Is that a scam? How to recognize and report fraudulent behavior

Kaitlyn McCormick, Cherry Hill Courier-Post
·3 min read

There's a link in your inbox for a new service that seems legitimate, the door-to-door salesman was really nice, and there's an unknown number calling you to discuss a credit card bill you didn't know you owed.

But are you getting scammed?

Here's everything you need to know about scams and how to protect yourself.

How to spot a scam

Senior citizens, according to the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs, are more frequently targeted by financial fraud scams than any other age group.

But everyone should still be aware of how to spot a scam, especially with the holiday season's online shopping quickly approaching.

Some common red flags from the NJDCA that could indicate scams are:

  • Being told not to tell anyone about your "prize"

  • Any offers of "guaranteed" winnings or money

  • Being asked to share sensitive information such as your Social Security Number, credit card or bank account data or any PINs and passwords

  • Being told to send money in non-traditional formats like wire transfer or bitcoin

More: Plan your candy hunt; Halloween events and trick-or-treat times across South Jersey

Common scams

Regardless of the format, there's likely a scam to be had.

Scams and fraud can come in the forms of phone calls, online links, door-to-door sales and mail.

Below are common scams the New Jersey Department of Consumer Affairs warns of.

Common phone scams:

  • IRS scams: threatening legal action if you don't pay for IRS or credit card related claims.

  • Medicaid scams: claiming you have a new card available but need to provide identifying information to claim it.

  • Tech support scams: callers pretending to be tech assistants claiming that you have issues with your computer and must download a solution.

  • Utility scams: calls claiming that bills are overdue, threatening to shut off service.

Common computer scams:

  • Bank scams: warning you of fraudulent activity and asking for sensitive information

  • Medical scams: claiming you can get your prescriptions cheaper online

  • Malware scams: pop ups or emails telling you that you have a computer virus and need to download a solution

Common door-to-door scams:

  • Security scams: someone offering a free home security check but may be plotting a robbery

  • Home improvement scams: someone offers a free estimate and claims there's damage that needs to be fixed

  • Charity scams: someone claiming to collect money for charity and then keeping the cash

Common mail scams:

  • Lottery scams: being asked to pay a fee to claim lottery winnings

  • Property tax scams: mail claiming the sender can reduce your property taxes for a fee

  • Mortgage scams: sender claiming to renegotiate your mortgage and asking for payments

What to do if you're scammed

If you believe you've been the victim of a scam, there are actions you can take.

Most importantly, the NJDCA advises not to fall for intimidation tactics often used by scammers.

The Federal Trade Commission provides the following advice for scamming victims:

  • Contact your bank or credit card company if you paid a scammer to report a fraudulent charge.

  • If you sent cash by mail, contact the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and ask them to intercept the package.

  • Reset any passwords you may have shared with a scammer.

  • Visit identitytheft.gov if you shared sensitive information like your SSN.

Complaints can be filed via the NJDCA website or via phone at 1-800-242-5846.

Consumers can also report scams, potential fraud and unwanted phone calls to the FTC so that it can investigate and build cases against fraudulent individuals and businesses.

This article originally appeared on Cherry Hill Courier-Post: How to recognize and report a scam