Ruth to the Rescue: 4 ways to fight back against scammers

DETROIT – It's a sad fact of life that scammers and con artists are constantly thinking of new ways to steal your money or gain your personal information. They try to reach you by phone, email and even door-to-door. The Ruth to the Rescue consumer unit receives several calls about scams each week.

Working with the Better Business Bureau, we've create a list of four steps that can help you stop the scammers. 

First, you must realize that scam artists are organized, determined, and persistent.

"There are call centers of identity thieves. It's not just this random person sitting in the basement of their grandma's house," said Melanie Duquesnel, CEO of the Better Businesses Bureau for Eastern Michigan.

Duquesnel said scam artists will find your weak spot-- no matter how smart you are. Just ask Dolly Allen. Her daughter, Lisa, works for the Better Business Bureau, and has often warned her mom about possible scams. However, when scam artists claiming to be from Microsoft threatened to turn her computer off, Allen reluctantly handed over her credit card number and surrendered control of her PC. 

"I thought if he shut it off, I had no idea how I would get it to go back on again," Allen said.  

Fight Back: Ignore, resist, verify, and notify

Although many of you probably still enjoy answering the phone, times have changed. All too often, scammers are on the other end of the line. Because these criminals are persistent, if you answer the phone once and speak with them, they may be encouraged to call back. If the first scam they use to trick you doesn't work, they'll try others.

That's why the BBB suggests everyone have caller ID (if you don't already) and use that tool to screen your calls. If you don't recognize a number, do not answer.

If its someone you know, they will leave a message. If you don't recognize the number, it's probably a stranger.

"If it's somebody that you have no relationship with, that is calling you out of the blue, they're trying to get you to part with your money or your information," Duquesnel said. 

If you do pick up the phone, never let anyone pressure you into making a payment or sharing personal information during that first contact. Tell them you need to verify whatever story they're telling, and then make sure you track down a legitimate source.

"When they say, 'I've got somebody else for you to talk to,' say, 'Thank you, but I still need to do my due diligence,'" Duquesnel said. That due diligence should include going to the companies legitimate website or finding a number you know is valid to check their story. Most likely, the claims are untrue, and checking their claims will help you protect your money or personal information.

Spread the word

If you do fall victim to a scam, tell someone. Sharing that information might protect you from further damages. It could also help others avoid the same scam. If someone you know is embarrassed by the situation, make sure they're getting the help they need.

"We have a tendency to want to be loyal to our friends, especially when they say, 'Don't tell my daughter, don't tell my son.' You need to tell them, it's in their best interest," said Duquesnel.

If you suspect that you or someone you know is a victim of scam, contact the Better Business Bureau. You can file a complaint online at www.bbb.org.

 Ruth to the Rescue Scam Alert Day

On Oct. 1, Local 4's Ruth Spencer will host the Ruth to the Rescue Scam Alert on Local 4 and ClickOnDetroit.com. Experts from the Better Business Bureau will be standing by from 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. to answer your questions about scams and help you fight back.

Recap: Four steps to fight back

  • Use caller ID to screen calls. Ignore strange numbers.
  • Never be pressured into giving someone money or personal info on the first contact. No legitimate organization works that way!
  • Verify any claims that might concern you. Find a legitimate source and do your due diligence.
  • Share your stories about scammers with others. Warn others and we'll all be better protected.