Hacker Scammer wants your info

Be vigilant, scammers are on the prowl

Published on by Jean M. Cogdell

And with this new year comes more vermin searching for an opening, no matter how small.Mouse and hole

I’m referring to scammers, hackers and trolls.

The more gadgets we have, the more avenues and opportunities for a criminal to find you. Don’t fall for these frauds. From our email, smartphones, yes iPhones too, computers, tablets, blogs, websites, Amazon Echo, Google Home, or even smart TVs, we are all susceptible to these damn crooks. AND, of course, we are vulnerable on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and any of the many social media sites. Scammers are trolling for any insecurity or vulnerability in your life, online and real.

Once upon a time, long long ago, Apple products were immune. Or so we thought. But that is not the case, not now. So don’t let your guard down just because you have an Apple product. Scammers are everywhere phishing for your information.

No need to live in fear. Just be aware! Be smart!

Some things you can do to avoid becoming a victim of fraud.

  • Install good security and virus software.
  • Keep all software updated.
  • Do not click on an email that requests you verify account details.
  • Be careful about downloading free mobile apps. Know who and where it comes from.
  • Never click on an unsolicited email or alert that comes from a bank,  institution or company. Go directly to their website instead.
  • On smartphones and tablets, watch out for text messages requesting you click on them.
  • Don’t recognize the phone number? Hang up or better yet don’t answer. If it’s important they can leave a message.
  • Be aware of phone number scamming. Fraudsters are now spoofing legit company phone numbers. Be careful, the person on the other line may not be a real Apple, ATT, Netflix, agent.
  • Remember if it sounds too good… well you know the rest.

Last but not least…

Think before you click. Just like crossing a street, take your time and look both ways. Let’s start the new year aware and in control. 

Thanks to Terry Ambrose, Grace Sweeney and Kevin McAllister for these tips and their timely articles on the latest scams and fraudsters.

Below are links from these savvy writers to help you avoid falling prey to a scammer. Keep reading… 

Scam Tip – Apple users beware of Apple phishing scam By Terry Ambrose

New year, new scams: what to watch out for in 2019 By GRACE SWEENEY

Outsmart the Scammers: How You Can Avoid Fraud By Kevin McAllister

Apple iPhone scam returns as new model nears By Terry Ambrose

PLEASE TAKE ANOTHER MINUTE AND LOOK ME UP ON SOCIAL MEDIA BY CLICKING ON THE LINKS BELOW.
AND STOP BY JEAN’S WRITING ANYTIME, I’LL LEAVE A LIGHT ON. 

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27 thoughts on “Be vigilant, scammers are on the prowl”

  6. There’s a scam message going around Facebook Messenger at the moment. It says “Hi… I actually got another friend request from you yesterday… which I ignored so you may want to check your account. Hold your finger on the message until the forward button appears… then hit forward and all the people you want to forward too… ” Don’t forward it. I don’t think it’s dangerous, just a nuisance.

    Liked by 1 person

  7. Thanks for the tips. It’s terrible that our society has stooped to this level. Even with technology to help, the scammers are getting around it too. What do we have to do, become hermits to protect our selves?

    Liked by 1 person

  9. This is very good information. I don’t answer any calls that aren’t from people in my contacts. And one day I got a call from my own telephone number. How on earth did they do that!!!

    Liked by 1 person

  11. Thank you Jean for this valuable information. Sometimes your known people rob you. Like my phone company which is supposed to charge me only for local calls, but deactivated my long distance calls from my other company and smoothly reactivated their own. I’ve called them, but they’re trying to save their skin by saying it’s an error and they’re investigating. 😦 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

  12. Can I also recommend that Bloggers do not give out personal information on their blogs? I see so many bloggers who not only tell the world it’s their birthday but sometimes how old they are (especially if it’s a milestone birthday). If they also give their full name on their blog, then a scammer has your full name and date of birth.
    Also, don’t use any widget that publishes your address and/or phone number (unless you’re a business and want readers to know the details).
    Thanks for the tips and advice, Jean.
    Happy New Year.

    Liked by 2 people

  13. It is not always technology. I have just learned that my sister, who suffers from Alzheimer’s disease, was conned out of $1000 today by a perfume salesman whilst shopping at the local mall.
    I am not happy.
    And I am going shopping at the local mall tomorrow. For perfume.

    Liked by 1 person

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