Hello, Can you hear me clearly? This is part of the latest telephone call scam. The phone rings and you are asked a question. If this happens to you….This is X, Can you hear me clearly? HANG UP. When you respond yes, they record the yes and use it to prove you agreed to purchase xyz when you said yes. They insert your yes into a purchase agreement.
We must also be aware of other scams. People are still shopping so those scams will always be there. However staying at home allows the bad guys to call and get someone on the phone they can scam. These scams predate the Hello Can You Hear Me?
Booster Box/Bag: A larger hollow box or bag is placed down over a slightly smaller shopping bag, purse or product placed on the ground while looking in a showcase. The spring loaded bottom secures the item about to be stolen. The thief then walks away without anyone seeing what happened.
Fake Shipping: I have received emails notifying me my package is on its way. Be careful and don’t click when you get this notice, as it may contain a link or attachment that will take you to a site that installs malware. If you didn’t order anything, don’t click on it.
Gift Cards: They can be the perfect gift… If not already opened. However, crooks go to stores and write down the numbers and pin on the back of the gift card. When they see someone purchase one they go online and use up the amount on the card. Thus you must be sure the wrapping on the card has not been disturbed, or the pin revealed.
Fraudulent Charities: During the Covid epidemic, catastrophic fires, hurricanes or earthquakes, we are all more inclined to help our fellow man. Thus we may fall for one of dozens of phony charities. If you don’t recognize the charity don’t donate to them.
To investigate a charity, go to Calif Charity Regulator, NASCO (National Assoc of State Charity officials). Check the website of the charity and inquire about their mission and what percent of the money goes to charity. If/when you spot a Scam, report it to FTC or state charity regulator through nasconet.org. That is the only way to try to protect the next guy. OpenSecrets.org is another site to see if the charity is really a charity, and to confirm they give the money to those in need.
IF your credit card is stolen or compromised, report it to the major reporting agencies below.
Equifax 1-800 525 6285: to place a fraud alert 888 766 0008. To order a credit report call 800 685 1111
Experian (formerly TRW 1-888 397 3742 to place fraud alert. To order a credit report call 888 397 3742
Trans Union 1-800 680 7289 to place a Fraud alert. To order a credit report call 800 888 4213
Social Security Administration (fraud line) 1-800 269 0271
DRINKING AND TEXTING BOTH CAUSE ACCIDENTS OR MAKE A DRIVER LESS LIKELY TO AVOID AN ACCIDENT, THAT WOULD NOT BE THEIR FAULT. BEING INTOXICATED, IS JUST AS SERIOUS AS BEING INTEXTICATED. A DRIVER MUST DO EVERYTHING POSSIBLE TO AVOID AN AT FAULT ACCIDENT. THE BOTTOM LINE IS “DON’T DRINK AND DRIVE OR TEXT AND GET A DUI OR ACCIDENT… CALL A TAXI, LYFT OR UBER….THEY ARE A LOT CHEAPER THAN CALLING ME”
Ideas for future columns contact Dale Gribow 760-837-7500 or dale@dalegribowlaw.com.
DALE GRIBOW
Legal Representation Of The Injured and Criminally Accused
“TOP LAWYER” – California’s Prestige Magazine, Palm Springs Life (PI/DUI) 2011-21
“TOP LAWYER” – Inland Empire Magazine 2016- 2019
PERFECT 10.0 AVVO Peer Rating
“DON’T DRINK AND DRIVE OR TEXT AND GET A DUI OR ACCIDENT… CALL A TAXI, LYFT OR UBER….THEY ARE A LOT CHEAPER THAN CALLING ME”
