Thank you AARP!! There are some advantages to getting older and the info I just received from AARP is something everyone should be aware of. Read more from AARP on Phone Scams!
The IRS scam
The voice on the other end of the line claims to be an IRS criminal investigator. Arrest is imminent if you don’t immediately pay thousands of dollars in back taxes. Individuals are instructed to put $500 on multiple iTunes gift cards and give up the 16-digit codes. Don’t be fooled. The IRS would never ask a taxpayer to buy iTunes cards for any reason.
Computer Caper
Internet scam artists create little boxes that pop up on your computer screen, telling you that you have a virus and need to call for technical support. Don’t believe it. Computer companies never notify customers of a problem through pop-ups, unless it is from virus-protection software that you installed.
The Fake Sheriff
You get a call from someone posing as a sheriff’s deputy claiming you’ve missed jury duty and owe the county a $1,000 fine. Pay immediately, the caller says, or you will go to jail. Rest assured, no sheriff or court will call you and demand payment like this for missing jury duty. If you get this call, hang up, then call the police and report it.
Lottery Fraud
A con artist calls and tells you that you have won the Australian (or Jamaican) lottery. All you have to do to collect is wire $1,500. Don’t do it. Lotteries never call to give money to people who haven’t even bought a ticket.
Credit Card Con
You get a call from your bank that there is a problem with your account. To straighten it out they need your account number, date of birth and the last four digits of your Social Security number. Hang up. This is a scam to get information to hack your account.
AARP has other suggestions:
Don’t let crooks scare you off from answering a call.
1. Do some research. Google the salesperson and company before you buy. Explore their reputations thoroughly. If you can’t locate solid information, walk away.
2. Don’t react out of fear. No matter how threatening or urgent their script, do not act immediately. Always hang up and give yourself time to think it over and check them out.
3. Trust your instincts. If a caller sounds fishy, hang up. The chances of losing out on a great deal are much less than losing your nest egg.
My husband and I are so tired of the ridiculous calls that are scams or ones asking for donations (we do no donation promises by phone—we will consider only if info is mailed to us) that we rarely answer our phone at home.
Our phones are supposed to keep us connected to those we love, to receive and make calls for appointments, etc….not for opportunities for scam artists to upset us or make us reluctant to answer calls.
I hope the knowledge shared here by AARP will empower you to hang up on these scam calls and/or report them!
Here At UltaLife We Believe in ULTIMATE Living-
Nourishing Your Body, Mind & Spirit.
Are you an UltaLifer? Learn about the many supplements designed to make you stronger and healthier!
Click Here to check out all of our great products.