When disposing of technology, avoid the risks of fraud

By ELLIOTT GREENBLOTT
It’s an inevitability today like life, death, and taxes: disposal of unused or replaced digital technology. As with the auto industry, technology giants like Apple and Samsung seduce us into purchasing new and “better” models with “must have” features. (I am a seductee, slave to technology). This form of seduction leaves us with the question — what to do with my old digital hardware: give it to a friend or relative, donate it, sell it, or recycle it? Many technology sellers not only offer recycling but will provide a small trade-in refund when you buying technology. We often forget that these gizmos and gadgets contain a wealth of personal data including tax returns, account statements, contacts, credit card numbers, passwords, email, travel information, photographs, browsing history. Put simply – YOU. 

Take a few steps before parting with that old computer, tablet, or cell phone. Perform a backup of files or information you do not want to lose including photographs and other media. Once you have copied these items, erase or “clean wipe” the hard drive. Most up to date operating systems provide built-in programs to accomplish this but using a free downloadable data destruction program may be a better option. Be certain that you have erased all partitions or sectors on the drive. (If possible, you may wish to remove and keep or destroy the drive) Restart the item to ensure that it was erased. 

Many legitimate tech businesses will offer free data erasing on exchanged or recycled technology but this is a process you should do personally before saying goodbye to your old hardware (Apple Computer will ask you to perform the erase process when you turn the item in at the store for exchange or recycle). While these businesses maybe trustworthy it is never safe to fully rely on them to perform this service. It is always risky to part with technology when your personal data may be intact. Similarly, if you are discarding a GPS device or parting with a GPS-equipped vehicle, erase all information stored in it. The information could be used by a criminal to target your home for a break-in.

Current Fraud Alerts in Northern and Western New England

1. Utility Scams – The intended victim receives an ominous telephone call about electrical power disconnection unless there is immediate bill payment by gift card or money order. These scam calls rely on fear and intimidation as well as the lack of consumer knowledge regarding the law. Power companies do not make calls like this and are legally bound to follow disconnection policies established in law. Report the call to your power company using its published telephone number and notify your State consumer protection department (New Hampshire – 603-271-3643; Vermont – 800-649-2424)

2. Gift Card Scams – The holiday season is accompanied by a increase in the number of gift card scams. Most consumers do not realize that a problem exists until the use of card in question is denied for insufficient funds. These incidents are happening more frequently and almost always involve a gift card purchased from a store rack. Scammers remove cards from racks, copy the card number and security code, and wait for the card to be activated. Once that happens, the card is drained of funds. You can protect your purchase in a couple ways. Order gift cards from on line retailers. These cards are sent directly to you and have a much lower chance for tampering. If you make a purchase from a card rack, make sure it has secure packaging. If not in secure packaging, examine the security tape or foil for peeling, tearing, or signs that it was removed and reapplied and avoid purchasing it.

Consider joining the AARP Fraud Watch Network as a Volunteer. AARP is seeking Fraud Fighters of all ages. We need your help in spreading information. Contact the AARP AARP New Hampshire Office at (866) 542-8168, or AARP Vermont Office at (866) 227-7451. 

Questions or concerns? Email [email protected].

 

Elliott Greenblott is a retired educator and the Vermont coordinator of the AARP Fraud Watch Network.