More and more scammers are starting to use gift cards to get money from you. iTunes gift cards are becoming de rigueur for these scoundrels to take your hard-earned money. Gift cards act just like cash and are a quick way for these thieves to make off with their ill-gotten gains. Most cards are untraceable and generally those that are scammed have no way to reverse the transaction.
Beware of the following types of scams most commonly used:
The phrase “buyer beware” is appropriate here with the best advice being that if it sounds too good to be true, it likely is. If you are still unsure, ask a professional such as an accountant, lawyer or banker.
Beware of the following types of scams most commonly used:
- IRS personnel insisting that you have a balance due and face legal issues if you do not pay (the IRS does not force you to pay in this method…ever!)
- An individual poses as a family member saying they are out of town and in trouble and need money for either bail or car repairs
- Sending you a check and posing as a customer wanting your service. They ask you to deposit the check and then return a portion of the funds to them. You then find out the check you deposited is fake. Be aware that these scammers use fake checks with real bank information which may be initially verified but later shown that the account is closed or otherwise inactive
- Paying a fee to win a prize is a definite no-no and should be avoided.
The phrase “buyer beware” is appropriate here with the best advice being that if it sounds too good to be true, it likely is. If you are still unsure, ask a professional such as an accountant, lawyer or banker.
