Scams & Fraud

Join our series of online Q&A sessions to learn how to avoid them.

’Tis the season to be merry—and to watch out for fraud.

In the aftermath of Hurricanes Harvey and Irma, and Maria, charity scams are coming at us by text, email, phone and social media. Scammers look to take advantage of our desire to help victims. If you plan to donate, make sure your money is going to the right place. Check Charity Navigator (www.charitynavigator.org), Charity Watch (www.charitywatch.org) and Give.org to verify names and organizations before opening your heart – and wallet.

With Delawareans being victimized at an alarming rate by fraudulent pop-up messages that warn computer users of a purported virus infection or urgently needed repair, the AARP Fraud Watch Network has launched a major campaign to raise awareness of the “Tech Support Scam.”

Document-Shredding Events and Information Will Help Delawareans Avoid Fraud

Netflix customers beware ! Scammers are conducting a campaign to obtain personal and financial information from Netflix users across the country. Netflix users are receiving an email claiming to be from the company asking them to update their Netflix login information. After providing this, a second screen appears which asks users to validate their payment information. After providing their information on the fraudulent website, the Netflix customers are re-directed to the actual Netflix homepage. The phishing email looks surprisingly realistic and uses legitimate servers that were compromised, so security software may not recognize the email as a phishing attempt.

Romance scams start with fake profiles on online dating sites. The scammer, who is conveniently working abroad, quickly builds a relationship with the targeted victim, exchanging photos, romantic messages, or even talking by phone. Then they will make a request: money needed for an emergency or maybe to plan an in-person visit. The target sends money, and then never hears from the love interest again.

The more you know, the less likely you are to become a victim of investment fraud.

Ads for jobs guaranteeing you will make a certain amount of money or that you can work from home are probably scams. If you respond to the ad, you’ll likely be asked to send money so you can either get the job, acquire more job listings, receive supplies to start a business at home, or obtain special “certification” that’s supposed to get you a job. If an ad for a job sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

There’s a new scam we recently heard about. A resident receives an official-looking letter from a law firm in the state, outlining a family member’s prior criminal conviction, describing the verdict, and then stating there is an outstanding fine or fee. The letter directs the resident to send a check to clear the expense. If you receive a letter like this, contact local law enforcement.