How to Save Time by Avoiding Scams
Scams can happen at any time of year, but they seem to happen more so at year-end with so many people stretched thin from rushing around, over-committing, and not paying attention to every word that’s being stated either by phone, text or email. The news often showcases elderly people who have fallen victim, but there are plenty of scam victims of all ages who have had their identities stolen and/or bank accounts wiped out. Victims often have to spend a great deal of time and resources to rectify the situation and hope beyond all hope that they will get their money back.
It’s important that no matter how wise and experienced you are, you pay close attention to any requests that you receive by text, email and phone. It’s also helpful to review these tips with loved ones – especially those loved ones who you might end up having to financially support or assist with recovery if they don’t heed this information.
Here are tips on how to save time by avoiding scams.
From the Social Security Administration:
“We give you the tools to recognize Social Security-related scams and stop scammers from stealing your money and personal information. Share scam information with your loved ones. Slam the Scam!
Recognize the four basic signs of a scam:
- Scammers pretend to be from a familiar organization or agency, like the Social Security Administration. They may email attachments with official-looking logos, seals, signatures, or pictures of employee credentials.
- Scammers mention a problem or a prize. They may say your Social Security number was involved in a crime or ask for personal information to process a benefit increase.
- Scammers pressure you to act immediately. They may threaten you with arrest or legal action.
- Scammers tell you to pay using a gift card, prepaid debit card, cryptocurrency, wire or money transfer, or by mailing cash. They may also tell you to transfer your money to a “safe” account.
Ignore scammers and report criminal behavior. Report Social Security-related scams to the SSA Office of the Inspector General (OIG).
Visit www.ssa.gov/scam for more information.”
While the following information contains Amazon-specific terms, you can apply the same practices to all companies with which you have an account – as well as those that don’t.
From Amazon:
“During this time of year, we often see a surge in impersonation scams. Stay safe by learning to identify and avoid them.
In impersonation scams, a scammer reaches out to you pretending to be someone you trust to get sensitive information like social security numbers, bank information, or Amazon account details. Scammers change tactics quickly making them hard to detect.
Scam Trend: Email attachment scams
Scammers send emails posing as Amazon and include pdf attachments stating that your account will be suspended or on hold. These attachments prompt you to click on a fraudulent link to “update your account.” These links lure you to provide personal information such as payment information or account login credentials.
Please do not click on any links or provide your information without authenticating the email or verifying the link. Visit the Message Center which displays a log of authentic communications sent from Amazon.
Prime membership scams
These are unexpected calls/texts/emails that refer to a costly membership fee or an issue with your membership and ask you to confirm or cancel the charge. These scammers try to convince you to provide payment or bank account information in order to reinstate a membership.
Amazon will never ask you to provide payment information for products or services over the phone. To verify your Prime Membership status or make payments, log into your Amazon account, and go to Your Account.
Here are some important tips to identify scams and keep your account and information safe:
1. Trust Amazon-owned channels.
Always go through the Amazon mobile app or website when seeking customer service, tech support, or when looking to make changes to your account.
2. Be wary of false urgency.
Scammers may try to create a sense of urgency to persuade you to do what they’re asking. Be wary any time someone tries to convince you that you must act now.
3. Never pay over the phone.
Amazon will never ask you to provide payment information, including gift cards (or “verification cards,” as some scammers call them) for products or services over the phone.
4. Verify links first.
Review the link for misspellings or repeated characters. Legitimate Amazon websites contain “amazon.com“ or “amazon.com/support.” Go directly to our website when seeking help with Amazon devices/services, orders or to make changes to your account.
5. Verify email senders.
Legitimate Amazon emails contain “@amazon.com”. In your web browser, hover over the display name under “From” to see full sender address. Look for misspellings or added or substituted characters. Visit the Message Center to view authentic messages from Amazon.
For more information on how to stay safe online, visit Security & Privacy on the Amazon Customer Service page.
If you receive communication — a call, text, or email — that you think may not be from Amazon, please report it to us at, amazon.com/reportascam.
To review or respond to emails from Amazon, visit the Message Center on our website.”
Avoid a loss of money and resources. Avoid added stress and worry. Save time by avoiding scams.
For more strategies and tips on how to be more productive and live life with purpose, take a peek at The Inefficiency Assassin: Time Management Tactics for Working Smarter, Not Longer.
