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 Technology News | February 2007 
Learn to Spot Common Scams
 PayPal.com
| | A new survey released on February 6 shows a marked change in the rate and amount of identity fraud across the United States. Additionally, in a telling new find, the 2007 Identity Fraud Survey Report identified new popular approaches for criminal activity as a top takeover method that industry and consumers can address. The survey also points to important risk differentiators between age and income demographics. |
Scams work because people fall for them. Protect yourself from identity theft – and from thieves stealing your money. Learn about common scams and what you need to remember to avoid being a victim.
Don’t divulge personal information.
You receive an alarming email saying your bank account is about to be closed. You're urged to respond quickly to verify your identity by clicking on a link to a website. Follow the instructions and you'll be delivering your personal data directly into the hands of identity thieves who are "phishing" for information. If successful, they can run up huge bills for purchases you didn't make.
What to remember:
• Don’t click on links within emails asking for your personal or financial information.
• Contact the organization using a phone number you know to be genuine, or open a new browser and type in the company's URL.
• Use anti-virus software and a firewall, and keep them up to date.
Learn more about protecting yourself in PayPal’s new Phishing Guide.
Beware of credit card phone scams.
You get a telephone call asking for your credit card number in order to claim a “free gift for credit card holders.” Or the caller tells you “your credit card has been used fraudulently” – and then asks for the code on the back. These are two variations of popular telephone credit card scams.
What to remember:
• Never give out your credit or debit card number – or the code on the back of the card – to a person calling you.
• If you’re worried that your card is being used fraudulently, hang up and call the number on the back of your card.
• Report scam activity to your credit card company.
• PayPal does not call users on the phone asking for account information.
Learn more about protecting yourself in PayPal’s new Identity Theft Guide.
Watch out for “checks” mailed to you.
You get a cashier's check in the mail along with a letter congratulating you for winning a lottery. Then you're asked to send money – often by wire – to process your claim. The check is a fake but so realistic even your bank may be fooled. By the time the check bounces, you’ve already wired the money and are left to repay the bank any money withdrawn against the bad check.
What to remember:
• If you don't remember entering a lottery, this is probably a scam aimed at obtaining your money or personal information.
• If someone you don't know wants to pay you by check but wants you to wire money back, it's a scam.
Don’t be fooled by fake online pharmacies.
Counterfeit prescription drug websites are set up to get your money. But they can also hurt your health. When you buy from them, you’ll either get nothing or counterfeit medicines that are contaminated, contain the wrong active ingredients, or contain no active ingredients at all.
What to remember:
• Look for websites displaying the National Association of Pharmacy VIPPS (Verified Internet Pharmacy Practice Sites) accreditation program seal.
• Know your medicine. Any time you get a prescription refilled, check the color, texture, taste, and shape of the medicine.
Get more tips about safer online shopping. |
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