Phone scams are up 13% over two years ago.
That's according to a recent survey. But, you likely know it based on all the scam calls you're getting.
So, this should be a SIMPLE test to see how easily YOU CAN SPOT A SCAM! (Find answers below)
THE IRS CALLS ABOUT A PROBLEM WITH YOUR RETURN. YOU SHOULD TAKE WHAT ACTION?
A. GO OVER YOUR RETURN WITH HIM LINE BY LINE
B. HANG UP. THE IRS DOESN'T CALL ABOUT THAT
C. PAY THE AMOUNT YOU OWE SO YOU DON'T FACE PENALTIES
YOUR COMPUTER HAS BEEN SLOW. YOU GET A CALL FROM MICROSOFT. WHAT SHOULD YOU DO?
A: LET THEM FIX IT REMOTELY
B. ASK FOR ADVICE
C. CALL THEM A SCAMMER
YOU GET A SECURITY WARNING EMAIL FROM YOUR BANK. YOU SHOULD?
A. CLICK THE LINK AND RESPOND IMMEDIATELY
B ANSWER THEIR ID QUESTIONS SO THEY KNOW ITS YOU
C. CALL YOUR BANK'S CUSTOMER SERVICE NUMBER AND ASK
My advice is to let ALL calls go to voicemail. You avoid the scammers and can call back the others.
ANSWERS:
THE IRS CALLS ABOUT A PROBLEM WITH YOUR RETURN. YOU SHOULD TAKE WHAT ACTION?
Answer: B- Hang up, the IRS doesn't call you about that. While they have just started calling about certain matters, there is always a letter involved. And the IRS will never threaten with jail time or any other action if you don't pay right now. If you think you have an IRS issue, go to www.irs.gov and contact them.
YOUR COMPUTER HAS BEEN SLOW. YOU GET A CALL FROM MICROSOFT. WHAT SHOULD YOU DO?
Answer: C- Call your bank's customer service number and ask. Too many of these are scam emails. By clicking on the link, you may have allowed them into your computer. In other cases, they ask for personal information you don't want to give them. So, your best bet is NOT to click on the link, but to contact your bank if you think there's an issue.
