It May Seem Logical To Respond To A Scammer
When you think it is a legitimate message
Phones are popular devices for scammers to use
The scammers are using all types of methods to try and cheat people out of their money. Most of us have undoubtedly received phone calls, emails , texts, or social media messages which sound legitimate but are from scammers. With almost everyone now having a cell phone, the scammers have found ways to use the phones for their devious practices.
We need to be vigilant in order to protect ourselves from these people doing criminal acts. Use care and do not respond to them.
If you receive a message which you now is totally wrong, the inclination may be to click on the link or call the number to clear up the matter. Don’t do it! The scammers want you to respond so that they can somehow get your information and steal money from you.
Some criminals are foolish and perhaps stupid for their actions. Scammers are criminals who could be quite smart to figure out ways to cheat people out of their money. They have found methods to get people to respond to them, and it seems that they seldom are caught so they don’t face the consequences of their criminal activity. They often move on before law enforcement can catch them.
A text message I recently received said the following:
This is regarding your account at XXXX Credit Union. There has been some suspicious activity on your account so it has been suspended. To get it reinstated, click on this link or call this phone number (link and phone number provided).
The scammers pick a credit union or bank which is used by many people who live in your area. Chances are fairly good that you might have an account there. You would want to clear it up so you might click or call as requested. If you don’t have an account there, you still may be tempted to call to tell them that. Either way, the scammers are betting on your responding to clear up the matter.
DON’T DO IT! The best advice from authorities is to merely delete the email or text so you don’t click on it accidentally. You could also report it to the financial institution or company which is named, but they may just tell you that it is a scam. If you do want to contact the company, look up their phone number on the Internet. Don’t use the number provided in the text or email.
It is possible to forward the information to government agencies or the police although it is unlikely that the scammers will be caught.
Scammers are all around, and they are quite clever. They just want your money. Be vigilant and do not respond to them to give them the chance to cheat you.
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