Scammers never seem to take a day off. There is a new spin of gift card scams. This time around, scammers are pretending to be a pastor, rabbi, priest, imam, or bishop. They are asking worshippers for gift card contributions for a worthy cause. Appeals are often made by email, but there have been people getting texts and phone calls, as well.
The bogus emails often include the name of the local pastor and a legitimate-looking email address. But a closer look will raise some red flags. For example, the email address isn’t the one normally used by the church, and the service provider is different too. The message may begin with a simple, “Hi,” but doesn’t include a recipients name. There also may be spelling errors, including the pastor’s name.
The imposter asks you to buy a popular gift card, frequently, iTunes, Google Play, or Amazon and then asks for the gift card number and PIN on the back of the card. Those numbers let the scammer immediately get the money you loaded onto the card. And once that’s done, the scammer and your money are gone, without a trace.
If this has happened to someone you know report it as soon as possible. Call the card company and tell them the gift card was used in a scam.
You can go to any one of these companies and get the site to report the scam on. And do not forget to go to FTC with the complaint. Do not feel bad thousands have done it. I always get suspicious when I hear iTunes, that seems to be the favorite card scammers use when it is time to pay IRS, bail bond, pay a debt you do not owe, etc, like whoever heard of using iTunes for any of the things. This is the same scam only they are using a church as the recipient and why does a church want an iTunes card, think people.
I am sorry but I laughed out loud when I read this one. Donate an iTunes or Google Play card to a church? I also laughed when iTunes was going to get someone out of jail. I was going to say scammers must think we are stupid, guess what we are. Hundreds of thousands have already been given to the scammers.
Social Security Scams
Calls are now being received from scammers claiming to be with Social Security and the benefits have been suspended due to suspicious activity and for a fee they can “reactivate” your number after you, of course, give them the number. These scams are now on the rise and outnumber other scams including IRS, which formerly was in first place. You can tell if the government is truly calling you,
The government will not threaten to take away benefits or ask for money or personal information to protect your SS card or benefits.
Scammers can fake your caller ID, so don’t be fooled if the call seems to be from the Social Security Administration’s (SSA’s) real phone number or the SSA Inspector General’s Fraud Hotline number. You can always call the SSA directly at (800) 772 1213 to find out if they are really trying to reach you.
If someone calls you asking for your SS number, bank account number, or credit card information, hang up.
Spread the word, as these calls are on the rise, and report them to FTC. There is no end to what these scammers will come up with next, but never be so frightened as to give personal information to anyone on the phone or by email. Check it out first.
Next is one for the books, scammers are reaching out by calling consumers for their Medicare numbers, SS numbers, and other personal information. in exchange, are you ready for this, a DNA testing kit. The callers are saying this test is a free way to get early diagnoses for diseases like cancer, or just that it’s a free test, so why not take it. But the truth is Medicare is not giving away anything especially DNA kits. And scammers are good they will give a totally believable explanation for needing your information. But before you give away your information or a swab of your cheek consider these tips to help you spot and avoid scams like this.
Rarely does any branch of the government call you unless they are returning your call and they do not ask for personal information or any type of payment. You may have paid to have caller ID on your phone, but the kicker is, don’t trust it. Scammers, of course, have the ability to hide their real number and your ID caller will show it comes from Washington D.C. or the like and for sure it is not a government agency. This, of course, is done to once again scare you into giving out personal information. And report any of these calls to FTC, it helps others and gives FTC more ammo to fight with.
Granted all this gets to be so tiresome. I no longer answer any call I am not familiar with and if it is a customer, they know to leave a message. Now they have begun to call on weekends and always remember they can make a call appear to come from next door if they wish. I am wondering when and if the day comes when there are no longer any robocalls.
Well, go out there and stay safe
Thank you FTC for all the valuable information
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