Be aware of phone scams to keep your personal information secure.
Your security is important. However, a recent phone scam has put your personal information at risk. What may seem like an innocent phone call may lead to unfamiliar charges on your bills. The scam begins with a phone call where the speaker may ask you a question to which the answer is ‘yes.’ They then record your answer and use it later to authorize charges on your behalf. Callers may say they are from government agencies such as the IRS or Social Security, however, do not be fooled. Individuals from these organizations typically do not start communication via the phone. Protect yourself from phone scams with these tips.
Take Preventative Action
If you don’t recognize the number calling you, don’t answer it. Avoid calls from numbers that you don’t know to reduce your risk of phone-related scams. Your friends, family, and acquaintances can leave a voicemail with a callback number if they need to get a hold of you. If you must pick up the phone, do not say ‘yes.’
Monitor Your Charge
Whether it’s your credit card or your phone bill, keep track of your finances so that you can quickly respond to any unfamiliar charges. The better you are at staying up on your bills, the better able you are to catch any strange activity.
Contact the Appropriate Parties
If you have been victimized by this cell phone scam, contact your billing company to reverse the charges as soon as possible. It’s important to dispute the claims sooner rather than later to avoid any lasting damage. If you need assistance disputing credit card charges, get help from the Federal Trade Commission.
Be aware of scams so that you can rest easy knowing that you’re secure. Looking out for you as a team, Hoffman Brown Company in Sherman Oaks, California, will assist you with insurance recommendations. Contact us for more information.