Beware of these 4 Scams

IRS

• The e-mail (or phone call) says you owe money; if you don't pay it immediately, you'll be put in jail or fined.The scammer may know the last four digits of the victim's Social Security number.
• Caller ID will be spoofed to look like the call is from the IRS.
• The e-mail will include an IRS logo and other nuances to make it look official.
• The scammer may also have an accomplice call the victim pretending to be a police officer.
• The victim is scared into sending the "owed" money—which goes to the thief. Or, the thief gets the victim to reveal credit card information.
• Another version is that the IRS owes the victim. The victim is tricked into revealing bank account information to receive the refund.
• Know that the IRS will never contact you via e-mail or phone; will never threaten jail time, a fine or other threats like a driver's license revocation.
• If you owe, the IRS will send you snail mail, certified.
• The IRS will never threaten to have you arrested.
• If the subject line of an e-mail appears to be from the IRS, delete it.
• If a phone call appears to be from the IRS, hang up.

Bereavement

• Scammers scan obituaries for prey.
• They then contact someone related to the deceased and claim something against the estate or that they'll reveal a family secret scandal unless they're paid.
• If one of these scams comes your way, request written documentation of the claim.
• Tell the sender you'll send this documentation to the executor.
• If you're blackmailed, contact a lawyer.
• Never arrange to meet the sender.

Computer Hijack

• This may come as a phone call: A person claiming to be a Microsoft rep informs you that your computer has been hacked and he'll fix it—or you'll lose everything.
• He wants to convince you to let him have remote control or "sharing" of your computer…and from there he'll try to get your credit card number…

Investment Scam

• Someone halfway around the world has chose YOU to handle a large amount of money, and you'll be paid richly for this.
• The sender often has a foreign sounding name, but even common names are used.
• Often, there's some smaltzy message in the e-mail subject line like "God bless you" or "Need your help."
• Delete e-mails with any subject lines relating to investments, inheritances, mentions of money, princes, barristers or other nonsense.
• If you feel compelled to open one, don't be surprised if there are typos or that it's poorly written. Do NOT click any links!