Authorities are warning the public to stay vigilant against a growing number of scams where fraudsters pose as trusted figures and create a sense of urgency to manipulate victims into acting quickly.
How the Scam Works:
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Initial Contact:
Scammers may contact potential victims through text messages, emails, phone calls, computer pop-ups, or social media, claiming issues such as:- Package delivery problems
- Fraud on your account
- Computer issues they can “fix”
- Employment or financial aid applications
- Tax or invoice disputes
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Deceptive Instructions:
Victims are then asked to take specific actions, including:- Sharing personal information, like PINs or security codes
- Depositing cash into cryptocurrency ATMs
- Transferring money to “secure” accounts
- Typing special codes into their devices (*72 or **21)
- Clicking suspicious links or downloading attachments
- Granting remote access to devices
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Scammer Wins:
Following their instructions often leads to:- Loss of money with little chance of recovery
- Theft of personal and financial information
- Malware installation on devices
- Forwarding of calls and texts to scammers
- Ransom demands for account or device access
How to Protect Yourself:
- Banks, including Bank of America, will never ask you to move money or pay anyone.
- Verify requests through official channels before acting.
- Avoid clicking on unfamiliar links or downloading unknown apps.
- Do not ignore scam warnings, even if pressured.
- Educate friends and family about scam tactics to keep them safe.
Staying alert and cautious can help prevent falling victim to these scams and protect your personal and financial information.
