Charity Scams: Scammers Create Fake Charities

September 30, 2019 Posted by Pamela M

First responders help in rescue efforts

The world seems to be plagued with natural disasters, often leaving people homeless, injured, or worse. From the fire at Notre-Dame de Paris to earthquakes to hurricanes, the world tries to make sense of the destruction. People often feel helpless and want to offer support in any way they can. In this case, that usually involves sending money for supplies and shelter for the victims and their families.  Therefore, with each tragedy, charities – real and false – ask for donations.

A True Natural Disaster

There is no denying that the number of natural disasters worldwide is greater than ever. The news reports on disasters around the world, including the latest epic disaster taking place in the Amazon. While global organizations and government agencies leap into action, so do people intent on stealing money from well-wishers worldwide. Charity scams appear the minute disaster strikes, and scammers begin telemarketing efforts and email campaigns. Their goal is to tap into the good will of the public eager to help ease the burden of those devastated by tragedy. For most people, the thought of stealing from victims is unthinkable. The scammers count on this to rake in the profits.

Stealing from Survivors

Con artists use the emotions of people during and after a disaster for personal gain. For every accident, natural disaster, or act of terrorism, con artists develop schemes to cash in from the public’s good intentions. They ask for money through websites, fundraisers, social media, email, and phone calls. These con artists are convincing, and the pleas are endless.

Unknown Charities

If you are contacted be sure to check out the organization before giving any money, credit card or bank account information. Some fraudsters will even claim to work for a major aid organization or agency such as the American Red Cross or FEMA. If you suspect that an agency may not be real or the representative is trying to involve you in a charity scam, ask for the organization’s information, including their legal address, website, and contact information. You may also request a copy of the agency’s officers and annual report to verify that it is a valid charity. These requests will often cause the scammer to end the call.

Legitimate Charity Organizations

There are many charitable organizations worldwide. Unlike the American Red Cross or FEMA, some organizations may not be well known. However, that does not make them scams. Special charities may be organized to help with a specific tragedy. Many charities were organized in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina and helped survivors get through the devastation in New Orleans via crowd-funding and donations.

Researching Charities

If you are uncertain about a particular charity, you can research it at the Better Business Bureau or through the BBB Wise Giving Alliance. The Wise Giving Alliance verifies legitimate charities and also shows how monies are spent. The agency publishes an annual Wise Donor Handbook and Wise Giving Guide three times a year, offering the latest information on charities and common charity scams. Another resource is the Federal Trade Commission’s list of organizations. The list verifies real charities. You can also read news on charitable organizations, scams, and what to do if you have been scammed. The blog post “Before Giving to a Charity” shows how you can donate through various social media sites.

Making Donations

Most organizations say donations to their cause are tax deductible as charitable contributions. Donors are often encouraged to give more money if there is a possible tax deduction from the Internal Revenue Service. However, donations under a certain dollar amount aren’t tax deductible. Secondly, money given to individuals, crowdfunding sites or unofficial charities are not tax deductible. The IRS lists which organizations are eligible for tax deductions. The IRS also features a Tax Exempt Organization Search can help you to check an organization’s eligibility status.

Local Charities

Fraudsters may use caller ID spoofing to make you think that the charity is local. Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) enables callers to use any available phone number. This allows con artists to choose a phone number in any state or region, usually with the intent to defraud others.

Donors are more comfortable giving money if they believe that the charity is in their state or town. Charities located out of the country automatically raise suspicion and should be vetted before any monies are given. If an unknown local charity contacts you and you suspect it may not be real, contact your local police department.

Telemarketers

Telemarketers, including those that use robocalls, must adhere to a specific set of rules from the FCC regarding caller ID spoofing:

  • The company is required to display its phone number. If it’s a call center or telemarketing company, they must display the phone number of the company they represent. It is also suggested that the company display its name along with the phone number, if possible.
  • The company is also required to display a phone number that consumers can call during regular business hours. Callers must have the ability to remove themselves from the call list. This rule applies to all organizations, even if you have an established business relationship.
  • Companies must obey the rules of the National Do Not Call Registry. Violators should be reported to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).

Avoid Scams

Callers can be pushy or rude when asking for money. Robocalls to make it hard to avoid the demands for funds. If you receive a call from someone asking for money, ask questions. Does the organization use the money for admin costs or marketing expenses? How is the money being spent? If you think the call is suspicious, hang up and research the charity online. If the calls continue, use a phone number lookup app to block the number from your phone.

Report the Crime

If you think you have been scammed by a fake charity, report it  online through the FTC’s Complaint Assistant. Give as much information as possible. Secondly, if you have used a bank or credit card to donate, contact the financial institution to block the payment. Lastly, report the scam to your state’s Attorney General.

Protect Yourself with Reverse Image Search

August 23, 2019 Posted by Pamela M

Google offers reverse image search

Social interaction online has a wide range of possibilities. However, some of those opportunities are too good to be true. This includes online dating sites and shopping deals that seem unreal. As the Internet grows, people turn to truth finding apps, including reverse image search.

What is Reverse Image Search?

People use a phone number lookup app on a regular basis to protect themselves from telemarketers and scammers. Reverse image search is an online tool that uses a search engine to get information, much like a number search. However, it uses a photograph to link to similar photos online. People use it to identify celebrities, to shop and, to check out people they meet on dating websites. Users can upload a picture or enter a URL into the search engine for results.

How Does it Work?

Reverse image search uses various methods. Some search engines focus on the colors in the pictures as well as the textures that are apparent.  The textures are turned into 2D grey graphs, which are used to search for matching images. It may also use the shape of the image as a determining factor. Those factors are used along with a mathematical algorithm to compare images input by users.

Why Should You Use It?

You can do a search for many reasons. Perhaps you saw a painting and would like to find out more about the artist. You see a jacket that you’d like to buy and need to find a store that carries it. Some use it to identify a celebrity whose name they’ve forgotten. You can also use it to ensure the identity of someone you met online.

Online Dating

Many use reverse image search programs to identify someone from a dating website. Scammers often use photos of celebrities or other people to trick lonely hearts out of their money. Search programs provide information about the person if the picture can be located. In that sense, these types of programs help to protect the safety of the user.

Popular Search Engines

There are many popular search engines on the market, including apps and online sites. Following are the most popular:

Google Search by Image

Google Search by Image is the most popular search engine. You can paste an image’s URL or upload an image. The site covers most of Internet and also offers add-ons to popular browsers like Chrome and Firefox.

Google Goggles

Google Goggles is an app made for Android. You can also use it to scan QR codes and translate text into another language.

TinEye

TinEye conducts highly effective searches using an index of more than 12 billion images. It has an advantage over other search engines because it was created to search images.

Reverse Image Search

Reverse Image Search uses Yandex, TinEye, Bing and Google to search billions of images. Users like its accuracy and reliability.

Conclusion

Whatever reason you use a reverse image search program, always do your research to find the best program for you.

Using the Phone Book: Best Tips & Tricks

July 27, 2019 Posted by Pamela M

 The Yellow PagesNot so long ago, people used books to find phone numbers. Google and other search engines have replaced those books although there are still some uses for them. Although it sounds silly, the question is: do you know how to use a phone book?

White Pages

The telephone book has white pages and yellow pages. The phone book was separated into two sections. One section contains an alphabetical listing of names, phone numbers and addresses of the area’s residents, while the other section contains similar listings of local businesses. People can choose to omit their numbers from the white pages. People could access unpublished numbers through an operator or similar service, while unlisted numbers are private.

Business listings may also appear in the yellow pages, but many do not pay for the additional listing. The listing contains the business name, address, and phone number.

Yellow Pages

The yellow pages are reserved for businesses and some organizations. The listings in the yellow pages are also alphabetical, but grouped by category. For example, all mechanics would be categorized under the mechanic heading; some categories are sub-categories. People use yellow pages to find products and services in their area. The businesses also use the yellow pages for business information and often advertise or offer coupons and special deals.

Online Services

Companies print phone books in certain areas of the country, although they are being phased out in favor of online services. Phone books are seen as wasteful and unnecessary nowadays. Apps have replaced some services because they offer extra features like tracing a phone number or blocking calls.

The White Pages offers access to cell phone numbers, landline numbers, family members and associates, criminal and background information, age, email information, and more.

The Yellow Pages online publishes its traditional phone directory in an online format. The site has business information by category and also offers maps, directions, and information on local attractions.

Searching the Yellow Pages

The Yellow Pages functions like Yelp and other sites, allowing you to search your area for specific businesses. You can filter results by location, ratings, etc. The site also lists company information, special offers and web addresses.

How to Find Someone

You can find people or businesses easily using both methods. Companies publish books for a specific town, city or region. The listings are in alphabetical order. The online services offer a free search that can be used in a couple different ways. You can search by the person’s last name, by phone number, or by address. When you search by address, you must have the full address including city and zip code.

An Important Service

You can get information on people and local businesses using any of the services. It’s good to know how to use all of them in case you don’t have access to the internet or need to find an unfamiliar business based on the category, such as a gas station or restaurant. Companies continue to improve their services which allow us the access we need to make our lives easier.

Old Phone Books

Smartphones make it easy to find and create a telephone directory. It’s easy to search other cities and states. For example, a local telephone directory won’t contain numbers in Seattle, New York City or San Francisco. Additionally, keeping an electronic telephone book takes up less space.

Alternate Uses

People make use of old phone books in a number of interesting ways. Below are some uses for old phone books that won’t clutter up your home.

  1. Crumple up phone book pages and use them to start a fire in the fireplace.
  2. Booster seat. Phone books make great booster seats for small children at the dining room table.
  3. Art projects: paper can be used for dozens of art projects including papier-mâché, coasters, origami, wreaths, paper flowers, or art originals. Kids love to make confetti. Why spend money on regular paper?
  4. Drummer’s Practice Pad. Phone books are portable and quieter than a drum.
  5. Secret safe. Hollow out the center of the phone book to hide valuables.
  6. Newspapers and phone book pages are good additives to mulch. They can also be laid out under mulch to prevent weeds from poking through. Note: since the pages contain ink, use them in flower beds instead of a vegetable garden.
  7. Clean Your Windows. Like newspaper, phone book pages are great for leaving windows streak-free.
  8. Animal bedding. Shredded paper makes for good animal bedding. It’s an insulator and bio-degradable. If you don’t have pets, consider donating the books to a farm or animal shelter.
  9. Car reference. While it’s second nature to use a smartphone to find a phone number, there will be times when carrying a phone book in the car makes sense. This is particularly true if you travel in rural areas where phone service is spotty or non-existent.
  10. School projects. Check with local schools. They may want to use old books for class or art projects. The books are filled with valuable information, maps, and other art.

Opt Out

You can opt out of receiving annual phone books. Cancel delivery of telephone books by going to Yellow Pages Opt Out. Fill out and submit a short form.

Phasing Out Phone Books

Most people think phone books are a thing of the past. They do have a place in homes, businesses and schools. They’re a good place to find all your personal numbers at a glance. Also, older people with landlines or those without smartphones still have a need for phone books. Printed copies are on the decline and will eventually be phased out. For today, there is still a need.

The Latest Romance Scam: How To Protect Yourself

June 16, 2019 Posted by Pamela M

Online Dating Scams

Dating is difficult, especially if you’re no longer in your twenties. Online dating through websites or social media is the way most relationships start these days, but it’s also a way in which daters can be scammed. People that have lost money through online dating schemes are often reluctant to report the fraud for several reasons: they are embarrassed, heartbroken, and think there is no chance of getting the money back.

Big Money

Scam artists rely on their new partners being blinded by love, so they don’t ask many questions. Savvy people fall prey to dating scams all the time, simply because the scammers are often smart. That’s why online romance scams are the biggest form of fraud online. Marketwatch reports that online dating fraud has quadrupled over the past four years, going from $33 million to $143 million. Most people have become wise to phishing and identity theft, so fraudsters don’t often ask for credit card or bank account information – at least not at first. The requests start out small. The money is always sent through gift cards, wire transfers, cash apps or in bitcoins, so it is impossible to trace.

Red Flags

There are many warning signs or “red flags” that can be picked up if you know what to look for in a conversation or dating profile.

The profile picture often looks like someone you recognize, probably a celebrity. There is little personal information on the dating profile. When the person is asked to take the online relationship to the next level, such as a face-t-face meeting, there is always an excuse as to why it can’t happen.

People looking for love online often have common factors that make them good targets. Scammers can pick up on those traits and move in for the kill.

Dating Profiles

Below are some examples of common profiles of scammers and their victims:

The Scammer

Online dating scams often start outside the United States. According to HuffPost, most are based in Nigeria and Ghana and Nigeria, but there has been an increase in dating scams coming from West African immigrants located in Britain, Canada, and Malaysia. Some are career criminals, but there has been a rise in the number of poor college students. The scam can easily turn into a business, with scammers receiving hundreds of thousands of dollars from one victim. However, it is most likely that the scammer has multiple “romances” at one time.

The Victim

Romance scams can target anyone. Barb Sluppik, who runs the watchdog site RomanceScams.org, says she’s worked with “men and women of all ages – doctors and lawyers, CEOs of companies, people from the entertainment industry – who you’d never think in a million years would fall for these scams but do.” Those most likely to be targeted include:

  • Middle-aged. Most scam artists target people who are middle-aged. It may be that the daters have come out of a long-term relationship and are lonely. Females are also the most targeted, although men can also be victims.
  • Women. Scammers target women, especially those that have been divorced or widowed. These victims tend to be emotionally vulnerable.
  • People in Crisis. A 2013 report from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) showed that people  who have suffered a crisis in the past two years are more than two and a half times as likely to be victims of a romance or other scam. Examples include divorce, death of a loved one, medical crisis or loss of a job.
  • Abuse Survivors. A study by University of Leicester psychologist Monica Whitty shows that many victims of romance scams have been previously involved in abusive relationship. They had become accustomed to living in denial about the abusive behavior, which allows them to turn a blind eye to any red flags from the scammer.
  • Previous Victims. Romance scammers like to target previous victims. Scams attract previous victims, even if the outcome of past incidents was harmful.
  • Addictive Personalities. Scammers love people with addictive personalities because they get attached to other people quickly. If you have this type of behavior, be extra careful with strangers who profess their love right away.
  • Impulse-driven. If you act on impulse without thinking things through, you could be a big target for a romance scam.
  • Trusting. Scammers trick people who trust others immediately.

Profile Pictures

Fake profiles on online dating sites or social media rarely have pictures. A small percentage may have a legitimate reason for not having a picture, such as a high-profile job or some disfigurement, but it’s probably that the poster may be not who he claims to be.

If there is a profile pic that looks over done or professional, chances are it’s not real. Use a reverse image search app to uncover the user’s true identity. Some of the most popular search engines include Google Reverse Image Search (Google Images) or TinEye. Upload the person’s picture into the app and search. Try more than one app to make sure that the picture isn’t located elsewhere on the internet. You may find it linked to other dating websites as well.

Getting Verified

The latest romance scam involves verification of your identity so that the other person feels safe. Some dating sites offer verification services, which can be a great help in weeding out the fraudsters. Many legitimate verification sites exist and are a great tool. Scammers have created sites similar to the real sites to trick people into giving personal information such as social security numbers.

How it Works

The scam artist asks the other person to click on a link to a real verification site, such as BeenVerified. However, the link is really to a third-party site that steals information and uses it or sells it to other scammers.

Protect Yourself

You can protect yourself from scams by meeting the person before giving them any information. If you exchange phone numbers, use a reverse phone search to find out if the number is real. If the other person makes an excuse about his or her identity, don’t believe it. You should also be suspicious if s/he is out of the country for any reason, even if it’s for work. Lastly, never send money for any reason. Scammers can be persuasive, even threatening. If that happens, end communication immediately.

How Reverse Phone Look Up Works

May 7, 2019 Posted by Pamela M

Reverse Phone Lookup Apps

Phone apps and online phone books use reverse look ups to help you find the name and address of a person attached to a phone number. The phone number can be a landline or a cell phone number, although the latter is harder to search.

Reasons to Search

You might use a reverse phone search for several reasons:

The Caller ID on your phone shows several calls from Suzy Smith at 814-991-0451. Who is she, and where is the 814 area code from?

You see phone numbers on your bill that you don’t recognize. Did you make the calls or was it a mistake?

You find a sticky note on your desk with a phone number written on it. You have four choices: throw it away, save it until you remember, call and hope you recognize the voice, or use a reverse search. The latter is the easiest and probably the least embarrassing on the list.

You have a missed call from an unfamiliar number. Should you call the number back or ignore it as if it was a wrong number or telemarketer?

Your boss tells you to pick up a package at a local business, but you only have the phone number. You can use an iPhone app to find the owner of a phone number as well as the address.

How It Works

Reverse phone look up is easy to use. You can go online to a search engine and put the number, including the area code and country code, if applicable, in to the search box. The search engine uses its database to provide the user with many sites that say they know the owner and location of the number. You can also type “reverse look up” into a search engine box to find the top websites to run a search on. They should state if the search is free or if it requires a membership or fee. Sites offering cell phone or unlisted number information usually charge a fee.

Using dedicated websites is a more efficient way to search and will give better results. You can use the WhitePages.com database, which tracks about 80% of U.S. phone numbers. It also stores international phone numbers. In addition, you can use a phone app to search a number. Because they are widely used, phone apps tend to be updated the most.

Landline phone numbers give the best results. Before the Internet became popular, phone companies published phone books and reverse phone number directories for each town. The directories were available to police and other officials as well as libraries for public use.

Why It Isn’t Always Free

Websites must pay to maintain their databases. They also collect information from many sources such as phone books, websites, social media, and other directories. Cell phone numbers are difficult to get because there isn’t a phone directory for mobile phones. Even if there were a directory for cell phones, people change numbers so often that it would be almost impossible to keep the information up to date.

How to Reduce Robocalls

April 28, 2019 Posted by Pamela M

Ways to stop robocalls

Businesses use automatic dialing systems or “robocalls” to market products to their clients. The introduction of these systems was revolutionary as it eliminated the need for people to make thousands of calls on their behalf.

Automatic dialing systems were the precursor to conversational robots. The systems are designed to answer questions and direct users to the right department. A recent report shows that these bots can answer up to 29% of a person’s questions and save 44% of the time people would spend on the phone with a live support person.

Sadly, these systems are also used by telemarketing companies and scammers trying to get you to buy products or give up your hard-earned money. Because the systems are automated, refusing to answer the phone or trying to talk sense to the robot on the other end is frustrating and futile.

Telemarketers

Telemarketers must follow laws regarding the number of times they can call people and when they can be called. For example, it is illegal to make telemarketing calls before 7 AM and after 9 PM. People try to protect themselves from telemarketers by signing up on the Do Not Call List at National Do Not Call Registry. However, there are companies that can continue to call if you’re registered. If you have an account with the company or have signed up for a service that permits calls by third parties, you can receive calls. You must opt out of contact. If a caller violates the law, you should report it immediately. You only need to sign up one time per phone number on the registry. If you are unsure if your number is listed, you can confirm on the website.

A Growing Problem

In 2018, auto dialers made 26.3 billion robocalls and the number continues to increase. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) reports that they received over 375,000 complaints during every month in 2018. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) predicts that the total amount of robocalls in 2019 will total 44% of all phone calls. Although the FCC fines companies for violations of the law, the companies don’t seem to care. Consumers search out ways to make the calls stop, and organizations like Consumer Reports gives out information and tips on how to end robocalls.

Phone Number Spoofing

A trick developed by companies using robocallers is called number spoofing. Number spoofing is the act of making a phone number appear different than the number actually being used to call. This method has a two-fold benefit for spammers and scammers: you may be more likely to pick up a call if the number is based in your area. Additionally, if you call back on the spoofed number, you will not reach the party. You may reach a person at that number, but chances are it’s someone unrelated to the call you just received. The latter is common in neighborhood spoofing.

Neighborhood spoofing is when a spoofer uses a number in your neighborhood. The spoofed number could use the same area code or even the same local exchange. This trick makes the target think the call is coming from someone nearby – perhaps a doctor’s office, neighbor or one of their children. When the person picks up the call, the spam/scam begins.

Helpful Phone Apps

You can download apps that allow you to trace unknown callers on your iPhone. These apps use an algorithm to determine which phone numbers are likely to be linked to telemarketers or scammers; then they maintain a database with those numbers. Callers dialing 1,000 calls or more from a particular number are labeled as an unwanted number since the company is probably using a robocaller.

Apps can help you to identify unknown callers and, if the number belongs to a telemarketer or other unwanted caller, you can block the phone numbers. It might not end telemarketer or spam calls, but it will certainly cut back on them. You can only stop robocalls completely by turning off your phone. Apps will help, but to date, there is no foolproof solution.

Tips to Stop Robocalls

It’s difficult to make it stop but there are ways to cut down on the spam calls you receive. There are several ways you can block phone numbers.

  • The first is to use a call blocking app. The app maintains a database of numbers that are known or suspected to be from telemarketers or scammers. Also, if a phone number is reported to make over 1,000 calls, it is labeled the same way since they are most likely robocalls.
  • Call your service provider and ask about their offerings for stopping the calls.
  • Manually block all suspected numbers on your phone.
  • Set your phone to only accept calls from people in your contact list.
  • Set your phone to Do Not Disturb. It won’t affect robocalls but if you use it often, human callers may eventually give up trying to reach you.
  • Shut off your landline or cell phone.
  • Get a second phone number. You can use a Voice over Internet Protocol phone number like those offered by Google Voice, TextNow, or similar companies. It’s a free, largely untraceable.
  • Sign up for a call blocking service. Popular services include Nomorobo Hiya Caller ID and Block, YouMail Voicemail & Spam Block, Truecaller, and RoboKiller. Not only do the services use a call protect feature and block calls, it also dissuades callers by playing pre-recorded conversations designed to keep telemarketers and scammers on the phone. The programs can work on Android and iPhone. Major phone carriers such as Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile and Sprint also have versions of call blocking apps.
  • Don’t answer the phone. Companies pay trackers to record times people are likely to answer their phones. If you pick up on an unwanted call, simply hang up.
  • Don’t “opt out” during the call. Robocallers also track if you choose to opt out of receiving calls from their company. As a result, you could receive more robocalls because the caller knows you are a real person that answered. Therefore, the answer is to hang up without speaking to anyone.

Call Blocking

Blocking Numbers on an iPhone

Robocallers automatically cycle through thousands of phone numbers. Some may have your local prefix to trick you into picking up the phone. Blocking numbers on an iPhone is simple. You can block a phone number when it appears om  your iPhone. Open the Phone app and select “Recents.” Tap the “Info” icon beside the number you want to block. Tap on “Block this Caller > Block Contact.” The number is now blocked from your phone.

If you are using iOS 13 or higher, there is a better way to block spam calls. Users enable the “Silence Unknown Callers” feature, which enables calls to be sent directly to voicemail. To enable the setting, go to “Settings > Phone”. Turn on the switch to “Silence Unknown Callers.”

Blocking Numbers on Android

Android phones use various methods to block callers depending on the type and version of phone. In general, you should open the Phone app and tap on “Recents” (usually at the bottom of the screen). Tap on the number you want to block. There is a command that allows you to block or report the number as spam.

Blocking Robocalls

Some Android devices allow you to block unknown callers. Again, there may be variations in phones, but you should be able to open the Phone app and tap on “Settings.” There is an option to block all unknown numbers. You can also manually block any number. To truly avoid receiving unwanted calls, use the “Do Not Disturb” feature.

Make A Report

You should report robocalls and scam calls to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). The agency keeps records of complaints and can assist you in taking steps against scams. Their website has a lot of good information on spoofing, spam calls on landlines and mobile phones, spam text messages, and how to avoid scams. If you continue to receive robocalls, you can report it to for further investigation.

Veterans’ Charity Scams

March 20, 2019 Posted by Pamela M

Scammers play on patriotism

Scammers have no shame when it comes to stealing your hard-earned money. They will tell you anything you want to hear. If they think you may be partial to a specific cause, they will exploit that to get cash or valuable credit card or bank information.

Veterans’ charities are especially fruitful since the average person wants to support the men and women that gave them freedom. However, scammers take your well-meaning donations and use them for their own gain. People often donate money, property, cars, boats and other items to support veterans. The Federal Trade Commission recently enacted a total of 100 law enforcement actions against fake veterans’ charities. They enlisted the help of state officials and released a public service announcement to warn people about the scams.

How to Protect Yourself

The FTC publishes a list of things you can do to protect yourself from the scammers. They may use multiple methods to gain your information from phishing to using social media profiles. Experts recommend that you do the following:

Use a Scam Call Blocker

Many telemarketers and fake charities use automatic dialing systems to reach potential targets. The “robocalls” cycle through lists of donors and are relentless. Apps like RoboKiller track phone numbers most used by scammers as well as numbers used by legitimate charities. The apps will blacklist numbers that are commonly used. If you receive a suspicious call, you can also do a reverse phone search to look up the number. You can compare the number to the one listed on the charities website to make sure they match.

Follow the FTC

The FTC offers valuable tools to the public via press releases and up-to-date information on their website, such as FTC and States Combat Fraudulent Charities That Falsely Claim to Help Veterans and Servicemembers.

Research the Charity

People may become confused by the number of requests they receive from various charities. You can easily use a search engine to learn more about the charity, including reviews, official address and phone and their 501(c)(3) nonprofit number. If the charity is unable to supply their 501(c)(3) number, it may be a scam.

You can also look up a charity’s rating and reports on websites such as give.org, charitynavigator.org, charitywatch.org, guidestar.org.

Track Your Payment

You should make donations to charities using a check or credit card. A legitimate charity will not ask you to pay by wire transfer or gift card. You should also request proof of the donation for tax purposes.

Ask Questions

Scammers don’t like to answer questions. If the caller cannot answer the following questions, be cautious:

What’s the charity’s website, address, and mission?

How are donations allocated?

How much of the donation will be used for administrative fees?

Red Flags

Finally, look out for charities that refuse to provide receipts, information about their mission and costs, and how the donation will be used. Scammers may also thank you for making a pledge you didn’t make. They may try to force you into donating immediately. If these things happen, contact the FTC and local authorities.

Tips For Free Phone Look-ups

February 23, 2019 Posted by Pamela M

 Searching for phone numbersSavvy tech people often use phone look-ups to find out who is calling or texting them. They are valuable tools for tracking the activity of children, as well. Finding a phone number for an existing person may not be difficult with websites like the White Pages, but doing a reverse lookup can be tricky, especially with a reverse lookup app. Many sites cannot search cell phone numbers. Those that claim to have access to the numbers are outdated. Others lead you to premium sites offering background information as well as phone numbers. There are apps, however that do as they promise and deliver the information. Some offer a trial, per use fee or monthly subscription. Popular sites include CallerSmart, Spokeo, and BeenVerified.

Disadvantages of Free Phone Apps

  • Outdated Information
  • No Address
  • No Cell Phone Number
  • Links to Premium Pay Sites
  • No Reverse Lookup

Why Do I Have to Pay?

Phone number sites gather information from other websites. They make no effort in verifying the information, they simply share a database. Sites that give accurate information must pay to make sure the information is up to date. The end user must pay the website for that cost. However, it does increase the likelihood that the information is accurate. If you are searching for a phone number, it is important to be as accurate as possible. Use a full name, birthdate and address if you know it.

Reverse Search

If you need to search for a phone number, then using a reverse phone search app is the best way. Users input the phone number into the app and receive information on the caller, including the name of the person or business, carrier and location. This is helpful if you have received a call from an unknown number or suspect that the call is related to a scam.

Reasons for a Reverse Search

Missed Calls

We’ve all had missed calls from phone numbers we don’t recognize. Should you call the number back? Is it a telemarketer? Bill collector? Wrong number? Emergency call? Unknown numbers are puzzling, particularly when they are local numbers. If you use a reverse phone number search, the mystery could be solved without making an embarrassing call.

Child Safety

Parents want to ensure their children are safe. If you notice unfamiliar numbers on your phone or phone bill, search to find out who is talking to your child.

Repeated Calls

Telemarketers and scammers are ruthless when it comes to making repeated calls. Sadly, it’s almost impossible to get them to stop, especially if you don’t know their identity. Tracing the number can help. If you are receiving repeated calls, you can report them to the authorities. You can also block the number on your phone.

Don’t Be a Victim of a Disaster Scam

January 21, 2019 Posted by Pamela M

Scammers collect money for disaster victims.

Many parts of the country routinely face weather emergencies: power outages, loss of water, loss of homes, and much more. Unaffected people are asked to donate to help those in need. It’s a noble thing to do to help the less fortunate. Less noble is the fact that someone out there is waiting to take advantage of the situation. Scammers take to the phones to ask for donations, playing upon sympathy and human kindness. Some callers shame those who don’t donate. If you want to donate to help others, be sure that the organization making the request is legitimate.

Scammers are smart. They don’t invent charities. Many use well-established organizations to make the potential donor feel secure in laying out money.

The American Red Cross is the most well-known disaster agency in the world. Scammers have contacted donors by using a fake address – like @redcross.net or by phone. The Red Cross never asks for personal information and advises people to be cautious if they receive a phone call. If you want to donate, call the organization directly or go to a local office. Anyone who suspects a disaster-based scam should contact The National Center for Disaster Fraud at (866) 720-5721 or email the NCDF at [email protected].

Is it a phone scam?

Many people think that scammers are foreigners and that it’s easy to tell if a call is real. That’s not true. Scammers aren’t always located in foreign countries. The calls could come from someone in your neighborhood trying to make a quick buck. The scammers tend to be highly aggressive with their victims.

Legitimate charities do call people to get contributions. The best way to protect yourself is to research the organization before giving a donation. Scammers use fake phone numbers, so you can’t use an iPhone phone number tracker to find where the call originates. Take the following steps to avoid falling for a phone scam:

1.     Ask questions

Question the caller where the money goes. Ask the caller for the organization’s name and address. Scammers may not be able to answer and hang up.

2.     Ensure the charity is real

Don’t donate when someone calls. Charitable and non-profit organizations are required by law to be registered with the state. If the charity is real, you can call back or donate through their website. If you donate, get a receipt.

3.     Don’t give out personal information

Never give out personal information.

4.     Keep emotions in check

Scammers will play upon your emotions. They will tell sad stories about children, homeless people, or those with no water or electric; anything that will cause a reaction. They may use guilt tactics. Whenever a caller asks for a specific dollar amount, hang up.

5.     Report suspicious activity

If you think might be the target of a scam, call The Federal Trade Commission immediately.

Internet Auction Fraud: What You Need to Know

December 16, 2018 Posted by Pamela M

Auction Scams Auctions are exciting. They are a good source to find items at deeply discounted prices. You don’t have to go to the mall or fight traffic. Auctions are also rife with scams. The excitement of getting a good deal makes some people less cautious. That’s exactly what the scammers want.

Types of Auction Fraud

Fraud can occur on almost any auction site. This is especially true if the website is not responsible for delivering the item.

Examples of Auction Fraud:

  • Seller never sends the item
  • Item is not as advertised.
  • Item is damaged.
  • Seller sends an empty box or substitute item.
  • You are overcharged or double charged.
  • Wire transfer schemes mislead buyers by asking them to send money through a wire service. The wire service is fraudulent. Once the money is sent, the seller and the wire transfer are gone.
  • Second-chance schemes involve sellers contacting losing bidders to offer a second chance on an item. If the seller calls, use an app for unknown number look ups to get the caller’s information. Call them back on that number.
  • The buyer pays, but nothing is ever delivered.
  • Overpayment fraud. A seller posts a high price item. The buyer insists on buying the item immediately, often before the auction has begun. The buyer sends a check, money order or wire transfer in excess of the cost of the item. Seller is asked to deduct the amount owed and return the overpayment. The seller soon learns that the form of payment is counterfeit.

How to Avoid Being Scammed

Many auction sites are reputable and provide good service. Follow their rules and policies to prevent being scammed.

  • If a seller contacts you by phone, use an iPhone caller ID app to verify identity.
  • Understand how auctions work
  • Know your obligations as a buyer before you bid
  • Learn what can be done in case of fraud.
  • Ensure all items purchased are received.
  • Read feedback and reviews from the seller’s previous customers.
  • Search to find any possible information about the seller, including a review from the Better Business Bureau.
  • Use a form of safe payment such as a credit card or online account that protects buyers.
  • Know the seller’s exchange and return policies.
  • Beware of international sellers.
  • Ensure that all costs are included in the price.
  • Never give a driver’s license number, bank account number, or social security number.

If you should receive an item that isn’t as advertised, contact the seller. If the seller will not refund your money, notify the website immediately. File a dispute with your credit card company to avoid being charged. All online fraud should be reported to the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3).

Cancer Scams on the Rise

November 28, 2018 Posted by Pamela M

Watch out for cancer charity scams

Cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. The American Cancer Society estimates that in 2018, there will be 1,735,350 people diagnosed with cancer; at the same time, 609,640 cancer-related deaths in the United States. The statistics suggest the most people know someone affected by cancer. Sadly, scammers take advantage of this fact and try to bilk unsuspecting people out of money in the name of cancer research or a related charity.

There are many reputable and honorable charities. However, scammers aren’t in that prestigious group. Rather, the scammers take the money you have given in good faith to use for their own purposes.

The “Good Guys?”

Regardless of popular belief, scams aren’t only perpetrated by individuals hiding in dark basements or Nigerian prisons. So-called legitimate companies often take part in aggressive telemarketing campaigns to collects funds. On the surface, these charities seem to be honest. If you dig deeper, you’ll find that it’s a front. In 2015, the Federal Trade Commission filed charges against four charities claiming to collect money to combat cancer. The representatives lied to potential donors to gain sympathy, and then they walked away with almost $200 million in donations. As a matter of fact, the CEOs use the money to buy luxury vacations and pay salaries to family members.

Detecting a Charity Phone Scam

It may be difficult to identify a false charity asking for money or an organization, although it is not impossible. Scammers often use fake identities and use a spoofed caller ID to hide their real phone numbers. There are five steps to  avoid becoming a victim of a charity phone scam:

  1. Ask for more information

Question the caller about the charity. Ask the representative for information about the organization. The caller should supply his full name, the charity’s legal name and address, and how donations are allocated. Scammers may be unable to give an appropriate answer, get defensive or hang up. Use an app for unknown number look ups to identify the phone number.

  1. Ensure the charity is legitimate

Do not donate at the time of the call. Research the organization online to verify its existence and credentials. Legitimate charities are registered with the state, and national organizations can be verified through the Better Business Bureau’s Wise Giving Alliance. If you have determined that the charity is legitimate you can call back or donate via their website. If you donate, be sure to get a receipt.

  1. Keep your information private

Never give out personal or financial information. Be suspicious if the caller asks you to issue a wire transfer, purchase a pre-loaded debit card or a similar means of payment.

  1. Don’t get emotional

Scammers will often play on your emotions. They may use guilt to get you to donate. Whenever a caller asks for a certain dollar amount, hang up.

  1. Refuse unsolicited requests

The best protection is to avoid answering unknown calls. If you think a call is a scam, call the FTC immediately.

What are VoIP Phone Numbers?

October 30, 2018 Posted by Pamela M

VoIP Phone Service

As technology expands, ways to connect are increasing exponentially. Although it has been around for quite a few years, Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) has become more popular than ever. While there are advantages to using VoIP numbers, there are also disadvantages, including usage by scammers. What are VoIP numbers and how do they work?

Voice over Internet Protocol

Traditional phone services link a specific phone to a number. That number will always be used when placing calls from the phone. However, Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) numbers are not tied to a specific phone. Rather, they are numbers connected to an Internet service. A user signs up with a website, such as Google Voice. The user registers with the website and receives a phone number. The user can make calls using that number from any supporting device. This means a user can make calls from a cell phone, computer, laptop, or even an analog telephone. The services are often free or charge a monthly fee. The low or no cost feature of using a VoIP number is especially attractive to businesses because it can drastically reduce monthly fees.

Advantages

The benefits of using a VoIP are many. They include:

  • Never have to change phone numbers
  • Not tying up your personal line
  • Not having to purchase a business line
  • Cheap or free service
  • International calling
  • Masking identity
  • Choosing any phone number in any area code
  • Operating multiple phone lines
  • Accessing many features of traditional phone services

Disadvantages

  • Unable to place 911 calls
  • Must have an Internet connection
  • Disabled during a power outage
  • Dependent on bandwidth
  • Internet can cause lag time
  • Lower quality than traditional service
  • Callers can mask their identity
  • Callers can pretend to be representatives of businesses or agencies (Bank, IRS, etc.)
  • Blocked numbers
  • Scammers/telemarketers can use local numbers
  • May be harder to trace
  • Identity may not be available
  • May permit viruses on computer/phone system

Tracing VoIP Numbers

Recently, it has become easier for services to trace unknown callers on your iPhone. The numbers are linked to an IP address rather than to a specific phone, therefore traces can be tricky, but they can be done. The best way to avoid issues with telemarketers or scammers is to block unknown or foreign numbers using an app. If you answer an unknown number, never give out personal information. If you suspect a scam, contact your Attorney General or local authorities on their non-emergency line.

Are You Being Spoofed?

August 30, 2018 Posted by Pamela M

As diligent as phone service carriers can be, scammers and telemarketing firms are even more so. They seem to stay ahead of the technology and the carriers just can’t keep up.  You may have noticed an increase in local calls to your phone, many of which are local numbers – or even numbers of neighbors, family and friends. Sadly, there isn’t much we can do about these calls except to ignore or block them. Registering on the National Do Not Call Registry or reporting calls may help, but I’ve read numerous accounts that the reports only generate more calls. Why is this happening?

find out who's calling you

Local Numbers

Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP) software allows any user to create an account and choose a local phone number. The caller uses that number for whatever business or scam he is perpetrating, knowing that people are more likely to answer local numbers. The unwanted caller bets that you will answer, wondering if it’s a call from a neighbor, doctor’s office, or your child’s school. The caller may also tap into the number of a friend or family member, ensuring that you will pick up. Once you answer, the caller goes into his prepared spiel, hoping to lure you into purchasing a product or sending money for some invented reason.

How To Recognize Scammers

Most people are familiar with email scams wherein someone reports an overseas crisis, an unexpected windfall, or other event that requires the recipient to send money. Fake lotteries and business opportunities make big promises that will never deliver. Even the savviest people fall for these scams because the scammers are trained to be convincing and persistent. One of the most recent scams is being called by a utility company or the IRS, demanding immediate payment or face jail time. This is especially scary to senior citizens who may be easily confused or not up to date on the latest scamming trends.

How to block a phone number

How To Make It Stop

There is no surefire way to make the calls stop. However, you can block calls on your iPhone using a caller ID app. If a call comes from a number you do not recognize, let the call go to voicemail. Most scammers or telemarketers will not leave a message. If you receive a message that sounds legit and important, you may call the number, but beware. Any calls received from the utility company or the IRS demanding payment are most likely fraud. The IRS never calls people on the phone; they send letters. If a utility company calls, get the name and extension of the person calling as well as a call back number that you can use to verify the information. Also check the claim against any outstanding bills. If you do suspect fraud, report the call immediately to the police.

Lastly, limit the number of things you sign up for online. The more you use your phone number, the more likely you are to receive calls. You may also consider getting a masked number from Google voice or another company to separate your personal calls from potential fraudsters.

iTunes Gift Card Scams: How to Protect Yourself

December 15, 2017 Posted by communicator

It’s the holiday season and with Christmas just a week away it’s important to protect yourself and your loved ones from holiday related phone scams. The most common form of phone scam during the holidays are iTunes gift card scams. We’ll go over what you need to know about these scams and how to protect yourself.

Calls From Local Numbers

You may have noticed an uptick in the amount of calls you’ve recently been getting from unknown numbers this is due to the holidays and end of the year approaching. Scammers are taking advantage of the holiday season to trick vulnerable people into giving them money via iTunes gift cards.

Phone callers will demand that their victims pay bogus hospital bills, utility bills, back taxes, and prize fees, among other things. They will use scare tactics and threats in order to get what they want out of the people that they are targeting.

What to Do If You’re Being Targeted by iTunes Gift Card Scams

If you ever receive a call from someone asking that they make a payment via an iTunes gift card, or any type of gift card/pre-paid card, hang up immediately.

You should only use iTunes gift cards when making a purchase directly from iTunes or Apple. Never share the code on the back of the card with anyone over the phone.

Other Ways to Protect Yourself

Always be careful when answering a call from a phone number that isn’t in your contact book. If the call is unsolicited and claims to be from a company or organization that you trust inform them that you will call back at a later time. Once you’ve done this verify the phone number that called you using a white pages app on iPhone or the official website of the company or organization the caller claimed to be from.

Kidnapping Phone Scams: What You Need To Know

October 25, 2017 Posted by communicator

There’s a scary phone scam out there that tries to convince you that a loved one has been kidnapped by criminals. All across the United States there have been reports of scammers calling people and telling them that their family members are in grave danger. Find out how to spot this scam, how to avoid and report it, and how you can trace unknown calls.

How The Kidnapping Phone Scam Works

You’ll receive a call from someone claiming to have your family member and demanding that you send them money as ransom. You may even hear screams or crying in the background of the call. This is all designed to make you panic.

The calls often come from Mexico and they find family names and phone numbers on social media. Using this information they will demand that you wire them large amounts of money.

How To Avoid This Scam

This scam is scary and requires quick thinking. If you get a call from someone saying they have your loved one ask something personal. Make sure it’s something only the person they say they have would know. Additionally, while on the phone with the caller send a text out to the person they say they have, or find someone to call the person they say is in danger.

If you verify that the caller is a scammer immediately hang up and call your local police. It’s important that you report this type of call as soon as possible. Scammers are likely targeting other people in your community.

Another thing which you can do to protect yourself and your family is to set your social media to private. Only share information with people you know and trust online. Most of the time these callers get their information from online social media platforms, like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Trace Unknown Calls

You should always try to avoid answering unknown phone calls. To help you with this look into using a white pages iPhone caller ID app on your smart phone. Not only will apps like these help you cut down on the amount of unwanted calls you receive, they could also save you from being a scam victim.