You Should Restrict Your Phone Incoming Calls and Text to Your Contacts List to Avoid Scams

Scammers are always coming up with new ways to trick people out of their money. One of the most common ways is to call or text people from unknown numbers. These calls and texts often appear to be from legitimate businesses, such as the IRS or a credit card company. However, they are actually from scammers who are trying to steal your personal information or money.

There are a few things you can do to protect yourself from phone scams. One of the most important things is to restrict your phone incoming calls and text to your contacts list. This means that only people who are already in your contacts will be able to call or text you. This will help to prevent scammers from reaching you.

To restrict your phone incoming calls and text to your contacts list, you can follow these steps:

On your Android phone: 

• Open the Settings app.
• Tap Privacy & security.
• Tap Spam & contact settings.
• Tap Manage contact settings.
• Turn on Only receive calls and texts from your phone contacts.

On your iPhone:

• open the Settings app.
• Tap Phone.
• Tap Silence Unknown Callers.

This will not block all calls and texts from unknown numbers. However, it will block most of them, which will help to protect you from scams.

In addition to restricting your phone incoming calls and text to your contacts list, you should also be aware of other common phone scams. Here are a few tips to help you avoid them:

• Never give out your personal information over the phone. This includes your Social Security number, credit card number, or bank account number.
• Be suspicious of any calls or texts that ask you to pay with a gift card or wire transfer.These are common methods that scammers use to steal money.
• If you are unsure whether a call or text is legitimate, hang up and call the company directly using the number on their website.

By following these tips, you can help to protect yourself from phone scams.

Here are some additional tips to help you avoid phone scams:

• Be wary of calls or texts that come in on holidays or weekends. Scammers often target people when they are less likely to be suspicious.
• If you receive a call or text from a number that you don’t recognize, don’t answer it. If it’s important, the caller will leave a voicemail.
• If you do answer a call from an unknown number, don’t give out any personal information. Just say that you’re not interested and hang up.
• If you receive a text message that asks you to click on a link, don’t do it. These links can often lead to malware or phishing websites.

By following these tips, you can help to protect yourself from phone scams.

See Scam and Fraud Protection for 2023 for more information and make sure to Sign Up for our Scam Prevention Newsletter.

What is a Sweepstakes or Lottery Scam?

A sweepstakes or lottery scam is a type of fraud in which the scammer contacts you and claims that you have won a prize, but in order to claim your prize, you must first pay a fee. These scams are often targeted at older adults, but anyone can be a victim.

How do sweepstakes and lottery scams work?

The scammer will often contact you by phone, email, or mail. They may claim to be from a legitimate sweepstakes or lottery company, or they may create a fake company that sounds official. They will tell you that you have won a prize, but in order to claim your prize, you must first pay a fee. The fee may be for taxes, processing fees, or shipping and handling.

What are some red flags of a sweepstakes or lottery scam?

• You are contacted out of the blue. Legitimate sweepstakes and lottery companies do not contact people who have not entered their contests.
• You are asked to pay a fee to claim your prize. Legitimate sweepstakes and lottery companies do not require you to pay any fees to claim your prize.
• The caller or emailer is very pushy. They may pressure you to pay the fee immediately or they may tell you that your prize will be forfeited if you do not pay.
• The caller or emailer uses official-sounding language. They may use the names of legitimate companies or government agencies to make their scam seem more credible.

How can I protect myself from sweepstakes and lottery scams?

• Never pay a fee to claim a prize. Legitimate sweepstakes and lottery companies do not require you to pay any fees to claim your prize.
• Be suspicious of any unsolicited contact from someone claiming that you have won a prize.
• Do your research. If you are contacted by someone claiming that you have won a prize, do some research to make sure that the company is legitimate. You can check the company’s website or contact the Better Business Bureau.
• If you think you have been the victim of a sweepstakes or lottery scam, report it to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). You can file a complaint online at ftc.gov/complaint or by calling 1–877-FTC-HELP (1–877–382–4357).

Tips for Seniors

• Seniors are often targeted by sweepstakes and lottery scams. If you are a senior, be especially careful of any unsolicited contact from someone claiming that you have won a prize.
• Never give out your personal information, such as your Social Security number or bank account information, to someone you do not know.
• If you are unsure about whether or not a sweepstakes or lottery is legitimate, contact the Better Business Bureau or the state attorney general’s office.

See Scam and Fraud Protection for 2023 for more information and make sure to Sign Up for our Scam Prevention Newsletter.

Beware of Name Spoofing on Your Phone’s Caller ID

Caller ID spoofing is a growing problem, and it’s important to be aware of it so you can protect yourself from scams. Spoofing is when someone intentionally falsifies the caller ID information that appears on your phone. This means that the number you see on your caller ID screen may not be the actual number of the person who is calling you.

Scammers often use spoofing to trick people into answering their calls. They may spoof a number that looks like it’s from a government agency, a bank, or a well-known company. Once you answer the call, they may try to convince you to give them your personal information or to make a payment.

There are a few things you can do to protect yourself from caller ID spoofing:

• Don’t answer calls from unknown numbers. If you don’t recognize the number, don’t answer the call. If it’s important, the caller will leave a message.
• Be suspicious of calls that seem urgent. If someone calls you and tells you that you need to take action right away, be suspicious. Scammers often use this tactic to pressure people into giving them their personal information or making a payment.
• Check the caller ID information carefully. If the number looks like it’s from a government agency or a well-known company, take a few minutes to verify the number. You can do this by looking up the number on the company’s website or by calling the company directly.
• Don’t give out your personal information over the phone. If someone calls you and asks for your personal information, don’t give it to them. Hang up the call and call the company directly to verify the request.

If you think you’ve been the victim of caller ID spoofing, you can report it to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). You can also file a complaint with the company whose number was spoofed.

By being aware of caller ID spoofing and taking steps to protect yourself, you can help to prevent yourself from becoming a victim of a scam.

Here are some additional tips to help you avoid caller ID spoofing:

• Use a call blocking service. There are a number of call blocking services available that can help to filter out unwanted calls, including those that are spoofed.
• Be careful about what information you share on social media. Scammers can use information that you share on social media to spoof your caller ID.
• Keep your software up to date. Software updates often include security patches that can help to protect your phone from spoofing attacks.

By following these tips, you can help to keep your phone safe from caller ID spoofing.

See Scam and Fraud Protection for 2023 for more information and make sure to Sign Up for our Scam Prevention Newsletter.

What is a Google Voice Verification Code Scam

Google Voice is a popular online phone service that allows users to make and receive calls and texts from a web browser or mobile device. However, there is a scam that involves Google Voice verification codes that can be used to steal your personal information.

How the scam works

The scam typically starts when you are selling something online. A potential buyer will contact you and seem interested in your item. They may ask you to send them a verification code that Google Voice has sent to your phone. The scammer will then use this code to create a Google Voice account in your name.

Once the scammer has created the account, they can use it to make calls and send texts pretending to be you. They can also use it to access your other online accounts, such as your bank account or email account.

How to avoid the scam

There are a few things you can do to avoid this scam:

• Never give out your Google Voice verification code to anyone you don’t know. Google employees will never ask for this code.
• Be suspicious of anyone who asks you to send them a verification code.
• If you think you have been a victim of this scam, you should report it to Google and to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). You can also contact your bank or credit card company to report any fraudulent activity.

Tips for staying safe

Here are some tips for staying safe from Google Voice verification code scams:

• Be careful about who you give your personal information to. Only provide your contact information to people you trust.
• Be suspicious of any unsolicited emails or text messages. If you receive an email or text message from someone you don’t know, don’t click on any links or open any attachments.
• Be aware of the latest scams. Scammers are constantly coming up with new ways to steal your personal information. Stay informed about the latest scams so you can spot them and avoid them.

See Scam and Fraud Protection for 2023 for more information and make sure to Sign Up for our Scam Prevention Newsletter.

What is an IRS Impersonation Scam?

An IRS impersonation scam is a type of fraud in which criminals pose as IRS employees in order to trick victims into paying money that they do not owe. The scammers may call, email, or send letters to their victims, demanding payment for back taxes, penalties, or other fees. They may also threaten to arrest or deport the victim if they do not pay.

How do IRS impersonation scams work?

IRS impersonation scams typically work in one of two ways:

• Telephone scams: The scammer will call the victim and claim to be from the IRS. They may use a fake caller ID to make it look like the call is coming from the IRS. The scammer will then demand payment for back taxes, penalties, or other fees. They may also threaten to arrest or deport the victim if they do not pay.
• Email scams: The scammer will send the victim an email that appears to be from the IRS. The email will usually contain a warning that the victim owes money to the IRS and must pay immediately. The email may also contain a link that, when clicked, will take the victim to a fake IRS website. The fake website will ask the victim to enter their personal information, such as their Social Security number and bank account information.

How to protect yourself from IRS impersonation scams

There are a few things you can do to protect yourself from IRS impersonation scams:

• Never give out your personal information over the phone or in an email. The IRS will never call or email you and demand payment for back taxes or other fees. If you receive a call or email from someone claiming to be from the IRS, hang up the phone or delete the email.
• Be suspicious of any calls or emails that seem threatening or urgent. The IRS will not threaten to arrest or deport you if you do not pay your taxes. If you receive a call or email that is threatening or urgent, hang up the phone or delete the email.
• Only contact the IRS through official channels. The IRS has a website and a toll-free number that you can use to contact them. You can also find contact information for your local IRS office on the IRS website.
• Report any suspicious calls or emails to the IRS. If you receive a call or email that you think is from an IRS impersonator, you can report it to the IRS by calling 1–800–829–1040. You can also report it online at the IRS website.

Tips for spotting an IRS impersonation scam

Here are some tips for spotting an IRS impersonation scam:

• The caller or email sender will often be very aggressive and demanding.
• The caller or email sender may threaten to arrest or deport you if you do not pay.
• The caller or email sender may ask you to pay with a gift card or wire transfer.
• The caller or email sender may ask you to provide your personal information, such as your Social Security number or bank account information.

If you think you have been the victim of an IRS impersonation scam, you should:

• Do not pay any money.
• Report the scam to the IRS.
• Place a fraud alert on your credit report.
• Monitor your credit report for any unauthorized activity.

The IRS will never demand payment for back taxes or other fees over the phone or in an email. If you receive a call or email that you think is from an IRS impersonator, hang up the phone or delete the email. You can also report the scam to the IRS by calling 1–800–829–1040 or online at the IRS website.

See Scam and Fraud Protection for 2023 for more information and make sure to Sign Up for our Scam Prevention Newsletter.

Why You Need to Keep Your Passwords Safe and Secure

In today’s digital world, passwords are our first line of defense against cybercriminals. They protect our personal information, financial data, and online accounts from unauthorized access.

Unfortunately, many people still use weak or easily guessed passwords. This makes it easy for hackers to break into their accounts and steal their personal information.

In fact, according to a recent study by Verizon, 81% of data breaches are caused by weak or reused passwords.

So, why is it so important to keep your passwords safe and secure? Here are a few reasons:

• To protect your personal information. Your passwords protect your personal information, such as your name, address, and Social Security number. If a hacker gets your password, they could use it to steal your identity and commit fraud.
• To protect your financial data. Your passwords also protect your financial data, such as your bank account numbers and credit card numbers. If a hacker gets your password, they could use it to steal your money or make unauthorized purchases.
• To protect your online accounts. Your passwords protect your online accounts, such as your email, social media, and shopping accounts. If a hacker gets your password, they could use it to take over your accounts and post embarrassing or harmful content.

How to keep your passwords safe and secure

Be Aware of the Latest Phone Scams

Google Voice verification code scams: Scammers will pose as interested buyers or someone who’s found a lost pet. They will use your phone number listed in the ad to start setting up a Google Voice account. Next, the scammer will tell you that they’re about to send you a verification code for “security reasons.” This is a classic double-scam ploy in which the scammer acts as if you’re the one who they should be worried about. Once they have the verification code, they can take control of your Google Voice account and use it to commit other scams.

SIM swapping scams: This is a type of phone scam where the scammer tricks you into giving them your phone number. Once they have your phone number, they can contact your mobile carrier and request that your SIM card be swapped out for a new one. This will give the scammer access to your phone number and all of the accounts that are associated with it.

Zelle, Venmo, and Cash App scams: These are mobile payment apps that are often used to send and receive money. Scammers will often pose as someone you know and ask you to send them money through one of these apps. Once you send the money, it’s very difficult to get it back.

IRS impersonation scams: Scammers will call you and claim to be from the IRS. They will say that you owe taxes and that you need to pay immediately. They may even threaten to arrest you if you don’t pay. However, the IRS will never call you out of the blue to demand payment. If you receive a call like this, hang up and contact the IRS directly.

Sweepstakes and lottery scams: Scammers will often call you and tell you that you’ve won a sweepstakes or lottery. They will then ask you to pay a fee to claim your prize. However, these prizes are usually fake and the fee is just a way for the scammer to steal your money.

These are just a few of the latest phone scams that you should be aware of. If you receive a call from someone who you don’t know, be very careful about giving out any personal information. If you’re not sure if a call is legitimate, hang up and contact the company or organization directly.

How to keep your passwords safe and secure? Here are a few tips:

• Use strong passwords. Your passwords should be at least 12 characters long and include a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.
• Don’t reuse passwords. Never use the same password for multiple accounts. If one account is hacked, the hacker will then have access to all of your accounts.
• Change your passwords regularly. You should change your passwords every few months, or more often if you think they have been compromised.
• Use a password manager. A password manager is a software program that can help you create and store strong, unique passwords for all of your accounts.
• Be careful about what information you share online. Don’t share your passwords with anyone, and be careful about what information you share on social media.

By following these tips, you can help keep your passwords safe and secure. This will help protect your personal information, financial data, and online accounts from unauthorized access.

Here are some additional tips for keeping your passwords safe and secure:

• Avoid using dictionary words or common phrases. These are the first things that hackers will try when they are trying to crack a password.
• Don’t use personal information in your passwords. This includes your name, birthday, or address.
• Don’t use easily guessed patterns. For example, don’t use “123456” or “password.”
• Don’t write your passwords down. If you must write them down, keep them in a safe place.
• Be careful about what websites you enter your passwords on. Only enter your passwords on secure websites.
• Use two-factor authentication whenever possible. This adds an extra layer of security to your accounts.

By following these tips, you can help keep your passwords safe and secure. This will help protect your personal information, financial data, and online accounts from unauthorized access.

Why You Need to Keep Your Passwords Safe and Secure

Add Your Phone Numbers to the Do Not Call Registry

Are you tired of getting unwanted telemarketing calls? If so, you’re not alone. Millions of people receive these calls every day, and they can be very annoying.

The good news is that there’s a way to stop them. You can add your phone numbers to the National Do Not Call Registry. This is a free service that prevents most telemarketers from calling you.

To add your phone numbers to the registry, you can either go online to DoNotCall.gov or call 1–888–382–1222. You’ll need to provide your name, address, and phone number(s).

Once you’ve registered, telemarketers are prohibited from calling you within 31 days. After that, they can only call you if they have your prior express consent.

There are a few exceptions to the Do Not Call Registry. For example, charities, political organizations, and debt collectors are still allowed to call you. However, they must identify themselves at the beginning of the call.

If you receive a telemarketing call after your number has been on the registry for 31 days, you can report it to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). The FTC will investigate the complaint and take action if necessary.

Adding your phone numbers to the Do Not Call Registry is a simple way to reduce the number of unwanted telemarketing calls you receive. It’s free and easy to do, so there’s no reason not to do it.

Here are some additional tips for reducing unwanted telemarketing calls:

• Don’t answer calls from numbers you don’t recognize.
• If you do answer an unknown call, don’t give out any personal information.
• Be suspicious of calls that ask for your credit card number or other sensitive information.
• If you’re not sure if a call is legitimate, hang up and call the company back using the number on their website or in their advertising materials.

Here are some resources for more information:

• National Do Not Call Registry: https://www.donotcall.gov/
• Federal Trade Commission: https://www.ftc.gov/
• Consumer Financial Protection Bureau: https://www.consumerfinance.gov/

See Scam and Fraud Protection for 2023 for more information and make sure to Sign Up for our Scam Prevention Newsletter.

Setup Notifications on All Your Credit Cards and Bank Accounts to Help Avoid Fraud and Theft

Fraud and theft are unfortunately a reality of modern life. But there are steps you can take to protect yourself, and one of the most important is to set up notifications on all your credit cards and bank accounts.

Notifications can help you to:

• Detect fraudulent activity quickly. If your card is used for a purchase you didn’t make, you’ll be alerted right away. This will give you the opportunity to report the fraud to your bank and dispute the charge, minimizing the damage.
• Stay on top of your spending. Notifications can help you to track your spending and make sure you don’t overspend. This can be especially helpful if you have multiple credit cards or bank accounts.
• Receive important account information. Notifications can also alert you to important account information, such as when your bill is due or when your balance is low. This can help you to stay organized and avoid late fees or overdraft charges.

Setting up notifications is easy and can be done through your credit card issuer’s website or app, or through your bank’s website or app. The specific steps you’ll need to take will vary depending on your bank or credit card issuer, but they’ll typically be straightforward.

Here are some of the notifications you may want to consider setting up:

• New transactions. This will alert you every time a new transaction is made on your card or account.
• Large purchases. This will alert you if a purchase is made over a certain amount.
• Transactions in a foreign country. This will alert you if your card is used in a country you didn’t travel to.
• Low balance alerts. This will alert you when your balance falls below a certain amount.

You can also set up notifications to be sent via email, text message, or push notification. The best way to receive notifications will depend on your personal preferences.

Setting up notifications is a simple way to help protect yourself from fraud and theft. It’s just one of many steps you can take to safeguard your finances.

Here are some additional tips for protecting your finances from fraud and theft:

• Review your credit card statements and bank account activity regularly. This will help you to spot any unauthorized transactions.
• Use strong passwords and PINs. Don’t use the same password for multiple accounts.
• Be careful about what information you share online. Don’t give out your personal information, such as your Social Security number or your credit card number, unless you’re sure the website is legitimate.
• Be aware of phishing scams. Phishing scams are emails or text messages that appear to be from a legitimate company, but are actually designed to steal your personal information.

By following these tips, you can help to protect yourself from fraud and theft. And by setting up notifications on your credit cards and bank accounts, you can take an extra step to safeguard your finances.

See Scam and Fraud Protection for 2023 for more information and make sure to Sign Up for our Scam Prevention Newsletter.

Why You Should Update Your Computer Software When New Releases Are Available

Your computer software is constantly being updated with new features, security patches, and bug fixes. These updates are important for keeping your computer running smoothly and securely.

Here are some of the reasons why you should update your computer software when new releases are available:

• Security: Software updates often include security patches that fix vulnerabilities that could be exploited by hackers. By keeping your software up to date, you can help to protect your computer from malware and other security threats.
• Performance: Software updates can also improve the performance of your computer. For example, they may include code optimizations that make your programs run faster or more efficiently.
• Features: New software releases often include new features that can make your computer more useful. For example, a new version of your web browser might include a built-in ad blocker or a new security feature.
• Compatibility: Software updates can also help to ensure that your programs are compatible with newer versions of Windows or macOS. If you don’t update your software, you may run into compatibility issues that prevent you from using your programs.

How to Update Your Computer Software

Most software will automatically check for updates and install them when they are available. However, you can also manually check for updates by following these steps:

• Windows: Open the Settings app and go to Update & Security > Windows Update. Click Check for updates.
• macOS: Click the Apple menu and select System Preferences. Click Software Update.

How to Stay Up to Date with Software Updates

There are a few ways to stay up to date with software updates:

• Set your computer to automatically check for updates. This is the easiest way to make sure that you always have the latest updates installed.
• Subscribe to the software publisher’s newsletter or blog. This will give you notifications when new updates are released.
• Check the software publisher’s website regularly. This is a good way to find out about new updates that have been released, even if your computer isn’t automatically checking for them.

See Scam and Fraud Protection for 2023 for more information and make sure to Sign Up for our Scam Prevention Newsletter.

Tips for Staying Safe From Phishing Scams

• Be suspicious of emails that ask for personal information. Legitimate companies will never ask for your personal information in an email. If you receive an email that asks for your password, credit card number, or other sensitive information, don’t click on any links in the email and don’t reply to it.
• Look for spelling and grammar errors. Phishing emails are often full of spelling and grammar errors. This is a red flag that the email may not be legitimate.
• Check the sender’s email address. If the sender’s email address looks suspicious, don’t click on any links in the email. You can also try to verify the sender’s email address by looking it up on the company’s website.
• Use a spam filter. A spam filter can help to block phishing emails from reaching your inbox.
• Keep your software up to date. Software updates often include security patches that can help to protect your computer from malware.

By following these tips, you can help protect yourself from phishing scams and keep your online accounts safe.

Also See: Don’t Follow Links in Email or Texts to Help Avoid Phishing Scams

See Scam and Fraud Protection for 2023 for more information and make sure to Sign Up for our Scam Prevention Newsletter.

Why You Should Require a Passcode, Biometric Fingerprint, or Face ID on Your Phone

Your smartphone is a valuable device that contains a wealth of personal information. It’s important to take steps to protect your phone from unauthorized access, and one of the best ways to do that is to require a passcode, biometric fingerprint, or Face ID.

What is a passcode?

A passcode is a short sequence of numbers or letters that you enter to unlock your phone. It’s important to choose a strong passcode that is difficult to guess. Some tips for creating a strong passcode include:

• Using a combination of numbers, letters, and symbols if you can.
• Avoiding using personal information that is easily guessed, such as your birthday or your address.
• Changing your passcode regularly.
• How to change your passcode on and iPhone

What is biometric authentication?

Biometric authentication uses your physical characteristics, such as your fingerprint or face, to identify you. This is a more secure way to unlock your phone than a passcode, because it’s much harder for someone to steal your fingerprint or face than it is to guess your passcode.

Why should you require a passcode, biometric fingerprint, or Face ID?

There are several reasons why you should require a passcode, biometric fingerprint, or Face ID on your phone:

• To protect your personal information. Your phone contains a wealth of personal information, including your contacts, email, photos, and financial information. If your phone is lost or stolen, anyone who finds it could access this information if it’s not protected by a passcode or biometric authentication.
• To prevent unauthorized access to your apps. Many apps require a passcode or biometric authentication to access them. This helps to prevent someone from accessing your apps without your permission.
• To protect your phone from malware. Malware can be used to steal your personal information or lock your phone. A passcode or biometric authentication can help to protect your phone from malware.

How to set up a passcode or biometric authentication

To set up a passcode or biometric authentication on your phone, follow these steps:

1. Go to your phone’s settings.
2. Tap on “Security” or “Biometrics & security.”
3. Tap on “Screen lock” or “Face ID & passcode.”
4. Enter your current passcode, if you have one.
5. Tap on “Set passcode” or “Add a fingerprint or Face ID.”
6. Follow the on-screen instructions to create a passcode or set up biometric authentication.

Additional tips for protecting your phone

• Keep your phone’s software up to date. Software updates often include security patches that can help to protect your phone from malware.
• Be careful about what apps you download. Only download apps from trusted sources, and be sure to read the app’s permissions before you install it.
• Use a VPN when you’re connected to public Wi-Fi. A VPN can help to protect your privacy and security when you’re using public Wi-Fi.
• Be careful about what information you share online. Don’t share your personal information, such as your Social Security number or your home address, online unless you absolutely need to.

See Scam and Fraud Protection for 2023 for more information and make sure to Sign Up for our Scam Prevention Newsletter.