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WARNING Signs of a Scam

Webb Financial Group

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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.

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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.

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DISCLAIMER

Webb Financial Group (WFG) is a registered investment adviser firm offering advisory services in the State of Minnesota and in other jurisdictions where exempted. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. The presence of this website on the Internet shall not be directly or indirectly interpreted as a solicitation of investment advisory services to persons of another jurisdiction unless otherwise permitted by statute. Follow-up or individualized responses to consumers in a particular state by WFG in the rendering of personalized investment advice for compensation shall not be made without our first complying with jurisdiction requirements or pursuant an applicable state exemption.


All written content on this site is for information purposes only. Opinions expressed herein are solely those of WFG, unless otherwise specifically cited. Material presented is believed to be from reliable sources and no representations are made by our firm as to another parties' informational accuracy or completeness. All information or ideas provided should be discussed in detail with an advisor, accountant or legal counsel prior to implementation.

WFG is licensed to sell insurance in the State of Minnesota and may be licensed in others.

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