Source: Albuquerque Journal, N.mini storageM.Dec. 29--So many scams, so little time ... That's the first thought that comes to mind as I reflect back on the first five months of writing "Scam of the Week" columns for the Money section of The Sunday Journal .As noted back in October when I kicked off my online blog, "Scammed, Etc,"my biggest hesitation in taking on this project was that I might run out of things to write about.Silly me. As you can tell from the accompanying list of topics covered to date, that hasn't been a problem.And while that may be good news for someone writing a weekly consumer protection column, it certainly isn't good news for consumers facing a daily barrage of outright scams or, to put it kindly, deceptive business practices.If I ever need a reminder of that, all I have to do is look back at my notes from the roughly 150 telephone calls and emails that I've received since I first started writing this column July 28.So given this is the final column of 2013, then, I thought it might be helpful to share some general observations about those fraudulent practices that keep coming up again and again regardless of the particular scam."Phishing" for personal information : Whether it's trying to trick older Americans into applying for a bogus -- and absolutely unnecessary -- new Medicare card, or enticing consumers to download malware from phony shipping notification emails, scam artists are always on the prowl for sensitive information.Social Security numbers. Credit card numbers. Checking account numbers. Bank-routing numbers.Consumer protection advocates strongly recommend that you never disclose this kind of information by phone or email to what amounts to a virtual stranger. Look at it this way: If you wouldn't share this information with someone you bumped into on the street, then don't do it over the phone or by computer.If it's a legitimate organization -- your bank, your utility company, a government agency, etc. -- it already will have this basic information on file.Prepaid debit cards : If someone insists you immediately pay a bill, fine or some other fee using a prepaid debit card, gift card, GreenDot MoneyPak or Paypal, chances are good you are being set up. Hang up the phone and call the actual number of the agency or organization they claim to be representing to determine if the call is legitimate.Spoofing : As I pointed out in my Nov. 3 column, there was once a time when you could depend on your caller ID device to ward off unwelcome calls. Not anymore.Today, many scam artists are using spoofing technology to trick you into believing the phone call is originating from a legitimate source.In the past few months, for example, I've written about scams that have spoofed the telephone numbers of t迷你倉e Internal Revenue Service, PNM and the Albuquerque-based federal court.Just because it appears the telephone call is coming from a reputable business or agency, that doesn't necessarily make it so. As in the case with the prepaid debit cards, hang up and call the appropriate number directly for confirmation.Don't panic : A demand for immediate action is a common thread that runs through many of these scams, whether you are the target of a "grandchild in distress" hoax or being threatened with a phony arrest or the shutting down of your utilities.Fear is a great motivator when trying to convince someone to take immediate action, so resist the urge to reveal personal information or to part with some of your hard-earned cash -- as difficult as that may be at the time.One more phone call or a simple Google search can save you thousands of dollars or the headache that comes with becoming a victim of identity theft.In closing, I would be remiss if I didn't take a moment to extend my thanks to those of you who shared your personal stories, suggested ideas for future columns or just took the time to offer some encouraging words, whether it be by phone, email or letter.Not only was it appreciated, but it reminded me that, like a good pizza, this column is only as good as the ingredients that go into it. At the risk of sounding too cheesy, then, here's hoping we can build on that recipe in the new year.Nick Pappas is assistant business editor at the Albuquerque Journal and writes a blog called "Scammed, Etc." Contact him at npappas@abqjournal.com or 505-823-3847 if you are aware of what sounds like a scam. To report a scam to law enforcement, contact the New Mexico Consumer Protection Division toll-free at 1-800-678-1508.In case you missed them ...Here is a list of the topics covered since 'Scam of the Week' debuted with an introductory column July 28. All are available by searching online at abqjournal.com.Aug. 4: Mortgage foreclosuresAug. 11: Medicare cardsAug. 18: Lotteries/sweepstakes Aug. 25: Credit card rates Sept. 1: Grandparent hoaxes Sept. 8: Computer "repair" Sept. 15: Scam-fighting tips Sept. 22: Affordable Care Act Sept. 29: Post-flood contractors Oct. 6: Home deed documents Oct. 13: PNM/utility threats Oct. 20: Yellow Pages directories Oct. 27: Extended car warranties Nov. 3: Spoofing caller ID devices Nov. 10: International area code calls Nov. 17: IRS impersonators Nov. 24: Twelve Scams of Christmas Dec. 1: "Free" airline travel Dec. 8: Court-issued arrest warrants Dec. 15: Holiday shipping emails Dec. 22: Mystery shopper jobsCopyright: ___ (c)2013 the Albuquerque Journal (Albuquerque, N.M.) Visit the Albuquerque Journal (Albuquerque, N.M.) at .abqjournal.com Distributed by MCT Information Services文件倉
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