Look Out for Fake Checks!

Checks might seem like something from the past, but scammers often use fake checks in their crimes so they can exploit the time it takes for them to bounce. During that waiting period, scammers will ask you to act on those funds. But once the check bounces, any amount you acted on is gone. This tactic shows up in several scam types from fake job and work-from-home scams (the fake check is to purchase equipment from the “employer” or for you to wire or otherwise send funds to “vendors”), to a seemingly innocent overpayment you received where you’re asked to send part of the money back.

It’s important to know that, just because the check looks like it cleared, it doesn’t mean it has – it can take time for a bank to validate a check, but the federal rules are to make the amount available, usually within 24-48 hours. Use caution when accepting a check: ensure it is validated by your bank and reject seeming overpayments where you’re asked to pay back the overage to the sender.

 

How to Make Yourself a Harder Target

Criminals are always looking for ways to get your personal information to use in criminal activities. The good news is that there are many steps you can take to help protect your data and minimize its value to criminals. Here are three:

  1. Create stronger passwords: Better protect yourself by using strong and unique passwords or passphrases or consider using a password manager to store and generate strong passwords securely.
  2. Use multi-factor authentication: A second layer of defense to your accounts makes it harder for cybercriminals to gain access. Check account settings for two-factor authentication, two-step verification, or multi-factor authentication, and follow the setup instructions.
  3. Keep your operating system updated: Sometimes those updates are to patch a known vulnerability; set yours – and your antivirus protection – to update automatically.

 

Spotting Fake QR Codes

QR codes are everywhere – from restaurant menus to package tracking. But where there is innovation, there are criminals exploiting them for fraud. QR codes are now being used by scammers to lead you to phishing websites, where they may steal sensitive details like banking info, login credentials and more.

Before acting on a QR code in the real world, check for signs of manipulation (a sticker over the original QR, for example). And you don’t have to use a QR code – if you’re at a restaurant, ask for the printed menu. Also, look at emailed or texted QR codes with suspicion; the point of them is to link you to a website when you’re not otherwise online.

Just like when clicking links, it is important to use caution when scanning QR codes to ensure the source is trustworthy.

 

Dealing with fraud in the aftermath can be fraught – not knowing where or if you should report (you should – it’s a crime), feelings of shame (even though it’s not your fault – blame the perpetrator), and an often-overwhelming emotional toll – let alone the financial impact.

One resource is the AARP Fraud Watch Network Helpline. Every weekday from 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. EST, trained AARP volunteer fraud fighters are helping victims and their families understand what happened, report the crime, and plan next steps to put their lives back together. That number is 1-877-908-3360.

Experiencing a scam can be devastating, but it doesn’t have to define you. If you or someone you know has been the victim of fraud, make sure to file a report with local police; among other things, this may be useful in the event restitution becomes possible down the line.

Be a fraud fighter! If you can spot a scam, you can stop a scam.