Published On: October 22, 2020
FDIC Consumer News: Beware, It’s a Scam!
Avoid phishing, smishing, vishing, and other scams
FDIC Consumer News – October 2020
Criminals are constantly trying to steal consumers’ personal data using fake emails, websites, phone calls, and even text messages. They use a variety of ways to try to trick people into providing Social Security numbers, bank account numbers, and other valuable information. In many cases, their goal is to steal money from you. This article defines some terms used for different online scams and how they work, so you can protect your money.
How do scammers contact their victims?
Phishing is a term for scams commonly used when a criminal uses email to ask you to provide personal financial information. The sender pretends to be from a bank, a retail store, or government agency and makes the email appear legitimate. Criminals often try to threaten, even frighten people by stating “you’re a victim of fraud” or some other urgent-sounding message to trick you into providing information without thinking. Don’t do it.
Smishing is similar to phishing, but instead of using email, the criminal uses text messaging to reach you. Same idea, they pretend they are from an organization you might know and trust (such as a bank or the IRS) and try to get your personal information.
Vishing, similar to phishing and smishing, is when scammers use phone services such as a live phone call, a “robocall,” or a voicemail to try to trick you into providing personal information by sounding like a legitimate business or government official.
What are the different types of scams? 
MUSINGS BY DIANE:
Technology is both a blessing and a curse. It helps us to stay in touch with our family, friends and the world. But it also exposes us to dangers that our parents never contemplated. People we never met, who live on the other side of the world and don’t know us can steal our lives. Keep informed on the latest scams. Keep your technology updated, or don’t use it at all (those are your only two choices).
Use your common sense (this is a theme you see throughout all my Musings). Remember P.T. Barnum’s “quote” (but there is no evidence he actually said this) “there is a sucker born every minute”. Don’t be that sucker.
– Diane L. Drain
About the Author: Diane Drain
Diane is a well respected Arizona bankruptcy and foreclosure attorney. As a retired law professor, she believes in offering everyone, not just her clients, advice about bankruptcy and Arizona foreclosure laws. Diane is also a mentor to hundreds of Arizona attorneys.
*Important Note from Diane: Everything on this web site is offered for educational purposes only and not intended to provide legal advice, nor create an attorney client relationship between you, me, or the author of any article. Information in this web site should not be used as a substitute for competent legal advice from an attorney familiar with your personal circumstances and licensed to practice law in your state. Make sure to check out their reviews.*
“You folks are the BEST OF THE BEST in Arizona.” M.H.
You and Jay are the best attorneys I have ever had or needed and thank God for the Honorable Robert Gottsfield in recommending you folks – I would have never made it through the entire process without you and Jay and God Bless you both always and stay in touch as well. You folks are the BEST OF THE BEST in Arizona.
“My only regret is that I didn’t find Diane sooner.” K.H.
I can’t say enough good things about Diane. The way she handled my not typical circumstances was amazing. I was very nervous to start the bankruptcy process but Diane just has a very comforting way of explaining the whole process. My only regret is that I didn’t find Diane sooner. If you find yourself in a financial situation that you can’t correct on your own, please Call Diane Drain as soon as possible.
“Filing for bankruptcy can be a stressful life event” R.A.
Filing for bankruptcy can be a stressful life event, and selecting the right attorney can add to this stress. Diane and Jay were a pleasure to work with, and it is obvious that they are passionate about helping people get their life back on track. I would highly recommend them if you need a bankruptcy attorney.
Related Posts
Published On: March 28, 2023
DOD Announces Six New Measures to Enhance Well-Being of Military Force and Their Families Posting from the Secretary of Defense Release from US Department of Defense, March 22, 2023 [...]
Published On: March 6, 2023
PEOPLE MAY WANT TO FILE A TAX RETURN – EVEN IF THEY ARE NOT REQUIRED TO DO SO Posting from the IRS IRS Tax Tip 2023-27, March 2, 2023 [...]
Published On: February 1, 2023
New Consumer Law Rights Taking Effect in 2023. This NCLC article lists federal and state consumer law rights scheduled to go into effect or expire, during the period from November 17, 2022, through December 31, 2023. Other consumer law changes will be enacted later in 2023 and will go into effect in 2023; this article lists changes whose effective dates have already been scheduled.
Published On: January 22, 2023
New Consumer Law Rights Taking Effect in 2023. This NCLC article lists federal and state consumer law rights scheduled to go into effect or expire, during the period from November 17, 2022, through December 31, 2023. Other consumer law changes will be enacted later in 2023 and will go into effect in 2023; this article lists changes whose effective dates have already been scheduled.
My intention is to put you back in control of your life
Start with $0 down*. We provide affordable payment plans.
