SCAM Update
The following information is from Sandra Teel, an insurance broker specializing in Medicare.
by Sandra Teel
special to the Weekly
I’ve been receiving a lot of emails telling me I have purchased something that I know I did not purchase. The email is sending me a confirmation receipt of an auto renewal for a product, or an invoice for something they say I purchased.
These can look very real and convincing. Do not open the attachement and do not call them. Most of the time these are scam emails and their objective is to get you to call so they can get information from you. They often will ask you to give them remote access to your computer to fix or install something.
Don’t give anyone you don’t know remote access to your computer.
When you get an email like this, don’t just delete it. Send it to the spam box.
Another popular scam is attaching a virus while you’re surfing the internet.
The next thing you know you have warnings popping up on your screen saying your computer is about to crash. Don’t ever call that number either. Ask a trusted family member or a legitimate local company to look at your computer.
Most of the time the virus is an overseas hacker trying to steal your money through various schemes. These people will also ask to remotely access your computer. Don’t do it! Some schemes are every elaborate, and it doesn’t matter if you are 15 or 95, they will say whatever they need to say to get as much money out of you as possible.
The third popular scam is calling you saying they are your grandchild who needs money or a family member who is in trouble. This scam will often ask you to send money via wire transfer or ask you to purchase gift cards and give them the information on the gift cards. Make sure to verify with your family if this is real situation before you send or spend money. Scammers are very creative and convincing.
The best policy is do not engage with them. Keep your personal information safe by remaining alert. Never send money to anyone you have only communicated with online or by phone.
For more information about these scams, visit Youtube.com/ jimbrowning. The introduction to the video was produced by AARP ( https://www.youtube.com/aarpwashington).
