Be Scam Free! Tips To Avoid Scammers This Holiday Season
Source: Radio One / The Harris County Attorney’s Office
Due to the increase in online and digital scams, major cities like Houston have created initiatives to help citizens protect their hard-earned money. And as technology allows advanced scammers to target you via phone calls, emails, texts and social media, even the most savvy shoppers could be potential victims if not armed with the proper tools to protect their cash.
Stay Scam Free with these tips designed to educate, empower, and protect residents and their families from fraud – courtesy of The Harris County Attorney’s Office
6 Practical Tips for Protecting Yourself Against Scams
- STOP, think, and verify before providing your personal information to a requestor.
- PROTECT your digital accounts by using multi-factor authentication.
- KEEP the software and security systems updated on your computer, phone, and other digital devices to guard against vulnerabilities.
- MONITOR your financial accounts and statements for unusual or unauthorized transactions as well as credit reports for unauthorized activity.
- REPORT any suspicious or unusual activities to the appropriate authorities.
- SUBSCRIBE to HCAO’s monthly newsletter as well as consumer alerts from the FTC.
Are you a Victim? Take Action
If you suspect you’ve been a victim of fraud, especially as it relates to false advertising (e.g., apartment rentals, second-hand car dealerships, etc.), mortgage and title fraud, pyramid and multi-level marketing schemes, deceptive service providers, and misleading warranties and insurance policies, please file a complaint with HCAO on our Report Consumer Fraud page.
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