Never give remote access to any devices! There is no such thing as connecting to a secure server. Many scammers will use programs such as AnyDesk or TeamViewer. These programs give the scammer control of your computer and access to all your files and browser passwords. If you do online banking or have passwords saved, those websites and financial institutions could be compromised.
Never purchase gift cards for someone you don’t know personally! No company will ever ask for payment with a gift card! (scammers will call them “government” secure payments/ encrypted money) it’s a lie! This is a very common tactic of scammers because gift cards are untraceable . The scammers will make many ingenious excuses why they need these cards, but you can be sure that it’s always a scam when they ask for a gift card.
Never give any personal information to anyone over the phone! Many scammers will not have details about you, but will try to ‘confirm’ information by asking you for the information.
Social security, Treasury Department, DEA or Border Patrol will never call you! These departments will always send you a letter in registered post . They will never call to threaten you or give you any options if a case is being investigated.
Be cautious with emails! Many scammers use emails that look similar to online retailers such as Amazon or Ebay, or financial brokers like PayPal or CashApp. They send emails that look similar to real emails. Look at the email address that it is coming from; not the name. None of these institutions will email you telling you there are issues with your account. These are fake invoices or claims that you are being hacked. Never call the number listed in the email!
If you receive a computer pop up / immediately power off computer and restart! Never call the number. Scammers make these fake popups and make it seem like your computer is infected and/or locked. That is not true. These are small programs that run only in your web browser and sometimes can stay ‘in focus’ which is a term that means you can not open any other program without it coming back ‘in focus’. This is easily circumvented by turning your computer off and back on again.
Microsoft is a product and does not offer online help or calls! Updates will automatically appear on your pc and will install themselves. Microsoft does not have a department that makes calls to people regarding their computer. Pop ups from Apple are also fraudulent! Computers are ‘by default’ set to automatically update. If you are having actual computer issues that you have noticed, take it to a local computer technician. Never give access to someone over the phone
Always check website urls for a ‘lock’ symbol before the https. Sites without this symbol are not secure. Any information entered on these sites could potentially be stolen by a third party. The first thing a reputable company does when setting up a webpage is install the SSL. Which is the encryption that these protected webpages are passed through. If you look at the top of this page , for example, at the left of the address bar ,at the top, where it says ‘vicoutreach.org’ you will see a lock symbol. This means the site is encrypted and secure. You can click on it to see more info about the site.
Publishers Clearing House calls or letters are a scam! Hang up and don’t respond. The real company will not ask for money to pay for your winnings! Publishers Clearing House will show up unannounced at your door if you are a Winner! You pay nothing in advance.
Amazon will never call you unless you have made the request for a call through your account page! Amazon has now begun to verify e-gift card purchases on you account with a phone call. They will ask to verify that you made the purchase, your name, the amount ,and if you know the person directly that the card is being sent to. THEY will provide the information; you just have to say Yes or No.
Never transfer funds to unknown individuals! Scammers will ask for money orders, wire transfers, cashiers checks; they will ask you to send through Zelle or CashApp. Never make wire transfers or deposits to Bitcoin Apps or Bitcoin ATM’s. Never transfer funds to anyone in this way. Some money transfers cannot be undone, and often ,the accounts you send to are disposable to the scammer. Once you transfer the funds in this way they are difficult to recover.
Never give out login information!. Many scammers are opting to coerce a person into giving their login information to bank accounts ; or online retailers such as Amazon and eBay. They will take control and empty accounts ; purchase gift cards online and launder the money. No company will ever ask for your password ! Simply hang up!