Page 22 - Seniors Today -April20
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2. Impersonation scam: This is the next
category of scam that is quite traumatic by
nature. Typically, the way this is played out
is a scammer pretends to be from a well-
known business house like a mobile service
provider or an internet service provider. The
scammer may call and ask for remote access
to your computer to ‘fix a problem’. They
may also e-mail you fake tax challans or
invoices threatening to cancel your service
or charge excessive penalty fees, if some kind
of overdue payment is not paid immediately.
Once the fraudster has remote access to your
Watch out for scamsters so you don’t end up with an empty wallet computer, he can often infect your computer
Cybercriminals need to know the e-mail with malware. It is often seen that the
address and associated phone number of the victims get trapped in such conversations
user to lead this part of the scam. Contact and succumb to the threats posed by the
details can often easily be compromised. cybercriminals.
The scammer can then capitalise on the Tip: Be suspicious of calls or messages
password recovery process that allows an you receive out of the blue. Also, just delete
e-mail user to gain access to your account any suspicious texts, pop-up windows or
by a verification code sent to their mobile. e-mails and don’t ever click on links or open
The attacker later texts you with a message, attachments and most importantly, never
asking you to share the verification code give anyone remote access to your computer.
while posing as the e-mail provider. In these
quick steps, a cybercriminal gains access 3. Lottery, sweepstakes and competition
and takes over your e-mail account. With scams
access to your account, the scammer could Sometimes an e-mail or a text message lands
just lock you out! The attacker could also in your inbox from an overseas lottery or
add an alternate e-mail address to your sweepstakes company out of nowhere. The
account without your knowledge and start idea of these scams is to trick you into giving
getting your messages to this new address. your personal details for giving money
Meanwhile, you don’t even know if your upfront or receive the prize. Once you are
private messages have been intercepted! deceived, Scammers typically claim that you
Be careful when you get suspicious SMS need to pay fees or taxes before your prize
text messages asking about your e-mail money is released.
verification codes. If you are not sure about Tip: Remember, you cannot win a prize if
the legitimacy of such request, contact the you haven’t entered!
e-mail service provider directly.
Tip: Remember as a best practice, always 4. Dating and romance scams
use a unique password in all your accounts Well, this is the category of scam where not
and don’t get trapped to have the same only youngsters get trapped, but people from
password across your accounts. all age groups and sex could be the potential
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