When it comes to the protection of identity, it is important you do all you can to guard it from scammers. There are many how to avoid scams articles out there that let you in on some of the things that you, yourself can do in order to minimize the risk of your personal information getting to scammers. A recent scam has hit two million taxpayers worldwide, which has raised awareness on protection. Scammers know their goal and tend to be getting savvier as I speak, which is why it is vital to always stay one step ahead. When it comes to how to avoid scams, then it is important you are familiar with the many ways you can get scammed.
Once you know how to spot a scam and how it came to you, it will certainly let you in on the secret on how to avoid scams.
Most Recent IRS Scam
This is one of the latest scams and begins with a phone call. You get a call from the IRS. Their name and number does show up on your caller ID and they will also attempt to prove they are legit. They tell you that you owe taxes, which need to be paid immediately via wire transfer or prepaid debit card. On the sign of arguing or resisting anything, the speaker will begin threats by saying you may get arrested, deported, or will have your driver’s license taken from you. If you hang up now, a couple of minutes or even seconds later you will get a call back from a person who says they are the police or they are calling from the Department of Motor Vehicles. As a final step to have you fully convinced, you may even receive an email that looks authorized and claims to be from the IRS.
These strategies must not be believed and once you understand this, in future it will always be easier for you on how to avoid scams.
The real IRS will never ask for payment via phone.
How to Avoid Scams over the Phone
The phone scam has happened to maybe everyone and the scary thing about it is a legit-looking number always shows on the screen. However, no matter how real the number looks what your main concern is how to avoid scams.
Get one step closer on becoming a pro on how to avoid scams!
- Intimidating Language – if a company is legit, they will never threaten you over the phone. If you are called and threatened with serious language and consequences, then it’s pretty likely there’s a scammer on the other side.
- Force Or Urgency – one thing all scammers know is that they only have limited time to convince you. This means they will suddenly put pressure on you and say that you have to act quickly.
- Stubbornness – no matter how many times you ask for a call back number or more information, a scammer won’t give you either.
Phone scams are pretty difficult to spot as scammers are getting clever day-by-day. However, here’s how to avoid scams that you come into contact with in the future.
- Always ask for a number you can call back on and see what reaction you get from the caller.
- Never give out your personal detail over the phone.
- Using a phone book or website call the number listed there and you will find out from an employee if you were being scammed or whether the call was legit.
How to Avoid Scams in Your Email
An email scam is pretty much like a phone scam. The common factor in the two is validity. However, there are several ways you can find out whether the email is real or not:
- Links in the Email –avoid is clicking on them, as they could be a virus. However, using your mouse to hover over them will show you exactly what the link is made of; giving you a better idea whether it’s real or not.
- The Sender – the question is, does the email look legit? The address and url should both be checked.
- The Urgency and /or Demand for Personal Details – if a company is legit, it will never ask for your personal details over email. No matter how real the links and information look, never give personal information over email.
How to Avoid Scams in the Mail
An old scam known as snail mail is another ways scammers can reach you. Fake offers, money order scams, lottery scams and much more are included. This is how to avoid scams via mail:
- If you are being offered something free in the mail, it is always a good idea to do your own research.
- If something sounds too good to be true, then it is most likely a scam.
- Scams can also be created at the name of asking for help – so don’t trust those emails.