Word of Advice

10 March 2008

Promised easy money, great prizes, true love, or a scam? PART II 

The Ministry of Consumer Affairs is constantly being alerted of scams. This is the second of a two part series on Scams that are circulating in New Zealand and how to avoid them.

If you receive a surprise lottery win in the mail, or an email from your bank asking for your personal information, or perhaps you’re get a call from some engaging person with an amazing share offer over the phone, then think first – all these can be fronts for SCAMS. Last fortnight we gave general tips on how to avoid Scams. The following are individual tips to avoid scams over the telephone, through your computer and how to protect your personal information.

Avoid being scammed over the telephone

•  Be suspicious of unexpected calls and text messages. Before replying, check the number – you might be charged at a higher rate to return the call, fax or text if it goes to a 0900 service.
• If you think a phone call or text message sounds like a scam. Hang up or delete it.
• If the call is unwanted, or sounds too good to be true, hang up.
• Look out for terms and conditions which permit an organisation to give your number to anyone else.
• Never call a telephone number that you see in a spam email.
• If you’re receiving numerous unwanted text messages, reply by texting ‘Stop.’
• Don’t give your number to just anyone. Ask them why they need your number and what will they use it for. Think about using the facility on your phone to block your number when you make calls. Contact your phone company for advice.

Avoid being scammed through your computer

• Watch out for fake websites, they can easily be set up to look like the real thing.
• Be wary of emails from an unknown origin. Some emails may appear to be from government agencies, banks, or other well-known services. You should be cautious of any offer making unusual promises or asking you for personal or financial details. If in doubt, delete.
• Keep your protection software up to date. This will limit any computer damage from viruses, worms and Trojan horse programmes.
• Be wary of offers with unusual promises that ask you for personal or financial details.
• Don’t click on any links in spam emails, pop-up boxes, or open any attachments you’re unsure of. Instead, close these emails or pop-up boxes carefully by clicking the ‘X’ at the top, not within the email or box.
• Don’t access your online banking account at public sites such as internet cafes or libraries. The computers at these sites may not be safe.

Protect your personal information

• Some scammers set out to build a personal profile on people, so don’t provide phone numbers, or information that could be used for passwords (for example, your mother’s maiden name) or any personal information to someone you don’t know or don’t trust.
• Don’t just bin personal information, destroy it. Rip up or shred old bank and credit card statements, or any information containing personal information.
• Check credit card bills and bank statements regularly for any activity that is not yours. If you find any unauthorised transactions – contact your bank or credit card provider immediately to let them know.
• Check your credit report annually. You can get a copy of your credit report from a credit reporting agency. There are two main national credit reporting agencies in New Zealand – Baycorp Advantage and Dun and Bradstreet.
• Be wary of any identification documents a scammer sends to prove their existence – they may have been stolen from another consumer.

If you’re scammed Once victims realise they’ve been ripped-off, they’re often embarrassed to admit what has happened and angry that little can be done to catch the con artist. But don’t be shy, it’s important to let people know about your experience so others can avoid being conned a similar way.

To report scams to help protect others from them and for more tips on how to recognise them, check out www.scamwatch.co.nz.  And remember, the simplest way to fight a scam is to not respond.

Latest scam: Hitman To learn more about the ‘Hitman’ scam announced today, please visit Scam Alerts or see today’s media release.