Keep Your Money Safe – Scams and How They Work
May 11, 2020
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There are people who prey on others for their own financial gain. Sometimes, those criminals break into homes to steal goods and money. Other times, the crooks are harder to spot because they present themselves as people who are trying to help.
While there are many ways that schemers attempt to dupe people out of their money, the two most common scams performed over the phone are the lottery winner and bail money scams.
The lottery winner scam involves an unknown caller contacting the victim and explaining that he or she has been randomly selected to win money. The victim is requested to wire a small amount of money to register his or her account to receive the lottery winnings, which will never be paid to the victim because it is a scam.
Another scam involves bail money. An unknown individual will contact the victim stating that theyre the victims grandchild or an attorney for the grandchild who has been arrested out of the country. They will instruct the victim to wire bail money to an account to have the grandchild set free.
These criminals make their living by creating a reality that doesnt truly exist, whether it is the stress of a grandchild who accidentally ended up in an international jail or the elation of winning money. They have honed their craft, and they know just how to manipulate people they have never even met to invest in their lies.
They are persuasive and convincing, and can even be argumentative if victims decline their requests for money. If you find yourself in a situation like this, do not hesitate to simply hang up. Be wary when strangers call, and never share personal information over the phone.
By taking these precautions, we can safeguard our savings and our families.
Editors Note: This article was contributed by Pennsylvania State Rep. Bryan Cutler (R-Peach Bottom), who may be reached at bcutler@pahousegop.com. You may also view his website at www.RepCutler.com.
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