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Consumer Protection - Don't Fall for Scams

Most common scams and how to protect yourself against them.

Nashville, Ark. – We work hard for our money and want to protect our assets, but thieves are clever, and they have tools and devices that can help them commit fraud very easily today. Scammers often impersonate trusted entities like banks, retail outlets, or government agencies to trick you into revealing personal information or paying fees. The top 5 most common scams this year are as follows:

Fake Package Delivery Alerts – Scammers send texts claiming a problem with an incoming delivers and link to a fake website that looks legitimate but is used to steal credit card information or other personal details.

Phony Job Opportunities – These texts or email start with offering work without specifics. The “job” may involve completing simple tasks like rating products or apps, but ultimately, it leads to requests for personal information or investments.

Fake Fraud Alerts – You receive a text or email claiming there is suspicious activity or a big purchase you didn’t make, often pretending to be from your bank or popular retail establishments. They may ask you to call a fake fraud department or reply “yes” of “no” to a transaction verification, leading to identity theft or financial loss.

Bogus Notices About Unpaid Tolls – Scammers send texts claiming you owe unpaid tolls and include a link to pay them. These messages are designed to make you feel anxious and act quickly without thinking.

Wrong Number Scams- Scammers start with a seemingly innocent accidental text the evolved into a conversation, often with romantic undertones, to gain your trust and eventually lead to investments in other scams.

How to protect yourself –

  • DON’T click on links in unexpected texts.
  • Beware of urgent requests.
  • Medicare and Social Security will never call you asking for money and they will never suspend your social security number. Ever. If they say you are a beneficiary for Medicare and ask for your banking information – hang up.
  • Report scams to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at ftc.gov and the Arkansas attorney general’s office at https://arkansasag.gov/ and click “file a complaint” or call 501-682-2007.
  • Guard personal information and PINS. Shred mail and documents.
  • Shop at legitimate businesses online.
  • Keep computer virus software up to date.
  • Limit the amount of credit cards you carry. Carry only the cards you need and leave the rest at home.
  • Register your phone number to help prevent or at least reduce the number of telemarketers who call you - https://www.donotcall.gov/verify.html.
  • If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Investigate the offer before accepting or paying any money.

Recipe of the Week

A few weeks ago I went to Nashville Jr. High to conduct a “Get Real, Here’s the Deal” financial simulation for Mrs. Hanney’s students. She was gracious enough to serve us a delicious lunch which included an amazing dessert. I hope you enjoy it as much as we did!

  • One package of Nutter Butter cookies
  • 1 ¾ cup milk, divided
  • Pudding Mix (vanilla or cheesecake flavor)
  • Peanut Butter
  • Whipped Topping
  • Reese’s Pieces
  1. Dip your cookies in milk and place them on the bottom of your pan.
  2. Whisk pudding mix with milk. Then whisk in peanut butter.
  3. Fold in the whipped topping.
  4. Top cookies pudding, then more milk-dipped-cookies, then more pudding, and so on. Continue until you’re out of all ingredients.
  5. Top with whipped topping. Chill at least 2 hours, then top with candy before serving.

Note: This recipe can be adjusted to reduce the sugar by using sugar-free pudding and sugar-free whipped topping.

 

For more information on scams or how to avoid fraud, contact our office at 870-845-7517 or visit us upstairs in the Howard County Courthouse. The Cooperative Extension Service is part of the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture.

 

By Angie Freel
County Extension Agent - FCS
The Cooperative Extension Service
U of A System Division of Agriculture

Media Contact: Angie Freel
County Extension Agent - FCS
U of A Division of Agriculture
Cooperative Extension Service
421 N. Main St, Nashville AR 71852
(870) 845-7517
afreel@uada.edu

 

The Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service is an equal opportunity institution. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate or need materials in another format, please contact your County Extension office (or other appropriate office) as soon as possible. Dial 711 for Arkansas Relay.

Pursuant to 7 CFR § 15.3, the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture offers all its Extension and Research programs and services (including employment) without regard to race, color, sex, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital or veteran status, genetic information, sexual preference, pregnancy or any other legally protected status, and is an equal opportunity institution.

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