Latest Scam Methods
The Bank Impersonation Scam – In this scenario, scammers impersonate your bank using spoofed caller IDs. They falsely claim fraudulent activity on your account, then either trick you into sending payments (‘to reverse the fraud’) or ask for sensitive information to gain access and steal your money.
The Smishing Scam – Smishing, an SMS-based form of phishing, involves scammers impersonating legitimate organizations via text message. These communications often create a false sense of urgency, directing recipients to malicious links where payment information or personally identifiable data is solicited for fraudulent purposes.
The Social Media Deposit Refund Scam – Scammers who are impersonating artists on social media platforms entice victims with offers to purchase photographs. The scammers issue counterfeit checks and subsequently request a partial refund, often citing ‘supply’ costs. Despite the check appearing to clear initially, it is later identified as fraudulent by the bank. By this time, funds sent by the victim to the scammer cannot be recovered.
Here are steps you can take to protect yourself against these and other scams.
- Verify Phone Calls – Hang up on suspicious calls. Verify legitimacy by contacting the company using a number from their official website. For bank calls, always end the call and then dial the number on the back of your debit or credit card to be certain that you are actually communicating with your bank.
- Be Skeptical – Exercise skepticism toward unsolicited investment opportunities guaranteeing substantial returns. Prior to transferring funds, conduct due diligence using reputable sources to confirm the entity’s legitimacy. Exercise heightened caution if the arrangement requires cryptocurrency, as this is a common fraud tactic.
- Don’t Give Into Pressure and Urgency – Scammers employ urgency tactics, such as false account compromise alerts, service termination threats, or legal action claims, to bypass rational judgment. Always consult a trusted contact before acting on such demands. Legitimate entities provide written notices and due process. Legitimate companies and/or government agencies will never demand gift card payments. Never share gift card codes with strangers, as this is the equivalent of handing them cash.
- Never Send Money To People You Have Not Met In Person – Always exercise extreme caution toward online acquaintances soliciting funds or promoting investment opportunities, particularly those involving cryptocurrency. These scenarios represent very common social engineering fraud tactics.
Report vishing scams and other malicious cyber activity to the FBI’s IC3 and the NJCCIC. If you or someone you know is being physically threatened, then contact the police department or dial 9-1-1 immediately.
