out there, there are some tricks and trips to make sure you don’t fall in those traps.
The Better Business Bureau offers these ten tips to keep from falling victim to the many scams:
1. Never send money via gift card or wire transfer to someone you have never met face-to-face. Seriously, just don’t ever do it. If they ask you to use wire transfer, a prepaid debit card, or a gift card, those cannot be traced and are as good as cash. Chances are, you won’t see your money again. See the FTC video on how scammers try to convince you to pay. If someone is trying to convince you to pay this way, stop, get off the phone or the computer, and file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Report the activity to BBB Scam Tracker.
2. Avoid clicking on links or opening attachments in unsolicited emails. Links, if clicked, will download malware onto your computer, smart phone, tablet or whatever electronic device you’re using at the time allowing cyberthieves to steal your identity. Be cautious even with email that looks familiar; it could be fake. Instead, delete it if looks unfamiliar and block the sender.
3. Don’t believe everything you see. Scammers are great at mimicking official seals, fonts, and other details. Just because a website or email looks official does not mean that it is. Caller ID is commonly faked.
4. Double check your online purchase is secure before checking out. Look for the “https” in the URL (the extra s is for “secure”) and a small lock icon on the address bar. Better yet, before shopping on the website, make certain you are on the site you intended to visit. Check out the company first at BBB. org. Read reviews about the quality of the merchandise, and make sure you are not buying cheap and/or counterfeit goods. Look for a brick and mortar address listing on the website itself and a working phone number. Take an extra step and call the number if it is a business you are not familiar with.
5. Use extreme caution when dealing with anyone you’ve met online. Scammers use dating websites, Craigslist, social media, and many other sites to reach potential targets. They can quickly feel like a friend or even a romantic partner, but that is part of the con for you to trust them.
6. Never share personally identifiable information with someone who has contacted you unsolicited, whether it’s over the phone, by email, on social media, even at your front door. This includes banking and credit card information, your birthdate, and Social Security/Social Insurance numbers.
7. Resist the pressure to act immediately. Shady actors typically try to make you think something is scarce or a limited time offer. They want to push victims to make a decision right now before even thinking through, asking family members, friends or financial advisors. Sometimes, they’ll advise to avoid contacting anyone and to just trust them. While high-pressure sales tactics are also used by some legitimate businesses, it typically isn’t a good idea to make an important decision quickly.
8. Use secure and traceable transactions. Do not pay by wire transfer, prepaid money card, gift card, or other non-traditional payment method (see number one above). Say no to cash-only deals, high pressure sales tactics, high upfront payments, overpayments, and handshake deals without a contract. Read all of the small print on the contract and make sure to understand what the terms are.
9. Whenever possible, work with local businesses. Ask that they have proper identification, licensing, and insurance, especially contractors who will be coming into your home or anyone dealing with your money or sensitive information. Review Business Profiles at BBB.org to see what other people have experienced.
10. Be cautious about what you share on social media. Consider only connecting with people you already know. Check the privacy settings on all social media and online accounts. Imposters often get information about their targets from their online interactions, and can make themselves sound like a friend or family member because they know so much about you. Then, update and change passwords to passphrases on a regular basis on all online accounts.
When Admiral Akbar made his famous line, he had realized that the rebel forces were heading directly into a trap set by the Galactic Empire. They saw a wide-open opportunity to attack that surely must have seemed too good to true. Much like the Rebels, we have the “traps” set by scammers every day. Just remember: keep your personal information private, don’t ever send money to an unknown just because they told you too, and, above all else, if it seems too good to be true, it probably is! Remember the tips and tricks listed above, or, like Admiral Ackbar, you might be saying “It’s a trap!”