Defeat the scams

Sharon McLeay
Times Contributor

 

If you have had an unidentified person from Microsoft call to tell you your computer has a virus, or someone saying that Canada Revenue wants to prosecute unless you pay up (unless you really do have to pay up), or received an email that United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon wants to give you millions of dollars, you might be prey for a scam.
Every time you open your email or pick up your phone, there is the chance that it is someone with a scam waiting to take your money
“If it sounds too good to be true, it is,” said Wheatland Peace officer Kris Permann. “People are out there trying to take your money, so we want to give you as much information as we can to keep you safe.”
At the Seniors Power symposium held at Hope Church in Strathmore on Sept. 11, Permann gave some good information about those who scam and good protection methods to use against them.
Permann highlighted the various types of scams that were directed at the public as well as seniors that included telephone, credit card, email, door-to-door, ID theft, lottery scams and contractor fraud.
He said according to the Canadian Anti-fraud Association, over $75 million dollars was lost to scams in Canada in 2014.
We as Canadians are generally polite, but Permann reassured the audience that hanging up on the caller, non-reply to that email, not letting that door knocker in and being suspicious of anyone asking for money are completely OK.
Permann said reputable agencies wouldn’t ask for prepaid cards, leave messages for money on the phone, or share your information with others.
He said if you are unsure, do your research and ask for identification.
In the recent grandson calling for emergency bailout money scam, where an unknown person pretends to be a family member placed in jail or stranded overseas, listeners need to ask questions only the child would know and talking to others in the family for verification could catch the culprits.
Credit card scams can be thwarted by protecting your cards and by calling your credit card company. If you suspect misuse after looking closely at your bills, cancel the card, and never give out pins, passwords or identifying information. Shredding financial statements, billing, and things with address numbers will keep garbage can thieves from getting confidential information.
Cell phone calls and open Wi-Fi services can also be hacked. Change computer passwords often and don’t use the same password or easily determined passwords for your computer and security software.
High-pressure sales where a deal expires the same day should be ignored. A reputable business will let you think about purchases.
“Provincial laws protect you against quick sales measures,” said Permann.
Check out your rights as a purchaser. Check out if the businesses you are dealing with are listed with the Better Business Bureau, or are licensed in your area.
Door -to -door salesmen pose hazards, so he suggests not letting them in the house. Often thieves will use the opportunity to case a residence for a later break-in. Don’t answer if there is more than one person at the door you do not know. Be aware or document your belongings, so you can know if anything goes missing.
Lottery scams utilize pop-ups on computers, and the community only benefits from lotteries sold in the province. Crosscheck with agencies, to find out if there is a draw being held before parting with cash.
Some scammers are using routing devices to post familiar telephone numbers on residents’ call back answering services, so they will pickup.
Permann said the no-call lists often just work for a short time, but if you are getting multiple calls make a note of the caller and contact the Canadian Recording, Television and Communication agency and make a complaint. The www.nomorobo.com website is a blocking agency to eliminate calls.
Stay away from pyramid schemes that claim you can get rich quick because it is only the top tier that take away the big cash. Call the Alberta Security Commission or look at www.checkfirst.ca, to check out investments. They cannot advise you on investments, but they can tell you about improper or illegal practices.