Scam watch: 3 scams spreading like fire across the U.S.
Scammers are clever, but they’re not very creative. Most of their tricks are recycled versions of tricks that worked in the past. There are a few I’ve seen cropping up again because criminals know they work every time.
When these hit my timeline, I make sure to pass them on to you. I want you to be prepared and not a victim.
⚖️ Your day in court
Police in several cities are warning about this scam. You get a phone call that looks like it’s coming from law enforcement. The voice on the other end lays it on thick, claiming you’ve failed to appear for a court date, and — oh, boy — they’ve got a warrant out for you. Just pay over the phone and this mess will disappear … not.
- Always ask questions: Actual law enforcement officers won’t demand payments over the phone.
- Caller IDs can be faked: Spoofing is a common trick to make calls look real.
📦 The delivery text snare
You get a text that appears to be from the USPS. “Click here,” it says, adding, “Your package can’t be delivered until you update your address.” It’s crazy to me these scams continue to work. Folks, don’t believe ‘em, and warn your loved ones.
- No link? No problem: Official USPS communications won’t include unsolicited links.
- Check the details: Always keep track of what you ordered, where you ordered it from and how it should arrive.
- Guard your info: Never — and I mean NEVER — give out your personal data through a random text link.
⛽ Gas station skimmer alerts
An email in your inbox warns about gas station credit card skimmers. All you have to do is click a link for a list of affected locations. It’s a trap!
- Just delete: Treat unsolicited emails like uninvited guests. Don’t let them in.
- Inspect before you swipe: Always give a visual check to any payment terminal. Pay inside or move to the next pump if yours looks sketchy.
Stay informed, be skeptical and protect your personal info like it’s gold — because to you and these scammers, it is.
🦸 Share this important alert with family and friends so they’ll have their scam guards up, too. As I like to say, “Knowledge is power.”
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Tags: alerts, email, family, inbox, personal data, phone, Police, scam, scammers, scams, spoofing, tricks, update, warning
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