By ELLIOTT GREENBLOTT
By Elliott Greenblott
Many of us have been spending more time at home, a reality not ignored by con artists. If you are uncertain of this, consider the number of scam telephone calls and emails received in comparison to last summer.
While malware, ransomware, and extortion phone calls continue to pose threats, most of what we see focuses on money and data phishing. At the top of the scam list are political fundraising scams. They pose as political parties, candidates, or issue-oriented fundraising efforts. The latter category includes scams capitalizing on environmental, social, racial, Second Amendment, medical, and age-related topics. Whether by phone or email, the attacks are very sophisticated and designed to trigger an emotional response on the part of the intended victim. A recent scam detected in the Midwest targeted right to life advocates by promising to use “donations” to back candidates of like mind. Another nationwide fraud claimed to work in promoting the Black Lives Matter movement. In both cases, the objective was financial and called on donors to wire money or purchase e-gift cards to support the effort, allowing funds to be used immediately. Regardless of how payment is requested, do some homework before donating. Conduct an online check of the organization, contact local or state authorities asking if there are reports of problems with the organization, and verify the address or phone number provided. Don’t rush to donate. Legitimate organizations are “in it” for the long haul and while they would love a rapid response, they have no problem waiting for you to check them out.
Another somewhat new scam can be categorized as the “can you do me a favor” scam. This typically is received as an email from somebody know by the intended victim. The name of the friend appears in the “from” line and the message simply asks “can you do me a favor?” The scammer hopes that you will reply to your friend saying “yes.” That is where the scam gets interesting. The criminal emails that the individual wants to buy an e-gift card for a relative (wedding gift, graduation gift, birthday gift, etc.) but is having a problem accessing an Amazon account: “can you purchase and email an Amazon e-card to a provided address?” Of course, the friend will pay you back immediately. Once the card is forwarded and received, the scammer disappears and so does your money.
Obviously, your friend knows nothing about it. Before doing anything, match the sender email address with what you know to be your friend’s true address. Check with your friend if you receive this type of request to ask if is legitimate. The criminal is counting on your failure to do this simple verification.
Soon, students will return to school soon either in-person or virtually. As mentioned recently, parents should act to protect student personal data that is provided to and from third party contractors. For example, millions of high school students participate in college-related testing programs such as the SAT or ACT. Many take the PSAT to determine eligibility for scholarships. Ask your child’s school counselor about this with a focus on what information is shared or sold by the test administration company. Don’t be surprised if you begin to receive solicitations on-line or in the mail. Restricting a testing company like the College Board from sharing information may be difficult but the general awareness of the practice is critical. Beware of the many “who’s who” promotions claiming to provide exclusive access to scholarships. Frequently, access to scholarships is not enhanced and most of the “leads” can be discovered through public student assistance agencies or personal searches. Don’t fall victim to services that guarantee scholarship consideration in return for payment of a fee.
Special tip: Do you take photos with your cell phone? Smart phones provide location and date for every photo. You may wish to protect your privacy by disabling the feature.
Is your group interested in a virtual presentation on fraud and scams? Free presentations and literature are available for any size group at no cost.
Hear of any new scams? Let me know. Your tip may benefit your neighbors. Questions or comments? Contact me at [email protected].
Elliott Greenblott is a retired educator and the Vermont coordinator of the AARP Fraud Watch Network. He produces a feature CATV program, Mr. Scammer, distributed by GNAT-TV in Sunderland, Vermont.
As your daily newspaper, we are committed to providing you with important local news coverage for Sullivan County and the surrounding areas.