(TheConservativeNews.org) – One of life’s unfortunate truths is there’s always going to be someone who is trying to con someone else. Tax scams, social media scams, COVID-19 scams and others are prevalent both online, through the mail, and over the phone.
According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), in 2019, fraud complaints topped 1.7 million. That year, people who fell for Social Security scams lost an average of $1,500 each. The losses from imposter scams topped $667 million, but people also fall for scams that steal their internet data.
Here are some of the schemes you may have fallen for.
Data Scams
If you spend a lot of time on Facebook and other social media platforms, you may notice seemingly fun games where you answer a list of questions, like “40 Facts About Me.” Those “games” can actually have a nefarious purpose.
According to the Better Business Bureau, those quizzes that seem so innocent might actually be a way for scammers to get your information to steal your passwords. As you know, many security questions also ask your mother’s maiden name or the name of your first pet.
It’s okay if you take the quizzes, just be sure you aren’t answering any common security questions.
Tax Scams
Some of the most common scams are related to the IRS. If you’ve ever given someone your information over the phone after they claimed to be an agent with the government agency, then you’re a victim.
According to the IRS, tax scams have cost Americans over $23 million since 2013. The best way to protect yourself from these schemes is by never giving your information to someone who contacts you via email or the phone. The IRS will never reach out to you first.
COVID Scams
COVID-19 scams are the new way criminals are trying to take money from people. The schemers have deployed a number of tactics to steal from innocent people. Here are just a few you may have fallen victim to:
- Offers to sanitize HVAC systems to protect your ducts from COVID-19
- Sanitizing cell phone scams
- Overpriced facemasks
- Strangers contacting you and claiming they can get you a loan from the federal government
Be vigilant because these criminals are trying to find any avenue to weasel their way in and take what’s yours. Always know who you’re giving your information to and never trust someone who purports to be a government official.
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