Barber on Bad Actors
Bad people (aka “bad actors”) are always trying scam people out of their money. They are clever and sometimes hard to detect. Here are ways to identify scams:
- If a caller does not clearly identify themselves (says “Warehouse Department,” for example)
- Popup ads are frequently online scams, even if you are on a legitimate website
- Misssspellings in the email soliciting money or a purchase
- If an email address doesn’t jive with who they claim to represent
- A would-be suitor, who you’ve never met face-to-face, asks for money
- If you “win" anything but you must send them money to get it (like pay taxes)
- If you are promised a check but you are asked to wire money before the check has a chance of clearing the bank
- “Social Security” needs your information
- If you are being asked to act quickly or to not tell anyone.
- A fellow who has come to Fort Dodge has begged for cash, with a red gas can, saying he needs fuel to get his family home.
Do business only with people you know. Remember, if it sounds too good to be true, it’s probably not true.