Dear Neighbor,

Millions fall victim to scam artists who use the internet and telephone to commit fraud. Make sure you are armed with the tools and knowledge to prevent criminals from taking advantage of you and your family:

1. Never give out your personal information to unknown businesses, organizations or people. Unless you are on a secured website of an organization you trust, do not give out vulnerable information (i.e. your social security number, bank account number, etc). If you are on the phone, make sure you can confirm that the person you are talking to is who they claim to be.
2. Avoid sending confidential information through email. Although it can be tempting, email servers are not 100% secure, which means that there is always a chance that your account can be hacked and your personal information exposed.
3. Only send money to people and legitimate organizations you trust. This is especially crucial to understand after a major disaster has occurred because scam artists will often times create fake charity pages and encourage people to donate to their “cause.” You can find out whether an organization or business is trustworthy by looking for costumer reviews online.
4. Remember that wiring money is like sending someone cash. Scam artists will typically ask people to wire them money because it is almost impossible to reverse or trace the transaction. Because of this, never agree to wire a stranger or suspicious seller money.
5. Do not click on links sent from e-mail addresses you do not recognize. Most of these links will lead you to an online form that asks you for your private information. In more extreme cases, these unknown links can, also, carry a computer virus that could put your computer, personal information and data at risk.
6. Be aware of Phishing and Vishing scams. Phishing is when a scam artist asks you to confirm confidential information directly through your email. Vishing is the same thing as Phishing, but it happens through a phone call, instead. The scammer will often times claim that one of your accounts has been compromised and that your account will be deactivated if you do not confirm the information listed. However, a claim like this will never come from a trustworthy source because a legitimate company would never ask you to confirm confidential information through email or phone.
7. Always talk to your doctor before buying health products or treatments. Some scam artists will try to use a person’s insecurities against them by promising extreme weight loss, healing, or other amazing results. These are often times lies, and the side effects of the products or treatments being pushed are often understated.
8. Be wary of online or phone investment opportunities. Remember that all investments come with risk, and that you should always take your time when researching possible investment options. Never trust someone who seems urgent to get you to invest immediately or someone who promises big profits at a little cost.
9. Nothing is ever free. If someone calls you or sends you an email claiming that you have won something grand, like a free travel package or trial offer, it is a scam.
10. Keep track of your bank statements. It is important to look at your bank statements regularly in order to ensure that all purchases being made with your account are made by you.

Sources: NCOA.org & USA.gov

As always, if you have any questions or concerns regarding any legislative or district business please feel free to call one of my offices. Remember that I work for you and my offices are here to help.

Sincerely,

Randy K. Weber