DALLAS – (WBAP/KLF) – The only thing worse than a ripoff we recognize too late to remedy, may be the feeling we are alone. A new study out from the Federal Trade Commission demonstrates not only are we NOT alone in falling victim to scams, despite all the warnings on repeat, it continues to happen Texas-wide. In 2023, the Federal Trade Commission reveals of 152,680 reports of fraud made to the FTC in 2023, Texans lost $636.4 million dollars. The bottom line here is you are NOT alone with regard to threat or actual ripoff.
Number one fraud scam in Texas during 2023 was identity theft. Someone is using your personal or financial information and damaging your credit status, costing time and money. Signs to watch for include bills for things you did not purchase, stolen mail, or sudden stoppage of mail you should be receiving, and or information on your credit report that doesn’t make sense to you or you do not recognize. To resolve the threat, do not share any personal information including birth dates, especially online, review your credit card and bank account statements, and report suspicious transactions immediately.
Second scam targeting Texans successfully in 2023 involved credit bureaus. Associated scams involve false, inaccurate or incomplete information reporting. They may involve check verification services and tenant screening companies among tothers. Report the wrong information immediately.
Imposter scams – someone pretends to be someone you know with the end goal being you send them money to help in a situation. Sometimes scammers in this category pretend to be an employee with your bank. Watch out for the words “wire transfer: contact your institution or the associated business or individual directly to help determine if the request is legitimate.
Online shopping and negative reviews – various forms, including people falling victim to fake stories. Often, consumers are lured in with a fake ad placed on social media; an order placed is then an order never received. Bottom line: if an offer seems too good to be true, it probably is. Scams in reviews include payment for posting positive reivews, and/or suppression of negative review3s.
Banks and lenders: loans offered under false pretenses. Scammers often hook tagets making a promise they can’t deliver on, or through hiding the actual loan cost. This category also includes any effort to get your personal or financial information; charging outrageous rates and/or hidden fees
Debt collection: If you are contacted from someone alleging to be a debt collector, you should receive the full company names, mailing address and details regarding the debat they claim you owe. Check the information before sending any payment. If you’re threatened with criminal charges, you may be the target of a collection scam.
Auto related: Takes many forms here. Deceptive ads for unrealistic prices on vehicles or parts. False addresses and other information that looks legitimate. Scammers may be representatives of car dealers, makers or insurers. The King in this category is “your auto warranty (or insurance) is about to expire”. Check it out before replying with any personal information.
Prizes, sweepstakes and lotteries: You probably have NOT won big. To determine if you did, ask for company information, call the number, and contact your local office or the online services of the Better Business Bureau. Don’t hand over personal information or send money to get your prize. These scams often include the bait words “gift card”, “wire transfer” or “cryptocurrency”. Just don’t pay.
Business and job opportunities: A tough one when solving this issue would solve just about everything. These refer to fraudulent job or business opportunities – “work from home”, “mystery shopper” among common scam-related terms. Legitimate job or business opportunities will not require you to pay for the promise of a job or something in return.
Health care: Selling of health insurance, prescription drugs or supplies at rates much lower than the norm. Fees charged to navigate the health insurance marketplace or areas within – those are free services protected by law. Do not give personal, financial or health information to anyone other than your provider or insurer. Verify an organization claiming to offer healthcare benefits BEFORE you sign up.
You’re not alone in being targeted for a scam, or becoming the victim of a scam. Sharing this information shines a light in the dark corner of fraud and theft. Report all suspected fraud attempts and the authorities will take the time to figure out what’s going on. Keep all personal information personal.
(Copyright, All Rights Reserved, WBAP/KLIF 2024)
