The On PACE Podcast
The On PACE Podcast is a podcast hosted by James Fuller and covers a wide variety of topics ranging from running, banking, aviation, and more. P.A.C.E. stands for Positivity. Achievements. Challenges. Endurance. The goal of the podcast is to discuss personal and business experiences, goals, ideas, etc. that fall within these topics. The discussions on the podcast will also incorporate and deal with physical, spiritual, financial, and mental fitness. Topics, Guests, and content will vary from episode to episode. The desire is that the content of the podcast will be informative, motivational, and inspiring to those that listen and offer opinions, thoughts, and guidance for various topics discussed.
The On PACE Podcast
007: FRAUD! Protect Yourself & Others
In this episode of The On PACE Podcast, we discuss various types of fraud and how you can recognize and protect yourself.
Types of Fraud
- Romance Scam
- Tech Support Scam
- Grandparent Scam
- Government Impersonation Scam
- Sweepstakes/charity/lottery scam
- Home Repair Scam
- TV/Radio Scam
- Family/Caretaker/Representative Payee for use or care of adult
- Identity has been compromised
- Online/Email/Etc
- P2P contact
- Phishing Scams
- Cyberattacks (Ransomware, Maleware, Trojan, etc.)
- Emails
Age Groups affected and the number of cases and dollars lost by fraud
Protect Yourself
- Recognize scam attempts and end all communication with the perpetrator.
- Search online for the contact information (name, email, phone number, addresses) and the proposed offer. Other people have likely posted information online about individuals and businesses trying to run scams.
- Resist the pressure to act quickly. Scammers create a sense of urgency to produce fear and lure victims into immediate action. Call the police immediately if you feel there is a danger to yourself or a loved one.
- Be cautious of unsolicited phone calls, mailings, and door-to-door services offers.
- Never give or send any personally identifiable information, money, jewelry, gift cards, checks, or wire information to unverified people or businesses.
- Make sure all computer anti-virus and security software and malware protections are up to date. Use reputable anti-virus software and firewalls.
- Disconnect from the internet and shut down your device if you see a pop-up message or locked screen. Pop-ups are regularly used by perpetrators to spread malicious software. Enable pop-up blockers to avoid accidentally clicking on a pop-up.
- Be careful what you download. Never open an email attachment from someone you don't know, and be wary of email attachments forwarded to you.
- Take precautions to protect your identity if a criminal gains access to your device or account. Immediately contact your financial institutions to place protections on your accounts, and monitor your accounts and personal information for suspicious activity.
Report it!
1. Report it to your bank
2. Contact the FBI https://www.fbi.gov/contact-us/field-offices
Links and sources:
FTC Explore Fraud Data - excellent resource for CURRENT fraud data
https://www.ftc.gov/enforcement/data-visualizations/explore-data
FBI Common Scams and Crimes
https://www.fbi.gov/scams-and-safety/common-scams-and-crimes/elder-fraud
FTC Protecting Older Adults
https://www.ftc.gov/system/files/documents/reports/protecting-older-consumers-2019-2020-report-federal-trade-commission/p144400_protecting_older_adults_report_2020.pdf
State of TN Comptroller
Financial Exploitation of the Elderly in Tennessee (tn.gov)