It happens easily enough. You check your email to find an unexpected notice from the IRS in your inbox. Perhaps your phone rings and it’s someone claiming to be with a local utility, threatening to discontinue service if you don’t pay. Most of the time we
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delete the email or simply hang up. But what if we don’t? This is a Scam Alert on How to Avoid Fraud.
There is nothing remotely ethical about fraud and there never will be. Scammers, like the chameleons of society, make a living pretending to be someone they’re not and taking what isn’t theirs. And with today’s technology, scammers have more tools than ever before to prey on the innocent or unsuspecting.
The elderly are a particularly vulnerable group when it comes to scams. As we age we respond more readily to tactics using fear and manipulation. My own mother-in-law has been approached many times by scammers. Fortunately, our family works to protect her through the information on sites like this one: http://elderimpact.org/fraud-prevention-checklist/.
Senior citizens may seem like an easy target, but what about your company? Businesses, no matter the size, are also vulnerable. Suppose you receive a fake invoice from what appears to be a reputable vendor. Often, the bill is paid without further inquiry, opening up your organization and its accounts to fraud. And that’s just one example.
So how do we avoid fraud in the first place?
Be aware – Use websites like the ones listed below to know what to look for.
Observe – Pay attention to what comes across your desk as well as the state of your accounts.
Prevent – You can avoid fraudulent activity through awareness as well as refusing to take action on a questionable request.
Vigilance in the areas above will put you on the right path to avoid scams and allow you to help others do so as well. Interested in an in-person presentation on fraud prevention and/or ethics? Give me a call about my new program: The Many Faces of Fraud.
In the meantime, here are some links to websites I recommend for your protection:
Federal Bureau of Investigation: Common Fraud Schemes
US Department of Justice: Identity Theft and Identity Fraud
Guide to Preventing Home Improvement Fraud
Consumer Reports’ 9 Steps to Protect Against Credit Card Fraud
Avoid and Report Medicare Fraud
