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As the internet evolves, criminals are presented with new opportunities and methods to commit cybercrime and scams. These crimes continue to develop in complexity, however, recognizing a scam is the first step in preventing yourself from becoming a victim. Pasco Sheriff’s Office is sharing tips and information to prevent you from becoming a target of these types of scams.
Criminals often apply similar practices to various scams. Being aware of the red flags can help you identify a scam before becoming a victim. Common red flags to identify a scam include:
• Scammers pretending to be from an official organization. Scammers commonly use the name of a legitimate organization such as the IRS, Medicare, a utility company, charity or even PSO. If you receive a phone call you think may be a scam, hang up and call the number listed online for that business instead. This ensures you’re speaking with the actual organization, not a scammer.
• Scams commonly acknowledge a problem or a price. Scammers may say you owe money, someone you know is in trouble and they are contacting you on their behalf, there’s a virus on your computer, there’s a problem with your account, or you won something but need to pay a fee to receive your prize. If it’s a phone call, end it immediately. You can always call the publicly listed number for the organization to verify the information is true before engaging in the scam.
• Scammers will stress pressure to act immediately in a scam. Legitimate businesses and organizations will never pressure you to decide or provide personal information. Earnest collection attempts are traditionally sent in writing with a due date, along with a valid account number you can match from prior records or invoices.
• Specific payment methods are demanded in scams. Usually, scammers will demand gift card payments or a money transfer to avoid tracing transactions. Unlike genuine bills or invoices, companies collecting a fair balance will share multiple payment methods for funds as well as methods tendering payment.
Scammers have honed their techniques through the years to try to catch as many victims as possible. Fortunately, these simple steps may save you from becoming a scammer’s next victim.
Discuss these scam red flags with your friends and family to help protect each other, especially seniors, who are a scammer’s most common target. If you believe you’re a victim of a scam, report it to local law enforcement immediately.
Pasco Sheriff’s Office
727-844-7705
“A good character is the best tombstone. Those who loved you and were helped by you will remember you when forget-me-nots have withered. Carve your name on hearts, not on marble.”
– Charles Spurgeon
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