You have a digital twin you haven’t met yet — a virtual replica of yourself that can predict health issues and offer personalized advice. Here’s the scoop. Plus, be aware of piano scams, kids and social media addiction, and the risk of falling for phone scams.
Security warning: Scammers are calling you with holiday tactics
‘Tis the season for eggnog, twinkly lights and a whole lot of scams. Cybercriminals make a killing over the holiday season — just think about how often we pull out our credit cards.
The best way to stay safe is to know their tricks. I’ve got the inside scoop on phone scams tricking people out of money and info right now.
Here’s how it works
YouMail issued an important warning about a new wave of robocalls pretending to be from big names like Amazon, Apple, Visa and Chase Bank. They’re trying to freak you out about bogus purchases and get you to spill personal info.
You get a call that sounds like it’s from Amazon. A robotic voice says something like, “Hello, this is an automated message from Amazon. Your card has been charged $2,253 for the purchase of an Apple MacBook Pro with Order ID #312106. If you did not place this order and would like to speak to one of our representatives, please press ‘1’ or please call back.”
If you fall for it, scammers try to hijack your credit card, Amazon or bank account to steal as much money as possible.
Amazon’s been battling this, shutting down 15,000 phone numbers! But the calls keep coming — and given how many of us use Amazon, odds are they’ll hit an actual customer.
Pro tip: If you want to talk to a real person at Amazon, don’t Google the number. Odds are, it’ll be a scam. Here’s the hard-to-find phone number to call Amazon’s customer service: 1-888-280-4331.
It’s not just Amazon
Scammers also pretend to be from subscription services like Norton LifeLock or McAfee, talking about pricey renewals. Here’s one example: “If you have not authorized this charge, you have 48 hours to cancel and get an instant refund of your annual subscription. Please press ‘1’ or call our Customer Care.”
They mix these calls with emails, leading to different callback numbers they change regularly. It’s like a game of scam whack-a-mole.
They’re pretending to be your bank, too
Protect your privacy, your cell phone number and email address
Phone scams are never-ending because they work. Scam texts are increasing, too. Here are five sure signs a text is junk you need to delete.
While we’re talking scams, I’d be remiss not to mention your inbox. Tap or click for convincing spam that landed in my email with not-so-obvious red flags.
3 steps to make your (or a family member's) phone safer
When it comes to tech questions, I’ve gotten them all. More than ever, I’m hearing from people inundated with requests from older family members to fix their devices.
Maybe they clicked a bad link, and their computer is acting up. Tap or click for eight signs it’s infected with malware or other malicious software.
Good news! This annoying type of scam call was just banned
“Hi! We’ve been trying to reach you about your car’s extended warranty.”
If you’ve ever received a call like that, you’re far from alone. The good news is you might not have to deal with them moving forward, thanks to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and a new ruling that’s expected to free the public from this nuisance.
Why 70 Million Americans lost $40 million to phone scams last year
Why are so many folks are getting duped? The surprising truth in this one-minute podcast.
As voice-cloning becomes easier, take this one step with your family members to stay safe
Phone scams have evolved far beyond simple impersonation tactics. Thieves now use advanced AI voice-cloning technology to call you and beg for help in your loved ones’ voices. They’ll trick you into thinking the most important people in your life are in grave danger, and only your money can save them.
Watch out for the 9 most creative scams from Kim's inbox — they're scarily deceptive
People always say there are only two certainties in life: Death and taxes. I’d like to propose a third item on the list: Scams. I get so many cons over text and email that I wanted to share them with you in a most creative scams roundup.
This nasty TikTok scam goes after grieving families
It’s a sad fact that the elderly are prime targets for scammers. One of the scams seniors fall for most is the fake arrest of a grandchild. Here’s how one tough granny fought back.
Scammers have a bottomless bag of tricks, including impersonation, taking advantage of emotions and creating a sense of urgency. What happens when a scammer combines all three dirty tricks? Three unfortunate women found out. Here’s the story.
Grandma conned out of $25K helps catch the criminals behind it
Seniors are often the target of scams, where criminals use a sense of urgency to con grandparents out of thousands of dollars. One of the scams seniors fall for most is the fake arrest of a grandchild.
Read on for details on this devious scam and how one grandma fought back.
3 nasty new phone scams to watch for
Some of the most common scams are phishing emails or text messages with malicious links or attachments. Sometimes you end up on a spoofed login page, and if you enter your credentials, you’re handing them over to criminals. But that’s not always the case. Some prefer to pick up the phone and call potential victims.
Phone scam alert: Couple conned out of $300K - Here's what criminals said
Between telemarketers and robocalls, it’s usually easy to tell when you are speaking to someone who wants to sell you the latest product or a long-winded recording. But while there are five surefire phrases you’re talking to a scammer on the phone, it can be very tricky.
This phone scam cost a victim $12K - don't fall for it
It’s always good to remind yourself that scams are just around the corner, waiting for you to drop your guard. Even if you get a phone call from someone you trust, it’s better to be safe at the moment than regret it afterward. Tap or click here for five surefire phrases you’re talking to a scammer on the phone.
Get a voicemail about tax services? Don't fall for the 'Eavesdropping Scam'
Tax Day is nearing, and we hope you have everything in order by now or at least on your way there. Just because there’s a deadline doesn’t mean you should be scrambling to finish by then.
April 18 is not only the last day to file your taxes, but it’s also the deadline to claim your old tax refunds from 2018. The IRS says there are $1.5 billion in unclaimed funds, and hundreds of those dollars could be waiting for you. Tap or click here for our report and tips on claiming your refund.
As more flights are canceled, scams are spiking - How to protect yourself
The combination of the omicron COVID-19 variant and severe weather conditions has led to many flights being canceled. Tap or click here for details on fraudulent COVID tests being offered by robocallers.
By Tuesday afternoon, airlines canceled 1,400 more flights around the country. This has left many travelers stranded and frustrated, as more than 20,000 flights have been canceled since Christmas Eve.
Medicare sign-up is open - And phone scams are out of control
Healthcare has become an essential part of life, especially when the pandemic is still around. Cases might be dropping as more people get vaccinated, but there are other health advantages to having medical coverage. Tap or click here for Kim’s heart-healthy tip: A new way to boost your energy.
If you pick up your phone and see this number, don't answer
Robocalls and spam phone calls will not disappear anytime soon, and unfortunately, there isn’t much that we can do about it. A recent study found that just under 4 billion Americans received such a call in only May this year.
The new, convincing tactic phone scammers are using to steal your money
As part of the recently passed COVID stimulus package, many Americans will receive early payments from the child tax credit. Those are scheduled to be mailed out by the IRS between July and December.
The first half of the child tax credit will be allocated during the scheduled 6 month period, and the rest will be completed when you file your taxes. But whenever money is being sent to citizens, criminals are gearing up to steal it.
Watch your phone for 6 phony messages costing people money
If you’ve seen an influx of annoying texts on your smartphone recently, you’re not alone. Scammers are increasingly shifting to text messages as their preferred strategy — and they’ve got plenty of new tricks up their sleeves to hook unsuspecting victims.
Scammers text threats and photos of your own kids to scare you - Don't fall for it
Phone scams are all about deception — but fear is another tactic that scammers are more than happy to use against you. And if they can frighten you into sharing personal data, you can bet that they’ll push for your money, too.