
WARNING Signs of a Scam
Webb Financial Group

It’s important to protect yourself and recognize the signs of a scam or phishing attack. There are many tricks that scammers use to get your personal and financial information or to get you to click on a link.

Here are some signs to look for when getting a request from someone you don’t know.
SCAMMERS will
PRETEND to be from an organization you know
-
They may pretend to be contacting you on behalf of the government and use a real name like the Social Security Administration, IRS, Medicare, or make up a name that sounds official.
-
Technology can be used to change the caller ID name and phone number–the information displayed might not be real.
Say there is a PROBLEM or PRIZE
-
Phrases such as “there is a problem with your accounts”, “you are in trouble with the government”, “you owe money”, “someone in the family has an emergency” or “there is a virus on your computer” are used to cause alarm.
-
Others will say you’ve won a lottery or sweepstakes but have to pay a fee to collect the prize.
PRESSURE you to act immediately
-
They want action before there is time to think. When on the phone, they tell you not to hang up so you can’t think about the situation or check out their story.
-
Threats to arrest, sue, or take away your driver’s license are some tactics used to apply pressure.
Place a WARNING message on your screen
-
Some warning messages can be scams designed to trick you into calling a fake tech support number, allowing access to your system, or providing personal information.
-
Other warning messages indicate a potential problem such as a security threat, a hardware malfunction, or a software issue, prompting action to address it.
Some ways to PREVENT a Scam
-
Know that scammers want a payment. Don’t do it!
-
Block unwanted calls and text messages from numbers not saved in your phone.
-
Do not give personal or financial information in response to a request that was not expected.
-
Do not click on any links or attachments over email or text message from someone you don’t know.
-
Resist the pressure to act immediately – give yourself time to think it through.
-
Stop and talk to someone you trust.