Today is April Fools Day But Don't Be Fooled By Scammers…

Today is April Fools Day But Don't Be Fooled By Scammers

According to Oneida County Sheriff Robert Maciol, there are thousands of new scams every year, and you can’t keep up with all of them. Unfortunately, people use clever schemes to defraud millions of people every year. They often combine new technology with old tricks to get people to send money or give out personal information.

Below are some tips from the Better Business Bureau (BBB), to avoid being a victim of a scam:

1. Don’t click on links or open attachments in unsolicited email. Links can download malware onto your computer and/or steal your identity. Be cautious even with email that looks familiar; it could be fake.

2. Don’t believe everything you see. Scammers are great at mimicking official seals, fonts, and other details. Just because a website or email looks official does not mean that it is. Even Caller ID can be faked.

3. Don’t buy online unless the transaction is secure. Make sure the website has “https” in the URL (the extra s is for “secure”) and a small lock icon on the address bar. Even then, the site could be shady. Check out the company first at bbb.org.

4. Be extremely cautious when dealing with anyone you’ve met online. Scammers use dating websites, Craigslist, social media, and many other sites to reach potential targets.

5. Never share personally identifiable information with someone who has contacted you unsolicited, whether it’s over the phone, by email, on social media, even at your front door.

6. Don’t be pressured to act immediately. Scammers typically try to make you think something is scarce or a limited time offer.

7. Use secure, traceable transactions when making payments for goods, services, taxes, and debts. Do not pay by wire transfer, prepaid money card, gift card, or other non-traditional payment method.

8. Whenever possible, work with local businesses that have proper identification, licensing, and insurance, especially contractors who will be coming into your home or anyone dealing with your money or sensitive information.

9. Be cautious about what you share on social media and consider only connecting with people you already know. Be sure to use privacy settings on all social media and online accounts.

10. Please be cautious of people who call and insist on receiving payments for any fines or old bills by money gram or pre-paid cards.