The Federal Bureau of Investigation has just published an eye-opening list of well-known and commonly perpetrated scams from A-Z.
“Frauds from A to Z”, can be found on the agency’s website. The list is extensive and the information is priceless.
Make yourself a strong cup of coffee, because this resource goes into detail about a very long list of financial scams that are commonly reported and analyzed by the FBI. The benefit to readers is obvious. Often it’s what we DON’T know that can hurt us the most.
Unless you have the time and interest to study these scams regularly, chances are you’ve never heard of the “Gameover Malware” Scam or the “Surrogacy” Scam. These are just two of the newest ways that clever con-artists separate the uninformed from their hard-earned money.
According to a recent article in Forbes:
“It’s out there and growing, and you should be careful and scared at the same time. They may be lurking on Facebook, eBay, LinkedIn, or Craigslist — or what you think is a legitimate online business may be nothing more than a fake designed to separate you from your personal information. You may get a heart wrenching plea for a donation on your Google, AOL, or Hotmail email account; or someone may telephone you on your cellphone. They’re getting craftier. You’re just not as smart or safe as you think you are.”
Often, these frauds do not involve identity theft and wouldn’t be detected on one of the major credit bureaus. The “Grandparents” Scam for example, targets victims by pretending that a beloved grandchild has been involved in an emergency situation and needs immediate cash for medical or legal expenses. Once the “grandparent” takes the bait and wires the needed funds, it’s game-over. No need for a complex and risky ruse here, because the victim’s already been “had”.
One of the features of the FBI’s in-depth awareness articles is a list of specific tips to help consumers avoid the scams altogether. The prevention tips are a valuable way for readers to take action in the event they find themselves already immersed or newly confronted by one of these schemes.
These varieties of financial crime are still among the fastest growing and simultaneously the most under-prosecuted crimes in America. As the old adage goes: Fool me once shame on you, fool me twice…..
Can you make time this month to familiarize yourself with some of these schemes and recommended protection tips?
