Today is April Fools Day, but schemers and scammers are out to get your money year-round.
Here are a few common scams to look out for:
IRS phone scam
This is particularly common this time of year. Someone claiming to be from the IRS calls to say you owe taxes and penalties. If you refuse to pay by prepaid card, wire transfer or credit card, you will be threatened with arrest or legal action. Note: The IRS does not contact people by phone. If in doubt, call the IRS directly at 800-428-1040.
Microsoft tech support
The caller claims to be from Microsoft tech support and says your computer is infected with a virus. The caller will request remote access to your computer to fix the problem and then may install malware to steal your personal information.
Auto insurance
A caller says youre eligible for a lower rate and asks for your personal information, which is used for identity theft.
Bank scams
A caller claims to be from your bank and says theres a lock on your account or a hold on your debit card. Youre asked to verify your financial information, which is used for identity theft. If you receive such a call, hang up, then look up your banks phone number and call directly. Never use a number the caller provides.
Spam or phishing
Phishing is when you get emails, texts or calls that seem to be from companies you know but are from scammers. They want you to click or give personal information so they can steal your money or identity. Forward phishing emails (without clicking on any attachments) to spam@uce.gov and reportphishing@apwg.org.
The FTC has a site with updates on new scams to watch out for.
Rotten robocalls
Most robocalls are prohibited by law, but scammers continue to make them. Even some legitimate companies violate privacy laws with illegal robocalls.
Should you answer a robocall or let it go to voicemail? Theres a consensus on the value of blocking unwanted calls, including using call-blocking devices, mobile apps, cloud-based services and services provided by your phone carrier.
Can you stop robocalls? Probably not completely, but there may be options for consumers to help stop the onslaught of unwanted calls. In 2017, the Federal Trade Commission adopted rules allowing phone companies to block certain calls, but robocallers have kept ahead of the law.
What else can you do?
- New apps like Robokiller.com are available and purport to cut down on robocalls. Robokiller is an answering bot that takes the telemarketer calls and charges 99 cents per month.
- Report them to the Federal Communications Commission at 888-225-5322, ext. 4.
- Report abusive calls to the FTC at 888-382-1222.
- You can register for the National Do Not Call Registry list or file complaiRead More – Source [contf] [contfnew]
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