3 Easy Ways to Protect Against Scams

21 May, 2021

Helpful,

With the rise of the digitized age, online scams are now part of our norm. The newsreel runs with stories, every week, of people finding themselves in hardships because of a cleverly disguised scam. How do you stay safe when there is so much misinformation floating around? Regularly checking the FTC website can help you be aware of what may be currently flying around the interwebs. We also have three easy ways to stay on top of any would-be fraud attempts to keep you and your bank account safe.


  1. Don’t cave to the pressure


Scams often work based on an emotional response. This is by design, by creating this emotional state, you are less likely to ask questions. You may receive a call that your social security number has been compromised, or that your loved one has been injured. Do not immediately react. Before you begin giving away information of your own, remember that the IRS will never demand payment via a specific source like a gift card. They will also send several reminders in the mail before resorting to phone calls. Here is a great list of all the things the IRS will never do. 


When you feel like there is too much pressure from the opposite end of the conversation, do not be afraid to hang up and step away. Do your research before giving out any pertinent information.



  1. Ask questions


Scams do not hold up to the light of day. When you begin to ask questions about the situation, they will be unable to elaborate on any details. Did you win a contest or a prize? What is the name of the company giving it away? What is the phone number of the marketing director that put it together? Make the initiator of the conversation delve deep into their information before you give you any of yours. Legitimate businesses, doctors, and police officers will not bristle at staying transparent.


  1. Appearances matter


Scams often rely on your mind to be distracted so that they can take advantage. This means an email that has a similar color scheme to your bank or a pop-up advertisement with a link. You may absent-mindedly click on these fraudulent messages without looking too closely. Be vigilant, notice if there are slight spelling errors, or perhaps a graphic that is out-of-focus. These are tell-tale signs of a scam. Dating profiles, as well as housing listings, have also become potential pitfalls, so be aware while engaging in any online activity! When it looks too good to be true, it more than likely is! 


Stay safe and protected with this information and keep checking back to the Kratos Gas and Power blog for valuable information.