ScamSchool.org
Created by Judge Shawn Johnson, who has served as an Arkansas Assistant Attorney General dealing with consumer protection issues for more than a decade, ScamSchool.org is Shawn’s advisory to Arkansas consumers on how they can protect themselves from10 of the most common scams going on in Arkansas. Be sure to download Shawn’s Top 10 Tips on how to avoid a scam. It’s one more way that Shawn is protecting everyday Arkansans.
Top 10 Most Common Scams
1. Publisher’s Clearinghouse Scam - Scammer says that you have won a prize.
2. Jury Duty Scam - Scammer says that you have missed jury duty and that a warrant has been issued for your arrest.
3. IRS Scam - Scammer says that your taxes are past due and a warrant has been issued for your arrest.
4. Social Security Scam - Scammer calls to say that they need to verify your social security benefit information.
5. Favorite Grandchild Scam - Scammer targets seniors claiming that he or she is a grandchild or relative of the senior and is either imprisoned or in trouble and needs money.
6. Sweetheart Scam - Scammer befriends you through Facebook, email or other social media with promises of romantic involvement in order to later request payment of money.
7. Online Auction Second Chance Scam - Scammer contacts the losing bidder of an online auction, says that the winning bidder backed out, and offers to sell the item to the lowing bidder.
8. Check Payment Scams - Scammer uses eBay, Craigslist, classified ads or similar methods to send a check higher than the requested amount and then seeks repayment of the difference.
9. Phishing and Smishing - Scammer imitates a legitimate website email in order to encourage you to click a link and disclose banking account information.
10. Money Order and Gift Card scams - Scammer asks you to buy gift cards or place a money order to pay a fine or fee that you did not know existed
Source: www.ftc.gov
Shawn’s Tips to Avoid Being Scammed
1. Secure your information - Safeguard all account information, usernames, and passwords.
2. Say no to wire transfers - Avoid wiring money to anyone you do not know.
3. Be prepared to say no - Have a “just say no” script prepared for telemarketers.
4. Wait for checks to clear - Do not cash any check that you were not expecting, and if you do, then wait to confirm that the check clears your bank before sending the money.
5. Prizes don’t cost money - If you are asked to pay money to win a prize, then it is likely a scam.
6. Don’t open email from unknown sources - Many emails contain viruses and malware that wreak havoc on computer systems. Check sender’s name for suspicious email source.
7. Money orders and gift cards are untraceable - Remember that once a gift card or money order is paid over, the money is generally gone.
8. The government will send a letter before arrest - Generally speaking, the government will not seek to arrest you without first sending a letter.
9. Be skeptical - Remember that if it sounds too good to be true, then it probably is.
10. Watch out for loved one - Generational differences require us to watch out for one another.
Source: www.ftc.gov
To invite Shawn to speak to your community group, click here.