Ashley Rowan

October 27th, 2023

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Ref Flags of a Scam 

In a recent video, our online safety advocate Sarah highlights key red flags to watch out for when interacting online. Her insights offer valuable guidance for staying safe in a landscape riddled with potential scams.

Asking for Money

One of the most blatant red flags, according to Sarah, is when someone you've met online asks for money. This could come in various forms – a heartbreaking story about a financial crisis, a lucrative investment opportunity, or even a charitable donation. "The moment someone you don't know personally asks for money, your scam alert should go off," Sarah advises. This is especially true if the person insists on using untraceable payment methods like wire transfers or gift cards.

Impersonating Authority Figures

Another common tactic that Sarah discusses is impersonation. Scammers often pose as representatives of trusted institutions, like banks or government agencies. They might contact you claiming there’s an issue with your account or that you're entitled to receive government benefits. "It’s essential to remember that real banks or government offices will never ask for sensitive information like passwords or PINs over the phone or via email," Sarah cautions.

Creating a Sense of Urgency

Scammers are known for their pressure tactics, often creating a false sense of urgency. This could be a limited-time offer, a threat of legal action, or an urgent request for personal details. Sarah highlights that creating urgency is a psychological trick designed to bypass your better judgment. “If someone is pushing you to make quick decisions, especially involving money or personal information, it’s a major red flag,” she says.

Asking for Personal Information

The request for personal information is another telltale sign of a scam. Sarah emphasizes that personal data is a goldmine for scammers. This could include requests for your social security number, bank account details, or even seemingly innocuous information like your full name and birth date. "Be vigilant about who you share your personal information with, especially on the internet," Sarah urges.

The Power of Verification: Using NumLookup

To cap off her video, Sarah offers a powerful piece of advice: always verify the source. One practical tool she suggests is using an online phone directory service like NumLookup. This free online tool allows you to enter a phone number and receive information about who it belongs to. "If you receive a suspicious call or message, taking a moment to check the number through a service like NumLookup can save you from potential scams," she explains.

Conclusion

Sarah's insights are an essential reminder of the caution needed in our online interactions. The digital world, while offering numerous benefits, also harbors risks that we must be aware of. By understanding these red flags and using verification tools like NumLookup, we can protect ourselves and our loved ones from the deceitful tactics of online scammers. Stay informed, stay vigilant, and stay safe.