DETROIT – These days, scam artists are trying to reach out any way they can: By phone, email, text or through social media.
Many people reach out to Help Me Hank about the scammers that use the phone to try to steal their money.
This is a quick summary of some of the more common scams consumers are calling Help Me Hank about every week. While each may seem different, there are common red flags for which you need to watch.
1) The fake IRS scam:
Help Me Hank receives about two or three complaints about this scam each day. The scenario is almost always the same: The person claims you owe the IRS money, you are facing legal action, you could be arrested and you need to pay right now using a prepaid debit card or some other method of payment that cannot be traced.
Remember this always: The IRS does not call you out of the blue demanding money, EVER. If you have legitimate issues with the IRS, you will receive notice in writing and there will be a process to go through. You will not be threatened and told to pay immediately. Anyone who takes that approach is not with the IRS.
If you have concerns about your taxes, contact your tax preparer or call the IRS directly at its legitimate number.
2) The computer repair scam:
There are two scenarios here: Someone may call you to inform you there's a problem with your computer. They may ask for money to help you or even ask for control of your computer. This is not how legitimate computer security companies work. They do not reach out to tell you there's a problem with your computer.
If someone actually takes control of your computer, that's a little scarier. Do not deal with anyone who reaches out via pop-up. Instead, turn off your computer, and take it to a trusted professional who can determine what kind of malware or virus might have breached your machine. There will be a charge, but it's far better to pay a reputable company rather than dealing with the hacker.
3) Fake utility bill scam:
In this scam, someone calls, telling you you're past due on your utility bill. Sometimes, they even "spoof" the caller ID to make it seem as if the call is coming from your power company. You can listen politely, but never give personal information or authorize payment during that first phone call. Instead, hang up and call the number on your bill.
Do not make the mistake of calling the number on the caller ID or any phone number that person might give you. We've heard stories of scammers who have elaborate setups at secondary numbers and they even answer the phone, "Hello, this is DTE!". Only call the number on your bill or listed on your account online.
Again, a common request in this scam is asking you to pay money with a GreenDot card or some other payment method that is impossible to track or reclaim. All legitimate businesses will take payment via check, credit card, or you can go to the actual utility company to investigate.
4) Special promotions:
Help Me Hank also receives calls about special promotions that require money up-front. For example, someone might claim to be with a popular credit card company offering a special cable TV promotion, such as six months for the price of three months, but you need to pay right away via prepaid debit card. Sound familiar? Don't fall for these fake promotions. Again, hang up and call the cable company at a trusted number.
5) Fake sweepstakes:
This may be the most obvious scam out there. You cannot win a contest you didn't enter and you should never pay money up-front to claim a prize. Yet, scammers call people all the time saying they've won a big prize (and often a car!), but you have to pay the taxes and/or a fee via prepaid debit card. Don't do it! We know you want to win a big jackpot. Who doesn't? However, this is not how legitimate sweepstakes work.
Remember, if something seems too good to be true, it probably is.
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