Here’s our list of the latest scams to watch for in 2023.
Romance scams
In this scam, the victim will be targeted online through dating or social media app. The scammer will sweep the victim off their feet and try to get into a relationship with them quickly. A common sign of a romance scammer is that he or she lives far away and promises to meet their victim in person but never does. Instead, they will ask the victim for money to pay fake medical bills or ask them to help get out of financial trouble. Always thoroughly research the person you are interacting with, and if you have any doubts, walk away.
Fitness or weight loss scams
We all want a quick and easy fix to improving health and fitness. Scammers use this to target their prey. The victim may come across a fake website promoting a quick-fix fitness program. The goal is to get the victim to share personal or financial information. Another tactic used by scammers is to get their victims to sign up for a low-priced gym membership. The victim must provide personal and/or financial information to redeem the membership. Don’t register with or provide your personal or financial information to any business unless you know it is legitimate.
Car warranty scams
Have you received a call about your car’s extended warranty? If you have not, you are probably one in a million. This prolific scam targets victims by selling fake extended auto warranties, asking for personal and financial information, and emptying the victim’s bank account. If you pick up the phone and hear a recording about your car’s extended warranty, hang up.
Gift card scams
In a gift card scam, scammers drain the balance and then return the gift card to the storage rack. They do this by tampering with the protective strips, stealing the bar codes, and replacing these with similar security tape. Then the scammer enters the card’s code into a program that tracks the retailer’s website and informs the thief when someone buys the card so they can spend it.
In a different gift card scam, the perpetrator creates a gift card exchange website that offers to check the balance of gift cards. When the victim enters the gift card information, the scammer uses this to drain the balance.
Ways to protect yourself from scammers
- Use credit cards for online purchases (credit cards offer consumer protection, debit cards do not)
- Keep a watchful eye on your card. Don’t let it out of your sight when handing it over at the store/restaurant/gas station.
- Use reputable websites and links you trust.
- Monitor your credit.
- Don’t answer calls from numbers you do not recognize.
- Don’t be too trusting. Stick with your gut instinct.
Contact your local branch of Warren-Boynton State Bank if you think you have fallen victim to a scam.