My Day By Dr. J. Ester Davis
Scams and fraud are nothing new. Fraud and Scams are big business!
Scams and fraud have earned a disrespectful place in our homes, businesses, credit unions, banks, (credit cards, debit cards,) et cetera… and the financial universe chooses to ignore their progressive power, growth patterns, development, and successful strategies. Now we are faced with ‘new scams’, new poignant tactics, new counterfeit products, gift cards, or cryptocurrency. Today, we have specialty, targeted, and couture scams. And the scammers are more sophisticated, more powerful, smart, and persistent. Let’s talk about a few very successful ones: pet scams, toll road scams, VIN number scams, romance, travel, and charity scams. However, I only have time to address a few. One of my personal most annoying ones is the toll tag notice scam. Monthly, I receive a toll tag message on how much is owed on my toll tag, and it must be paid immediately. Two things are wrong with that message. I do not have a toll tag, and I avoid traveling on their roads. In spite of my disclaimer to the same, my phone calls on miscellaneous lines, and discussions with elected officials, bankers, …they remain steadfast, immovable, and obstinate. The most common answer is” Oh, that is just a scam. So, you are saying unaccountably that scams are acceptable or that scams cannot be controlled … and they are accepted.
Of TOP Priority: Scammers use fake safety certificates on counterfeit electronics. Please. Use your cell phone and check out electronics before ordering. Look for counterfeit, fake safety seals on electronics. Check with Havoc Scope, a global black market company. They reported that counterfeit devices and accessories cause more than 70 deaths and 350,000 injuries a year in the United States. Check online also with UL Solutions, a private company that certifies electronics and other products.
Tech Support: Please do not allow remote access to repair your computer defect or equipment. Apply and ATT have remote repairs that come with agreements you sign online.
Overpayment Scams: Read twice. This is a very clever one. Keep in mind that if you have an older cell phone, it may not be able or equipped to read the QR Code in the box. So, essentially, you are handicapped if you expect your old cell phone to adequately read some QR codes.
Check Cashing: BEST Advice. DO NOT Participate. The bad check will be held against your account if it does not clear. IMPORTANT: Let’s assume the check clears the first time. You should sit back and wait for the second request. The scammer will try again. The second time will be more painful to your bank account.
Grandmother Scam: A Cruel One. A Common One: You receive a call from someone claiming to be a grandchild or for a grandchild being detained in jail, on the highway, or in a small town. This request comes with a designated place to send the cash. Refuse the call.
Esterdavis2000@gmail.com
