Can you really recognize a scammer?
/Silent Calls with no one on the phone allows scammers, otherwise known as robo-callers that are virtually an automated computer system makings thousands of calls with the purpose of building a list of humans they can target for theft at a later time. Your recourse: put caller ID on your landline in order to screen your calls and simply don’t answer callers whose number you don’t recognize.
Imposters come in many forms and disguises. People of impersonated IRS, popular, well-known charities and many more. I often get calls from Cancer charities sounding very personal and familiar like we are buddies. Once you’re into the call, they talk about their charities, thank you for previously giving and ask if you can give again. When you say yes, they pass you off to another person who then ask for your Name, Address, Telephone number, and credit card information. Well, duh, if they called you and conversed about previous donations, they should have most of that information. Simply tell them to mail you a pledge card to whatever name and address they have on file. If not, JUST HANG UP and block their call! A genuine organization would not approach you like that.
Door-to-Door Contractors are one of the most dangerous. Some have literally kicked doors in. Install inexpensive door bell equipment that will start recording when the door bell is used. This will not only deter intruders, but will eliminate package theft from your front door. I was in my back yard relaxing when a man was hanging over my side fence, supposedly trying to get my attention to give me his business card for tree-cutting. Seriously!!! That was a disaster waiting to happen; so be careful when you’re relaxing outside. Crime happens every 5 minutes of every day. Most of them is right at your home!
Technical Support come in many forms. You initially get a message on your computer saying you have a virus and to call ‘this number’ to get technical support to remove it. When you call, thinking it’s your internet service provider (ISP), you’re told for $29.95 (and up) we can walk you through fixing the problem or HOST your computer and do it themselves. That’s a big NO NO. Your paid-for ISP should provide that service and does not have to HOST your computer to do it. Be aware of the services you are paying for. If the intruder does not identify themselves with the adequate information, hang up, report them, block them, but don’t talk to them and don’t have your computer on the internet when you do speak to someone. That’s one of the ways hackers get in.
Identify theft has become one of the largest violators out. When you use the ATM, cover your hand when you are entering your PIN. Hackers are bold enough to install miniature cameras right at the ATM to capture your information to be used later. Change your PIN frequently (like every 6 months). Having more than one account at a different financial institution would allow access to your funds if one account gets hacked.
When you use on-line banking, make sure you close your browser completely so a hacker who is waiting in the shadows cannot continue with the process. When your internet service is off, they are also.
Have your recurring checks/payments directly deposited in your bank account to eliminate thieves taking them from your mailbox. Have your mail stopped at the post office if you will be out of town or on vacation.
Install sensor lights around and in your house to give the appearance of someone always being at home. My neighbor mentioned one day that my house was spooked. She was seeing lights going on through my house different hours of the evening and night. Funny thing was, my son installed sensor lights in my hallways so when my grandson moved thru the house there would be light and he would not be afraid. So if it worked on my neighbor, it will work on an intruder. I have sensor lights at my front, back, side door; upstairs hallway, downstairs hallway and in my office. Along with my security system, there is no way an intruder would could survive in my home. Make your home your fortress and treat it like that. 
I could go on and on with so many different scams and illegal tricks people are pulling. The main thing is to be safe. Take precaution before something happens. Life is not a do-over. Hopefully this post has helped in some way. Please LIKE and SHARE to help others.
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