Stuff

Just following on from yesterday, and from previous posts, a reminder of a few bits of advice about telephone (and sms) scams:

• treat any call or message with suspicion until you are sure it is legit.
• learn how to block numbers and report scams on your devices. Often, that just means pressing on a number for a few seconds and then choosing what to do from a list. You are helping yourself and others. They are helping you.
• if you don’t recognise the number, feel free to not answer. Answering shows there is someone there and they will step up the calls.
• There are many websites where you can enter a telephone number and it will tell you whether it is a scam or not (and what type of scam). Numbers are easy to fake, though.
• do not be afraid to be rude to these callers. Feel free to hang up and not engage in conversation. If they are real they will ring back.
• anyone who starts with “Hello sir, how are you today?” is a scam. Real companies don’t do this.
• if they say, in a heavy accent, “hello, this is Gerald from benwkuhnbkbjg2d…”, something you just can’t hear, interrupt and say who, from where?
• don’t be afraid to ask blunt or ‘stupid’ questions. If they say “It’s Audrey from your bank” ask what bank? You know, but do they? We’re always happy to ask “Who are you calling?” to see if they give a real name. They never do.
• an automated or recorded voice is a giveaway. Don’t get dragged into choosing numerous telephone options. Hang up. If it’s real, an actual human will eventually call.
• if someone says they represent a known company (eg Microsoft, Virgin, Amazon, BT…) but the number looks odd, there are websites and safe places where you can get genuine numbers and you can ring back and they will help.
• don’t give out any information.
• no genuine company accepts payments by Bitcoin, gift certificates or cash.
• they have to prove they are who they say they are as much as you do. If you give them false information and they accept it, they are scammers.
• real companies understand if you are cautious. If you do not take steps to be secure you will have to take responsibility.
• these scammers have no morals and no conscience. They don’t care, they just want your money.
• don’t panic and don’t worry.