New Scam Alert: How to Protect Yourself from the Latest Scam
As the holiday season comes to a close, scammers are shifting their tactics to target victims in a new way. With the recent uptick in online scams, it’s essential for teens to be aware of these malicious activities and take steps to protect themselves.
What’s the Latest Scam?
The latest scam involves phone calls and texts from scammers claiming to be from reputable companies or government agencies. They’re designed to trick victims into revealing sensitive information, such as credit card numbers, social security numbers, or passwords. These calls are often accompanied by threats of legal action, fines, or even imprisonment if the victim doesn’t comply with the scammer’s demands.
How to Identify a Scam
Not all calls or texts are scams, but there are some red flags to watch out for:
- Unsolicited calls or messages
- Pressure to make a quick decision or provide sensitive information
- Poor grammar, spelling, or inconsistent company logos or branding
- Demands for payment or personal information
How to Protect Yourself
Stay safe from scammers by following these simple steps:
Be Cautious with Calls and Texts
- Never answer calls or respond to texts from unknown numbers or unfamiliar phone numbers.
- Let calls from unknown numbers go to voicemail, and review them later to determine if they’re legitimate.
- Block or report suspicious numbers to your phone provider.
Verify Information
- Always verify the authenticity of calls or texts by contacting the company or government agency directly. Use the company’s official website, phone number, or physical address to confirm.
- Be wary of generic greetings, such as "This is the Social Security Administration" or "This is the Federal Trade Commission." Legitimate organizations will always have a specific agent’s name and badge number.
Keep Your Information Private
- Never give out sensitive information, such as credit card numbers, social security numbers, or passwords, over the phone or through text messages.
- Use strong, unique passwords and consider using a password manager to keep track of your login credentials.
- Be cautious when using public Wi-Fi or public computers, as they may be compromised.
Stay Informed
- Stay up-to-date on the latest scams by following your local news, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) on social media.
- Report any suspicious calls or texts to the FTC or your local authorities.
Conclusion
Staying safe from scams requires a combination of awareness, caution, and proactive measures. By recognizing the red flags, verifying information, keeping your information private, and staying informed, you can protect yourself from these malicious activities. Remember, it’s always better to be safe than sorry, and taking these simple steps can help you avoid falling victim to scammers.
FAQs
Q: What should I do if I receive a suspicious call or text?
A: Let the call go to voicemail, and review the message later to determine if it’s legitimate. If it’s a text, don’t respond and report it to your phone provider.
Q: How can I verify a company’s authenticity?
A: Contact the company directly using their official website, phone number, or physical address.
Q: What should I do with my sensitive information?
A: Never give out sensitive information over the phone or through text messages. Use strong, unique passwords, and consider using a password manager to keep track of your login credentials.
Q: How can I report a scam?
A: Report suspicious calls or texts to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) or your local authorities.
