While we’ve been busy with the holidays, it appears thieves from around the world have been busy devising new ways to steal from people. Here are some of the latest ill-begotten schemes we’ve heard about, and suggestions for how you can sidestep these skimming and phishing scams:
Skimming Scams
“Skimming” is the illegal use of credit card reading devices. Criminals “skim” a credit card terminal a person recently swiped, and then use their card information for theft.
The Better Business Bureau warns of a new and brazen spin on the skimming scheme: the Delivery Scam. In this scam, a criminal posing as a delivery person asks the target for their credit card, claiming it’s needed to verify the recipient’s information or for paying a nominal “verification fee”. The “delivery” person plugs the info into a handheld scanner and the scam is complete.
How to avoid Skimming scams:
Do not to give your credit card or debit card to anyone at your door. Credit cards aren’t used to verify age, and you shouldn’t ever have to pay a fee to receive a package. Avoid using debit cards anywhere where a criminal could have access to the card reading device, such as a gas station.
Phishing Scams
Phishing scams are often designed to get your password information. Once a criminal has your password, they can gain access to your account. Worse, they can gain access to other accounts you’ve used the same sign-on information for.
Phishing scams can come in many forms: In e-mails, phone calls, or online. They can be very sophisticated: scamsters calling on the phone can impersonate credit, banking, collections companies the IRS, or even the sheriff’s department. Fake websites called “spoofed” websites can look very much like the real thing.
How to avoid Phishing scams:
Awareness is the key to avoid falling prey to phishers. The Anti-Phishing Working Group (an association focused on eliminating the fraud and identity theft) offers the following suggestions:
- Be suspicious of any email with urgent requests for personal financial information.
- Do not use the links in an email to get to any web page.
- Avoid completing forms in email messages that ask for personal financial information.
- Be sure to use a secure web site when submitting credit card or other sensitive information.
- Regularly check bank, credit card, and debit card statements to ensure all transactions are legitimate.
- Make sure your computer’s web browser is up to date and all security patches are applied.
It’s important to be vigilant about protecting yourself from these newer forms of identity theft. Keep your eyes and ears open when using your home computer to complete transactions, and when you receive any kind of solicitation, whether online, by e-mail, by phone or at your doorstep. It’s good to be aware of the new and different ways people are getting taken advantage of. The San Diego District Attorney’s Office puts out regular alerts on the types of scams reported to them. You can view them here: http://www.sdcda.org/preventing/alerts-advisories.html.
For more things you can do to protect yourself, give your Blankinship & Foster financial advisors a call. May you have a happy, healthy, and safe New Year!
