QAC Aging and Transportation

Welcome back to the QAC Aging and Transportation Newsletter for the month of October!

Scam Watch

Stay up to date with the latest news on scams, fraud alerts, and telemarketing hazards. Check back every month to help educate yourself on potential dangers and how to best handle them. To learn more, please visit the FDIC Consumer Resource Center.

Four Signs That It's a Scam

Scams come in many forms—some quick and simple, others complex and drawn out over weeks, or months, that aim to steal thousands of dollars from victims. Regardless of the method, most scams share common warning signs. Learning to recognize these warning signs can help you spot fraud more easily and remain calm when encountering them.

_{Scammers PRETEND to be from an organization you know.}

• Scammers often pretend to be contacting you on behalf of the government or other large organization/Corportation. They might use a real name, like the FTC, Social Security Administration, Amazon, Walmart, a utility company, a charity asking for donations, Medicare, or make up a name that sounds official. They use technology to change their phone number to appear on your caller ID to appear legitimate.

_{Scammers say there is a PROBLEM or a PRIZE.}

• The individual might say you're in trouble with the government, that you owe money, that a virus is on your computer, or that someone in your family has had an emergency. When impersonating banks, they often say that there is a problem with one of your accounts and need to verify information.
• Others will lie and say that you have won a lottery or sweepstakes but need to pay a fee before you are able to get it.

_{Scammers PRESSURE you to act immediately.}

• Scammers want you to act before you have time to think through what is happening. If you're on the phone, they might tell you not to hang up, or that if you do, something bad will happen. This stops you from verifying the legitimacy of their call with other people or checking the internet for more information.
• Common threats are legal action, arrest, revoking a drivers or business license, or deportation. They may also warn that a computer or electronic device will be permanently corrupted. 

_{Scammers tell you to PAY in a certain way.}

• These individuals often insist that you can only pay using methods that are hard to trace and impossible to get your money back through. Things like cryptocurrency, wiring money through your bank or western union, using a payment app like Zell or PayPal, or purchasing gift cards and having you tell them the numbers on the back.
• Another common source of fraud with PRIZE scams is receiving a check to deposit (that will later turn out to be fake), then telling you to send them their "fee" before the check can clear, proving it as fake.

Ways to Combat Scammers.

• When pressured by a caller to make an immediate decision, ask them for their name and a number to call them back at and hang up. If they threaten or pressure you into not hanging up, it's more than likely a scam.
  • If the individual called representing a company, government agency or some other business, search for the organization online and call the number listed on their website. When speaking with whoever picks up, explain the situation and ask if the name and phone number provided to you are legitimate.
• NEVER provide your personal or financial information over the phone to someone who calls you unless you are certain they are legitimate or were expecting the call.
• Only use certified methods of payment on websites or when paying for services. Speak with a trusted banking representative to learn more.
• When in doubt, get help. Ask a family member, trusted friend or advisor when you aren't sure if a call or email is legitimate. The sender/caller will understand if you would like to verify their identity and are often willing to wait when talking with someone you trust.

What to Do if You Get Scammed.

• Notify your bank or payment platform and ask them to reverse the charge.
• Ask a trusted friend or advisor for advice and help.
• File a police report.
• File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission or call 1-877-FTC-HELP (382-4357).
• If you believe you are the victim of an Internet crime, or if you are aware of an Internet crime, you can file a complaint with the Federal Bureau of Investigation's (FBI) Internet Crime Complaint Center at ic3.gov.