Smart Spending #2: 7 Ways To Shop Smarter
Ever feel like you’ve been on an online spending spree but don’t know how to stop? What about those in-store impulse buys that always seem to catch...
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That cackling witch might send your heart fluttering, but Halloween scams are even spookier! Here’s what to know about them:
1. The Joker
Scammers target people with messages promising loads of money for little effort. Just send a bit of money to a digital address using a money transfer app, and your money will double, triple or more. Unfortunately, the joke’s on you.
Spot a money-flipping scam through the amateur writing and the promises of unreal rewards. Also, you know what they say about anything that sounds too good to be true … it probably is.
2. Night of the Living Dead
In the deceased identity theft scam, scammers steal the identity of someone who is no longer living. They may empty the decedent’s accounts, use their credit history as their own, and use their Social Security number.
Protect a late loved one’s identity by locking their social media accounts, credit report, and Social Security number. Keep an eye on their accounts until their assets have been lawfully divided.
3. Trick or Treat
You found the perfect costume online – and for a bargain price! You complete your order and wait for the package to arrive. And wait … and then you realize you’ve been tricked.
In a variation of the online order scam, the package arrives but looks nothing like it did online. You try to find a customer service representative, but they’ve apparently vanished!
Don’t get tricked! Only order from reputable sites that display complete contact information for the company. Ignore offers that scream “Hot Deal! Act Now!” Shop with caution so you’ll only walk away with treats.
4. Hitman
There’s a hitman at your door – and no, this is no disguise!
In the hitman scam, scammers pretend to be assassins hired to take out a target. They’ll send extortion emails and messages, promising to spare the target’s life for just a few thousand dollars. Yikes!
Don’t get scammed! If you receive an extortion message, contact local law enforcement. Never share money with an unverified contact. Keep your money and your life safe.
Have a happy and safe Halloween!
Your Turn: Have you been targeted by a Halloween scam? Tell us about it in the comments.
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