Q3) Consumers can avoid the dangers by…
Until now, the definition of scam, types of scam and the dangers of scams have been discussed. Then you should also know how to avoid them from targeting you and your money. Some of the solutions were mentioned along with the problem itself. However, let’s make it clear and summarise it.
Almost everyone will be approached by a scammer at some stage. Some scams can be exceptionally easy to spot while other scams may appear to be genuine offers. Scams even take place without you doing anything at all. The only way you will notice is when you receive a huge bill.
Majority of the scams require you to do something before they can activate. You many send some money based on the promise which turns out to be a fraud. You may even give away your personal details to the scammers. Some scams need you to agree to the deals without delay, which give you no time to get any second opinion and the advice. The following list is few important tips which you should follow to protect yourself and the money.
1) Golden rules
- If it looks too good to be true, it’s probably a scam. So, use your common sense.
-Always get a second opinion especially when the offer involves significant money or commitment.
-Keep in mind that there is no get-rich-quick scheme. It takes a patience, time and hard work to become wealthy.
-Do NOT agree the contract or deals straight away. Tell the person you are not interested or that you want an advice.
-If it becomes hard and confusing, contact the local office of fair trading or ACCC for further assistance.
-Do not send any money or give away your personal details to anyone.
-Check you bills and bank statements when you get it. If there is any transaction you can’t explain, report it to the bank immediately.
-Do not have personal identity number (PIN) written on the card and don’t tell anyone.
2) Finding out more facts
-Do not agree to the deals by the pressure they put on you. Always get independent advice, preferably by an accountant or a qualified person.
-Read all the terms and conditions of any offer thoroughly. There might be a trap hidden.
-Do not purchase any medical service on the net. Always seek the advice of your doctor.
-The weight loss pills might lead you to death. So do not take them.
-Search efficient amount of information on something you aren’t entirely sure of. It takes time, but it’s better than loosing your money.
3) Protecting your identity
-Never give out personal information to someone you don’t know. People that you meet online or casually may not be people you can trust. So don’t give them personal information like your phone number, the place of resident, email address or important confirming evidence as such as mother’s maiden name. This is what identifies you in the society-it’s very valuable, so take a care.
-Do not throw the old bills, records or expired cards. Destroy them completely! The thieves use all sorts of methods to build up a profile of a person. If you’re their target, they will go through your garbage bins to see if there is anything like it.
-Order a free copy of your credit report or a bank account details at least every year to ensure that no one is using your name to borrow money.
4) Sending money
-Never send money to anyone you do not know or trust.
-Any fee to claim a prize or lottery winnings should not be sent.
-Never agree to transfer money for someone else; it’s a crime.
-If you receive chain mails or take part in scheme, you will lose your money for sure.
5) Dealing with door-to-door approach
-It’s fairly hard to slam the door right front of their face. So if anyone comes to your door, always ask for their identification. Under any circumstances, do not let them in. If they don’t leave, tell them that you are going to call the police.
-Your close friends might tempt you to take part in a scam. For that reason, you should always seek for independent advice, probably from a lawyer or an accountant.
6) Telephone fraud
-If you receive a phone call from someone you do not know of, ask the name of the person you are speaking to and who they represent.
-Never give out your credit card details over the phone unless you’ve made the call and the phone number came from a confidential source.
-Do not respond to text messages or missed calls that come from numbers you don’t recognise.
-Be extremely cautious of numbers beginning with 190. These are very expensive and they charge a quiet hefty fee.
-Look out for SMS numbers that start with 19. These are also very expensive and when you read it, they press you a charge. Subsequently, the best thing you can do is to delete it.
7) Internet tips
-If you want to access and internet website, NEVER follow a link in an email received-it’s a scam. Always type the address yourself.
-Installing software that protects your computer from virus and unwanted programs can be downloaded from the internet. But you could go to an official electronic centre to install it. Two websites you could go is: www.spamfighter.com
www.NoSpamToday.com
-You should not enter your personal and credit card information on a website which you aren’t certain. They might use it to take the money.
-If you send your person, credit card or online account details through an email, you are in a trouble. Email can be sent to anyone and they can access it by hacking.
-Internet banking is fairly risky but if you have to, avoid the public computers; libraries or internet cafes.
-For the password to confirm you on the net, you should not reveal it to anyone and choose one that would be difficult for anyone else to guess. Please do not have your birthday or phone number as your password.
8) Protecting your business
-Unless you know what your personal information will be used for, don’t give out any information regarding this.
-You should always ask an offer in writing because on the phone or over net, it might be the scammers trying to get your business.
-If any goods or services were ordered and delivered, check it first before paying the cash.
-Again, if you are not sure about anything, contact the lawyer or accountant for an advanced advice.
Remember, always seek for an advice and do NOT hesitate to hang up the phones, reject the offers, delete the emails, throw away the dodgy deals and warning the government about this.
