Security Tips courtesy of KnowBe4
Another scam is making the rounds involving a phone call from someone pretending to be a well-known company like Amazon. They claim your account has been compromised and criminals are using it for illegal activity. They warn you that your bank account is at risk too.
To "help," the caller tells you they are transferring you to a government agent who is investigating the account. This "agent" explains they can help you protect your money. To do so, you will need to withdraw the money from your “hacked” account and hand it over to a courier for safekeeping. The agent may also claim your phone or computer has been hacked and tells you not to speak with anyone else about this.
It's all a lie. Scammers often work in teams to create panic and manipulate their targets. Stay alert to avoid being their next victim.
How to protect yourself:
- Pause and think: Scammers rely on fear, panic and pressure to rush you into making bad decisions. Stop and think before taking action. Never share personal or financial information with unsolicited callers.
- Watch for intimidation and secrecy: Be suspicious of anyone who tells you not to talk to your banker, spouse or others — that's a red flag. Scammers want to isolate you so others don’t thwart their schemes. Always call your banker and the companies the criminals claim to be to verify and inform them of such phone calls.
- Know what is real: No government agency or legitimate company will ever ask you to hand over cash or send money with a courier. Never share personal or financial information with unsolicited callers. Assume calls and texts are scams and do your due diligence to seek the truth.
If an unsolicited caller asks you to take action:
- Hang up and call the actual company using their official directory listing to check on your account.
- Call your bank immediately to inform them, so they can monitor your account for irregular activity and provide next steps to help you protect your money.
- Report scams to the proper authorities. See Additional Resources for Avoiding and Reporting Fraud on our Safety & Security page.
It takes a team to fight fraud, so don't let anyone pressure you into making impulsive decisions without consulting people you trust. Stay alert. Stay safe.
Read about more scams.
The information provided in this article is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered legal, tax, or financial advice. Please consult your personal banker, tax advisor, attorney, or other qualified professional regarding your situation.