BEWARE OF SCAMMERS

This time of year many people are cleaning out their records and paperwork in preparation for setting up new record-keeping for 2023. When you do so, be sure to shred or burn any old paperwork that may contain personal information. This includes any canceled checks, bank or credit card statements, and even old utility bills that could provide a criminal with pertinent information to run a scam or access your accounts. You can purchase low-cost shredders at most stores that carry office supplies that will do the job or inquire if your bank offers shredding services. Be sure to remove labels with personal information such as prescription labels or magazines before disposing of them. With the rising rates of scams and fraud protecting any and all of your personal information has never been more important.

of your package and asking you to click on a link for updated shipping information. If you really are expecting a package it can be tempting to click on this link and fall for this scam tactic but clicking on the link ultimately opens your device and accounts to hacking. One of the newest fraudulent texts circulating is one that appears to be from your bank or credit card company asking if you authorized a recent charge and to click on the link if you did not. Again, clicking on this link only opens you to hacking. Never click on links in text messages or emails. If you are unsure if it is a legitimate text or email, simply call your bank using ONLY the phone number found on the back of your card or on your statement – never use the phone number provided on the email or text message.

You may have received fraudulent text messages lately stating that you have a delay in the shipping

Never give your bank information or online banking login information to anyone and never use your bank statement as proof of address. These records should be kept confidential, safe, and shredded before discarding. Be sure to open any mail you receive from a bank – even if it is not your bank. If an unauthorized account has been opened in your name contact that financial institution immediately. Your bank will never call and ask for credentials nor will they instruct you to move money around in order to protect your account from supposed fraud. This is a common tactic used by fraudsters so if you receive a call purporting to be from your banker or its fraud department, hang up immediately and then call the number on the back of your card or on your bank statement. Lastly, never open bank accounts at the direction of someone else. You may find yourself not only scammed but inadvertently caught in illegal activity. And as a reminder, it is always important to watch your accounts but it is more important than ever to watch them closely and often so you can report any unauthorized charges immediately to both your financial institution and law enforcement.

With the recent downturn in the economy, many people have seen their investment accounts diminishing and are looking for ways to slow the drain. However, scammers are taking advantage of this misfortune and posing as investment advisors offering good returns on fraudulent investments. Never invest with a new advisor without doing your homework even if they were recommended by a friend or family member. You should always check out both the investment and the investment advisor thoroughly. You can do so through the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority at FINRA.org or through the Securities and Exchange Commission by going to www.adviserinfo.sec.gov. Lastly, there are some red flags of investment scams: including returns that are exceptionally high for the current market with little risk, being asked to use a credit card, gift card, wire transfer, or cryptocurrency to make the investment, and aggressive pressure tactics to make a quick decision about the investment. Taking your time and doing your homework can go a long way toward keeping your hard-earned money in your pocket. If you’d like more information on how you can avoid becoming a victim of the latest scam, fraud, or crime targeting seniors, please contact our office at 405-869-2555 for information on free monthly classes near you. I’m Deputy Tara Hardin with the Oklahoma County Sheriff’s office and I’m proud to serve you.