Millennials and Technology Scams
Many millennials may be surprised to learn they are prime targets for scammers. Millennials may be tech-savvy, but when it comes to scams and identity theft, they can be just as susceptible as any other age group. In fact, they could be targets of some of the most sophisticated technology-based scams. Anyone can fall victim to a scam, and scams involving technology are usually very hard to identify. Some examples include:
One-ring phone scams. Millennials use mobile phones for everything – texting, social media, calls, apps and browsing the Internet. When they get a call, they answer it almost as a reflex. The one-ring scam uses automated calls programmed to look like they came from a domestic number. But when you call back, you’re making an expensive international call, which shows up on your next cell phone bill.
Scammers use these calls, which are difficult to trace, to verify that phone numbers on a list they’ve obtained are legitimate. They then may call again with another scam.
BBB recommends that you register your cell phone with the national Do Not Call Registry. Do not respond to unfamiliar numbers, especially if the phone only rings once, and don’t press any numbers in a voice response call from an unidentified number. You may want to report suspicious calls to the Federal Trade Commission.
Job scams. False job postings online may look legitimate, but they’re really schemes to commit fraud, either by asking you to pay for merchandise to sell or for pre-employment screenings like drug tests or as a way to get sensitive information like Social Security numbers that can be used to commit fraud.
BBB advises job seekers to be skeptical of unsolicited job offers, especially mystery shopping or work-at-home schemes, which are almost always scams.
Job scams also have infiltrated sites like LinkedIn, the professional social media website. They could take the form of invitations to connect from people you don’t know. Be wary if the connection’s profile is incomplete or if most of its connections are overseas. Search the name online to see if the person is who they claim to be. Other bogus listings may appear on Craigslist or other sites.
You should never have to pay up-front to get a job, whether it’s for merchandise you’re going to sell, a drug test or another pre-employment test. A legitimate employer will take care of employment expenses like these. Never give your Social Security number to an employer until you’ve been hired. Your employer will need that information to report your earnings and for payroll tax purposes.
Public Wi-Fi scams. Free Internet at libraries, coffee shops and malls is a great convenience, but it’s not secure. Scammers often hack into the networks looking for victims using laptops, tablets or phones. Never use public Wi-Fi for sensitive transactions like banking or making online purchases.
Charity scams. Millennials often want to help people in need, and they may not question a plea for assistance after a major disaster or a donation to a cause they favor. Fraudulent charities know this, and they could steal your donations or use your credit card information to commit fraud.
BBB advises consumers to research charities before they make a donation. BBB Charity Reviews are available on more than 11,000 charities. BBB Accredited Charities comply with BBB’s 20 Standards for Charity Accountability, which means they’re trustworthy and transparent in their use of donated funds.
BBB Scam Tracker is a great new tool that allows consumers to check out scams online and report scammers. BBB works with law enforcement and the media to publicize scams and shut down the scammers. More than 25,000 scams have been reported using the online tool since it was rolled out last year.
Consumers also may call BBB at 573-803-3190 if they suspect they’re being targeted by a scammer.
For more tips you can trust, visit www.bbb.org or call 573-803-3190.
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