A scammers pitch is as important as the pitch itself. Previously, sweetness was the way but today, phone frauds are based on fear. The scammer tries to frighten the victim into taking action.
Scientists advise us we react more to negative, than to positive things. When a scammer calls to inform you that there is a crisis or major problem, your mind automatically goes into high gear, seeking a solution.
Thus, when the caller provides an easy out… the victim jumps at it. The fear helps close the deal, and you make judgement decisions.
They say “Forewarned is Forearmed!!!!” and “People Don’t Plan to Fail, They Fail to Plan.” So, Plan Ahead and learn of these current scams calls:
IRS: “You owe back taxes and will be arrested, fined and jailed, if you do not settle this NOW!” THE IRS DOESN’T CALL!
Police: “We are raising money for officers injured in the line of duty. How much will you be donating today?”
The Social Security Imposter: Your SSN has been used in crimes, and you’re going to be arrested, unless…
Utility Company: “We will be shutting off your electricity TODAY if you don’t pay the past-due amount on your bill now.”
Government Clerk: “You have unclaimed property with the State. Upon payment of a small fee, we will release it to you.”
The Dreaded Computer Virus: You’re about to lose all your info and photos, and only we can fix the problem.
Jury Duty Clerk: “I’m calling from the Indio Courthouse, and you missed jury duty. Pay $400 or go to Jail.”
Puppy Breeder: If you are a dog lover you should know we just received a beautiful litter of purebred Poodles.”
Ticket Seller: “We are an affiliate of a major ticket vendor. Therefore, we can get your seats for any major concert at a much-discounted price.”
Bank Verifier: “We have uncovered a major data problem with your checking account. Please verify this information so we can confirm things and fix the error.”
Big Winner Announcement: “I’m from the Canadian Lottery, and you have won $1 Million! After you pay the import tax and fee we will send you your winnings.”
Military Rep: “I’m from the VA, and you are entitled, as an ex-soldier, to benefits from this program. I need to know…”
Social Media Scams: With online shopping scams, ads are posted for too-good-to-be-true deals on hot items, like designer eyewear. The ads can show up as a legitimate sponsored post, or in a friend’s Facebook timeline (a sure sign their account has been hacked). The goal is to get your credit card information to charge you for phony goods and steal your personal information for identity theft.
DNA Cancer Screening: People like you have died because they didn’t take the DNA test we’re offering.
Genealogy site scams: The sites look secure and they offering ancestry research for free. However you must provide personal information with the goal of stealing your identity.
If you paid for a product through one of these scam sites, report to your bank, credit card company and the sites below:
Inspector General 1-800-269-0271 or via https://oig.ssa.gov/report.
Fraud alert hotline: 855 303 9470 or http://www.aging.senate.gov/fraud-hotline
FTC ID Theft Hotline 877 ID Theft/ http://www.consumer.gov/idtheft
SS hotline 800 269 0271/www.ssa.gov/oig
Equifax: 800 525 6285/ www.equifax.com
Experian: 888 397 3742/ www.experian.com
Transunion: 800 680 7289/ www.transunion.com
Drinking and texting BOTH CAUSE ACCIDENTS OR MAKE A DRIVER LESS LIKELY TO AVOID an ACCIDENT THAT WOULD NOT BE THEIR FAULT. 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) 2011-20
“TOP LAWYER” – Inland Empire Magazine 2016-19
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