Stay vigilant: Con artists are not victim to the winter blahs

By ELLIOTT GREENBLOTT
The partial shutdown of the Federal Government ended and agencies such as the IRS and Social Security Administration are returning to business as usual. Sadly, the previous five weeks did nothing to slow the world of fraud. Some of the increase in attempted fraud appears to involve government services. 

Beware of any emails or telephone calls from the IRS regarding anticipated tax refunds. Many of these calls originate as automated or robo calls and the “live agents” generally have heavy foreign accents. The standard message is that you will be receiving a tax refund but it is difficult to verify records due to the closure of the government. As a result, the agent states that you need to provide information including your Social Security Number, date of birth, and other personally identifiable information. All of these calls are fraudulent. The IRS will not call or email you regarding your tax filing or refund status. Communications with the IRS are by U.S. Postal Service delivery. Similarly, the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services generally does not communicate by telephone or email but uses the U.S. Postal Service for messages. If you receive what you believe is an attempt at fraud, including unsolicited offers of free medical services or appliances, contact Medicare by calling (800) 633-4227.

Another area for fraud is reported by individuals making address changes. Changing an address can be a headache to many and fraudsters are aware of this. They offer “services” for a fee to assist in the process, often involving the need for you to provide information including bank and credit card data. Some of these services are legitimate and ease the burden of paperwork required when moving, but many are at best collecting and selling your information, at worst using your information to commit fraud. The best way to exercise control over your information, risking the least exposure, is to forgo the services and make the necessary contacts on your own. Make contact by phone and directly ask what you need to do to change your information. The less information you share with third parties, the more secure your information.

 

Current Alerts

Scammers are using robocalls telling individuals that the operating license for their Microsoft operating system software has expired. These random, computer-placed calls warn of dire consequences, including the loss of all data, and provide a phone number to contact. Microsoft Windows operating system licenses are purchased at retail or installed in computer hardware. These licenses do not require renewal and those that need to be renewed, such as Office 365 or virus protection software, will issue specific notices about your expiration date so hang up or report this call.

Many consumers are purchasing remote home monitoring systems including indoor cameras or high-tech door bells with cameras; systems allow purchasers to check on their homes or answer the door using a wi-fi or Bluetooth system. If you consider a purchase, know that hackers with the necessary app may be able to access the cameras and be able to see the arrivals and departures from a home and possibly the activities inside. If you purchase a remote system, be sure to set a unique access code and not rely on the default code from the manufacturer.

 

Important Tips

 Vacationers and travelers can’t resist the urge to post photos on social media accounts. Posting may be a nice way to share your experiences with friends as you travel but they can also invite criminals to break into homes that are empty. Upload your photos once you return home or send them as attachments to friends while traveling. 

Use credit cards when shopping on-line, not debit cards. Credit cards afford a greater degree of protection from fraud by providing a way to challenge purchases before money is deducted from your account.

Early this month I suggested some New Years Resolutions. Were you successful in fulfilling them? Let me know by emailing me at [email protected] along with any comments or questions.  

 

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