SCAMS TO WATCH FOR – Courtesy Denver District Attorney’s Newsletter

CLICKED ON A TEXT FROM AMAZON

Fake texts or message updates can look like these. Many of the texts have attachments or links to sites that will download malware on to your computer or phone to steal your identity and passwords. Remember, company logos are easy to copy and paste in to a website or text.

FELL FOR A GIFT CARD SCAM

 No real business or government agency will ever insist you pay them with a gift card. Anyone who demands to be paid with a gift card is a scammer.

BOUGHT A PUPPY ONLINE

The BBB reports that 80% of sponsored pet advertisements may be fake. Do your research only purchase from a reputable dealer.

HOLIDAY VACATION RUINED BY A SCAM

What’s worse than making vacation plans and having them ruined because you booked through a fake website or booked a fake hotel?

SHOPPED ON A FAKE WEBSITE

Just because a website looks good doesn’t mean it’s real. Websites are easy to create and scammers often use a name similar to a real business.

FOUND AN AMAZING DEAL ONLINE

Scammers often use words like “free” “personalized” “complimentary” or “customized.” A sense of urgency can make readers take action without thinking. So think twice about buying from an ad that promotes “for a limited time only” or “only 7 remaining.”

DIDN’T USE 2 FACTOR AUTHENTICATION

Taking steps to keep your password secure is an important first line of defense against hackers. But the best way to protect your accounts is to use two-factor authentication, sometimes called two-step verification or multi-factor authentication.

USED A DEBIT CARD INSTEAD OF A CREDIT CARD

Click here to read the ten reasons why you should use a credit card versus a debit card. Those who paid with a credit card or PayPal were less likely to lose money.

USED THE SAME PASSWORD FOR EVERYTHING

If you have not changed your passwords recently or are using the same password for all your accounts, start the New Year off right by changing all of them.

BOUGHT DIRECTLY FROM A SOCIAL MEDIA SITE

Scammers can easily fake a persona or a company or a product and place those on a social media platform. All you have to do is ‘click” and you have just given up your personal information.

FELL FOR A

GRANDPARENT SCAM

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If you haven’t heard of the grandparent scam by now, read up. This scam happens every day. Scammers are good at convincing you that the caller really is a relative in trouble.

GAVE PERSONAL INFO TO A CALLER POSING AS AN OFFICAL

You may not be able to tell right away if an incoming call is spoofed. Be extremely careful about responding to any request for personal identifying information. If you don’t know who is calling, don’t answer!