I recently got caught in a scam, and it changed the way I view online security. It all started when I got a call from 877-311-5134. Whoever was on the line told me that there was a problem with my computer and they were willing to help me fix it for free. I foolishly agreed, and it wasn’t until after I had paid them that I realized I’d been scammed out of hundreds of dollars. In this blog post, I’ll talk about my experience and cover some tips on how to protect yourself from similar scams in the future.
How the Scam Works
When I first started my blog, I had no idea what I was doing. I just wanted to share my thoughts and experiences with the world. Little did I know, there are people out there who will take advantage of your inexperience.
I was contacted by someone who claimed to be a PR agent for a major fashion brand. They said they loved my blog and wanted to work with me on a sponsored post. Excited at the prospect of working with a big name brand, I agreed.
They sent me a check for $2000 to cover the cost of the sponsored post and told me to deposit it into my bank account. A few days later, the check bounced and I was out $2000.
If you’re approached by someone offering to pay you for a sponsored post, be wary. Do your research to make sure they’re legitimate before you agree to anything.
What to Do If You’re a Victim of the Scam
If you’re a victim of the scam, there are a few things you can do to get your money back and protect yourself from future scams.
1. File a complaint with the FTC. The Federal Trade Commission is the primary federal agency that collects complaints about fraud and scams. You can file a complaint online at https://www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov/#crnt&panel1-1.
2. Contact your local consumer protection office. Your state’s attorney general or consumer protection office can help you file a complaint and might be able to get your money back for you.
3. Contact your credit card company or bank. If you used a credit card to pay for the scam, you can dispute the charges with your credit card company. If you paid by wire transfer or check, contact your bank to see if you can stop payment or get your money back.
4..Report the scam to law enforcement. The FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) collects complaints about online criminal activity, including scams and frauds. You can file a complaint at https://www.ic3.gov/.
How to Protect Yourself from Fraud
There are a few key things you can do to protect yourself from fraudsters:
1. Be aware of the most common scams. There are many different types of scams out there, but some are more common than others. Familiarize yourself with the most common ones so you can be on the lookout for them.
2. Don’t give out personal information unless you’re certain of who you’re dealing with. This includes your full name, address, date of birth, social security number, and bank account or credit card numbers.
3. Be cautious of unsolicited requests for personal information or money. If someone you don’t know asks for either of these things, be very careful. It could be a scammer trying to get your information or money.
4. Don’t click on links or open attachments in emails or text messages from people you don’t know. These could contain malware that can infect your computer or phone and give scammers access to your personal information.
5. Keep your computer and mobile devices secure with strong passwords and up-to-date security software. This will help protect your devices and the personal information stored on them from being accessed by scammers.
How to avoid getting scammed
It’s no secret that there are a lot of scammers out there. But what many people don’t realize is that there are actually quite a few ways to avoid getting scammed. Here are just a few:
1. Do your research. This may seem like an obvious one, but it’s important to do your research before doing any business with someone, especially online. Make sure you read reviews and check out the company’s website and social media accounts to get a feel for who they are and what they’re all about.
2. Be wary of too-good-to-be-true deals. If something seems too good to be true, it probably is. When in doubt, err on the side of caution and walk away from the deal.
3. Don’t pay upfront for services. A reputable company will never ask you to pay for services before they’ve been rendered. If you’re being asked to do this, it’s a huge red flag that you’re dealing with a scammer.
4. Get everything in writing. Whenever possible, get everything in writing so that you have a record of what was agreed upon. This can be helpful if there’s ever any confusion or dispute down the line.
5. Trust your gut. If something feels off or you’re just not comfortable with the situation, trust your gut and walk away
What to do if you’ve been scammed
If you’ve been scammed, the first thing you should do is contact your bank or credit card company. They may be able to help you get your money back. You can also report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
If you gave the scammer your personal information, like your Social Security number or bank account number, contact the three major credit reporting agencies and place a fraud alert on your credit report. This will help prevent the scammer from opening any more accounts in your name.
You should also file a police report. This will give law enforcement a better chance of catching the scammer and maybe getting your money back. Be sure to include as much detail as possible, including any email addresses or phone numbers that were used by the scammer.
Lastly, tell your friends and family about what happened. Scammers are always looking for new victims, so it’s important to warn people you know about their tactics. You can also share your story with organizations that track scams, like the Better Business Bureau or Consumer Reports.
Scams to be aware of in 2021
As we enter the new year, it’s important to be aware of the latest scams making the rounds. Here are a few to watch out for in 2021:
1. Phishing emails: These are emails that appear to be from a legitimate source, but are actually designed to steal your personal information. Be wary of any email that asks you to click on a link or input your login credentials.
2. Fake online stores: With more people shopping online than ever before, scammers are setting up fake online stores in an attempt to steal credit card information. Be sure to only shop at well-known and trusted sites.
3. Bitcoin scams: Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies have become popular targets for scammers. Be careful of any offers that seem too good to be true, and remember that you should never invest more than you can afford to lose.
4. Romance scams: These scams typically involve someone developing a relationship with another person online, then asking for money under false pretenses. If you’re corresponding with someone you’ve never met in person, be cautious about giving them any money.
5. Job offer scams: With so many people out of work due to the pandemic, job offer scams have been on the rise. Be sure to do your research before accepting any job offer, and never pay any money upfront for a job or training program.
If you’re ever unsure about whether an email or online offer is legitimate, it’s
Conclusion
In conclusion, the 877-311-5134 phone scam is something that should not be taken lightly. With many completely innocent people being affected by this scam and losing their hard-earned money in the process, it’s important to remember that there are other victims out there who have gone through the same thing I did. It’s crucial to stay aware of any suspicious calls you get and take a few moments to do some research before giving away your personal information or agreeing to any offers over the phone.
