How to Stop A Family Member from Falling for Scams

According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), up to three million people are victimized by fraud and identity theft each year. Whether it’s an email about winning the jackpot in an online casino such as จีคลับ or a phone call about tax penalties, criminals are using new technology with old tricks to access people’s money or personal information. 

The elderly are the most vulnerable targets, as they are more susceptible to sympathy or fear tactics used by fraudsters.

Tips for Staying Ahead of Scams

While governments worldwide have laws against fraud, the first line of defence remains with friends and family. If you know someone who you believe to be susceptible to scams, here are some tips:

1. Look out for warning signs. Scammers pretend to be trustworthy agents, like a government official, a well-known company, a charity, or a family member. They may insist on asking for money or personal information, often in an intimidating manner. 
2. Do your research. If you have a friend or a relative that is potentially being scammed, ask them what they intend to do next. It helps to feel more in control of the situation. Also, take the time to investigate the research and read the fine print on any agreements provided.

One of the simplest ways to check for a potential scam is by searching the company or product name on Google or other search engines, followed by the words “complaint”, “review”, or “scam”. You can also search for a specific phrase, like “IRS call” or “online casino winning formula.”

3. Do not pay upfront. Another common tactic used by fraudsters is to ask for payment in advance for debt relief, credit card loans, taxes, and fees for winning a prize. Fraudsters typically take the money and disappear. 

Keep in mind that government agencies and reputable companies do not make such requests.

4. Be careful when making payments. While credit cards normally have fraud protection, many other payment methods fall short. Sending money through money transfer services, like Western Union or reloadable cards and gift cards, are particularly risky as it would be impossible to get your money back.
5. Hang up on robocalls. If your friend or relative keeps getting calls with a recorded sales pitch, hang up immediately, and report it to the FTC or a similar agency. Robocalls are illegal in many countries, as it usually offers bogus products or services. DO NOT press the button to speak to a person or to be taken off the list—it will indicate your number is legitimate and lead to more calls.
6. Be sceptical of free trials. Some scam operations involve free trials for a product or service, charging a monthly bill until you cancel it. Before you sign up for a free trial, be sure to research the company and read the cancellation policy. 

Also, review monthly billing statements for charges that seem out of place.

If you confirm that your friend or family member is a victim of a scam, report it to the police. The authorities are in the best position to help you investigate the scam and prevent the fraudsters preying on others.