Scammers’ top 10 list of 2021
From the classics to the innovative, this top 10 list includes the most popular scams and fraud schemes of the year with some new additions to look out for in the coming months.
#10 Stealing from the Widows/widowers are told that their spouse had outstanding debts. Sometimes, the scammer may appear at the victim’s doorstep with a pay-on-delivery package that was supposedly ordered by the deceased. The con artists find widowed spouses by browsing public obituary listings or snooping at funeral homes.
#9 Unneeded repairs: Scammers case a neighborhood and go door to door posing as handymen, and will point out a few things that they insist need repair. Payment may be demanded up front, and if the work is done at all, it’s often unlicensed and sloppy.
# 8 Bank fraud-prevention scams: Fraudsters sometimes claim to be calling from a bank’s fraud-prevention department and request information such as a credit card security code or expiration date, with the aim of getting your money or even your identity.
#7 Go phishing: You may get an email that looks to be from a friend, with a generic subject and attachments, but beware! The email is probably not from someone you know, and the attachment could actually be a virus set to download to your computer when you open it.
#6 Fake sweethearts/relatives: Romance scammers contact their victims through online dating websites or social media. Whether a love interest or long lost relative, once a relationship is established, the scammer will dupe the victim out of money, usually for an “emergency.”
#5 Two in one — fake government agencies: Scammers will impersonate
Social Security by calling to warn your Social Security number is suspended, revoked, frozen or blocked and ask you to contact their investigation department where they will then collect more personal information. Additionally, you may see advertisements on television that encourage you to call and order “free” Medicare-covered braces or medical equipment or you may get an email or see on Facebook that you can now receive a COVID-19 senior care package or COVID-19 vaccine kit. When in doubt, call the Texas Senior Medicare Patrol at 888-341-6187.
#4 Tech support scam: You get a call or a pop-up on your computer claiming to be from Microsoft (or Norton, or Apple) about a problem on your computer. They say if you give “tech support” access to your hard drive, they can fix it.
#3 The grandchild hook: This scam has been around for years but now there is a new twist. Instead of requesting money for an “emergency,” your “grandchild’ will need money for rent or food due to losing their job during COVID-19. Also, they may need new clothes and shoes for a job interview.
#2 Robocall scams: In 2020, 60% of all calls to mobile phones were fraudulent. Robocalls will always give you the option to be removed from their call list by pressing a certain number. Hang up and do not press anything. This will only confirm that there is a live person on the other end of the phone and they will keep calling back.
#1 COVID-19 scams: Scam artists may call, post, email, and text to promote false information about:
• Bogus prevention medication in order to obtain your personal information and your money,
• Fake calls from Medicare offering a COVID-19 care package to obtain your Medicare number, and
• Reserve your COVID-19 vaccine, pay a fee to have your name on the list.
Do not open any communication (text/ email/social media) claiming to have news about COVID-19 or offering early access to the vaccine. No one from a vaccine distribution site or insurance will call you asking for your Social Security number or your credit card/bank account information to sign you up for the vaccine. If you see ads touting prevention, treatment, or cure claims for the COVID 19, ignore them.
Be on the lookout for these scams in the coming year and contact the BBB Education Foundation for more information at 713-3416141.
Melissa Ramsey is the BBB Education Foundation columnist. For more information, call 713-341-6141.