Five Common Scams:  Don’t Become a Victim!
 
Now that we’re well into the New Year, we thought it prudent to remind you that scammers are still out there and are constantly busy trying to steal money from a whole new set of victims. Don’t be one of them!!  So with that in mind, we are sharing a list of five of the most common scams, as determined by the Better Business Bureau.
 
1. IRS SCAMS
Phony IRS calls have declined slightly since September, but the BBB anticipates calls will increase again, ahead of tax season. Frequently, con artists will pose as IRS employees and threaten victims with prosecution if they fail to wire money.
 
2. DEBT COLLECTION SCAMS
Debt collection scams remained a mainstay among scammers in 2016, and experts believe they will continue into 2017. Like IRS scammers, fake debt collectors call consumers and demand payment, often in a threatening manner.
 
3. LOTTERY, SWEEPSTAKES AND GIFT SCAMS
Despite increased awareness, thousands of victims continue to fall for lottery and sweepstakes scams each year. Often, scammers will tell victims they won money and ask them to wire the taxes in return.
 
4. EMPLOYMENT SCAMS
Despite improving employment rates in 2016, employment scams still made the top five list because many consumers remain underemployed and are seeking part-time jobs. Scammers prey on that economic hardship, offering victims work as secret shoppers or promoters who agree to wrap their vehicles with advertising logos for a third party. In the case of the vehicle wrap technique, the con artists often send fake checks for $1000 and demand $300 back to pay for the wrapping. Soon after, the check will bounce and the victim will have lost $300 to the scammer.
 
5. ONLINE PURCHASE SCAMS
Rounding out the top five list, scammers frequently sell fake merchandise online and pocket the money. If you are buying something online, make sure to use reputable websites and always look for the "https" at the start of the web address in your browser.
 
According to Adam Price, the Regional Director at the Better Business Bureau, these scams only continue because they are working. In fact, the BBB estimates nearly one in five people lose money to a scam each year with annual losses of approximately $50 billion.

For more information on types of scams and how to report one, click on the following link:  https://www.usa.gov/stop-scams-frauds
 
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Home Life Concierge is a personal assistant and lifestyle management company based in Las Vegas, Nevada.  Designed for everyday folks, professionals, families and seniors, we are here for you and your Life’s To-Do’s.   Call HLC at 702-964-9800 for a FREE consultation.   We are fully licensed, bonded and insured!