Wagoner County Sheriff Chris Elliott knows that scammers are constantly evolving their tactics, that is why he has invested in a Wagoner County Sheriff’s Office Digital Forensic Lab that has the equipment needed to collect and analyze digital evidence from nearly any kind of device.
As technology advances, scammers are constantly finding new ways to deceive and defraud unsuspecting victims. If something seems too good to be true or raises red flags, it's better to avoid engaging with a potential scam or scammer to protect your identity and assets. That is why it is crucial to stay informed and trust your instincts. Additionally, it is important to keep your loved ones informed about the latest scams circulating. Here’s a look at some of the most prevalent scams to be aware of:
Social Media Scams - Social media platforms have become breeding grounds for various scams, such as fake product listings, investment opportunities, or romance scams. By creating fake profiles or impersonating others, scammers are getting very good at gaining the trust of unsuspecting individuals and eventually defrauding them. In fact, between January 2021 and June 2023, more money was reported lost to fraud originating on social media than any other method of contact.
To avoid falling victim to social media scammers, follow these tips from the Federal Trade Commission:
- Limit who can see your posts and information on social media. All platforms collect information about you from your activities on social media but visit your privacy settings to set some restrictions.
- If you get a message from a friend about an opportunity or an urgent need for money, call them. Their account may have been hacked—especially if they ask you to pay by cryptocurrency, gift card, or wire transfer. That’s how scammers ask you to pay.
- If someone appears on your social media and rushes you to start a friendship or romance, slow down. Read about romance scams. And never send money to someone you haven’t met in person.
- Before you buy, check out the company. Search online for its name plus “scam” or “complaint.”
AI-Powered Scams - With the rise of artificial intelligence (AI), scammers are leveraging this technology to create more convincing and sophisticated scams. They may use AI to generate videos or audio recordings impersonating friends, family members, or celebrities to trick you into sending money or revealing sensitive information.Often referred to as ‘Grandparent scams’ as they’re often perpetrated on older adults, these schemes play on your emotions and your desire to help others.
If someone reaches out posing to be a relative in need, your first step should be to try and contact that individual directly to verify their need. If you can’t reach them, contact another family member or someone close to the individual. If the person on the phone insists on secrecy, it’s highly likely you’re dealing with a scammer and not a loved one.
Charity Scams - During times of crisis or natural disasters, scammers may take advantage of people's generosity by setting up fake charities or fundraisers. They may solicit donations through emails, social media, or even door-to-door campaigns, but the funds never reach the intended cause.
To protect yourself from these scams, it's essential to:
1.) Be cautious of unsolicited calls, emails, or messages, especially those requesting personal or financial information.
2.) Never click on suspicious links or attachments, even if they appear to be from trusted sources.
3.) Verify the legitimacy of organizations, charities, or investment opportunities by conducting thorough research and consulting official sources.
4.) Enable multi-factor authentication on your accounts for added security.
5.) Keep your software and antivirus programs up to date to protect against malware and cyber threats.
Peer-to-Peer Payment Apps - If you useZelle, Venmo, Cash App, or any otherpeer-to-peer payment app, you need to be alert to scammers using those platforms to commit fraud.
Most often, a scammer reaches out via email, text or phone, pretending to work for the fraud department of your financial institution. They then purport that a scammer is trying to access your account through the app. They’ll then offer to help you secure your account. Part of the “fix” is having you send money to yourself via the app. However, the money will be directed to their account.
Student Loan Forgiveness Scams - The ongoing discussions around student loan forgiveness have created opportunities for scammers to take advantage of borrowers' hopes. They may contact you via phone or create fake websites, claiming to help with loan forgiveness applications in exchange for upfront fees or personal information.Remember, it's free to apply for legitimate student loan forgiveness programs through official government channels.
Cryptocurrency Scams - While interest in cryptocurrencies is waning a bit, there are still plenty of scammers out there looking to earn a dishonest buck around digital currencies. They may create fake cryptocurrency exchanges or Initial Coin Offerings (ICOs), promising high returns on investments but ultimately stealing your money. And bear in mind that no legitimate business is going to demand you send cryptocurrency in advance—not to buy something, and not to protect your money. That’s always a scam.
