Language and terminology of scams

CHICO >> For this week, I wanted to focus on some common terminology used when referring to scams and the various methods of conducting scams that you have likely heard before but may not know what the words mean.

I’ve noticed that a lot of government websites and law enforcement agencies — and maybe certain newspaper columns run by certain handsome reporters — will throw these terms around without always explicitly explaining the meaning.

With that said, I’ve picked out a few of the more popular words and phrases to provide some clarity and definition with some help from the Federal Trade Commission.

Let’s get started.

Cramming

The act of cramming, a horrible term in my opinion, refers to adding unauthorized charges to customers’ telephone bills or credit cards.

This is something that happens usually with businesses, service providers and sellers that want to squeeze a little extra money out of consumers with the goal of them not noticing. In more cut-and-dry cases, you can find this on bills, which is why it can be important to request itemized bills whenever possible because it forces the company to blatantly show you where and how you were charged.

In less straightforward cases, politicians and political organizations might ask for donations and put a little checked box in the corner that makes it so you give the same donation every week without you realizing it.

Do Not Call Registry

This one’s pretty cool. There is a national registry where you can put your name and number and if you do so, legally telemarketers have to scrub your name off of their lists.

The list was started by the FTC.

Identity theft

This one might be pretty well known by now but just in case, this refers to one’s personal information such as social security numbers and credit cards being used by another without consent.

Scammers might prowl around the internet making purchases and wiring money using these identification numbers.

Malware

Malware refers to software that can be installed on any device connected to the internet that can cause all sorts of problems for the user.

It might make the devices crash or stop running efficiently or it can even allow scammers to monitor your online activity with the goal of identity theft or other nefarious acts.

Clicking on strange ads that take you to websites that seem illegitimate and are hard to exit out of can often lead to malware on computers.

Phishing

I’ve probably used this one a lot in previous articles.

It’s any type of fraud where the scammer is pretending to be from the target’s bank or service provider or any other otherwise trusted agency with the intent of seeking out personal information. It might come in the form of an email, phone call or text.

Phishing is another way scammers try and steal identities.

Ransomware

This one is exactly as it sounds.

Criminals will use software to take over the target’s computer or smart device and demand money to give access back to the user.

Some fraudsters will even threaten to destroy data and information if the money is not provided.

Smishing

Gross, I don’t like this word either. Despite what it sounds like, it’s not just a random entry I pulled off of Urban Dictionary.

Smishing is essentially phishing but specifically when done through text messages.

Spoofing

I’ve definitely covered this one before.

Spoofing is when scammers use special technology to trick caller ID.

When you get a scam call but your phone says it’s from a local law enforcement agency, your dear old grandma or a business, but then sure enough it’s a robot on the other end, that’s spoofing.

Spyware

Similar to malware, spyware embeds itself in your computer, usually without your knowledge, and monitors how you interact with certain websites.

It can pick up on keystrokes, create pop-up ads or redirect you to different websites than what you click.

You have probably guessed by now, it’s mostly used in identity theft.

Be careful out there folks.

Scam of the Week generally runs every Tuesday. Readers are welcome to contact reporter Jake Hutchison to report scams and potential scams they have come in contact with by calling 8281329 or via email at jhutchison@chicoer.com.