Today on Bud’s #WeeklyGeekOut . . . Kitboga is doing the good work by scambaiting: keeping scammers fruitlessly occupied for hours at a time, when they could be victimizing our vulnerable friends and family. =) webmeister Bud
Here are some #GeekOutBasics for staying scam aware. Good info for you, your friends, your family, anyone who may be targeted by dum dum lazy scamming thieves.
- If it’s an automated phone call/voicemail from “the police,” “Canada Revenue Agency,” “the IRS,” “Microsoft,” “Apple,” etc., it’s probably a scam. Ignore it.
- Most reputable businesses will not phone, but send a letter through the mail addressing sensitive issues such as outstanding bills, etc.
- A huge red flag is the urgency of acting immediately. Do not be pressured with regard to anything bank/money related.
- Also beware of “free money” or “lottery win” phone calls. Again, those usually come by lettermail.
- NO reputable businesses ask for payment in gift cards.
- Screen lock scam? Can’t access your computer ’cause some big, loud, flashing screen told you you’re infected/in trouble? Mute your speakers and seek out a geek, or just shut off your computer until you can get help.
- IF IN DOUBT, HANG UP OR STOP REPLYING, and consult your local geek. If you want to be sure, look up the number of the organization and call them yourself to confirm.
- If you have been scammed, phone the police and get a file going. So many victims are underreported because they don’t call it in due to embarrassment, etc. But the more reports there are, the more awareness spreads.
Click here for more #GeekOutBasics. And now, please enjoy some of my favourite Kitboga videos.
