1. Door-to-door sales pitches
People tend to be at home more in the summer than the winter months, especially with children out of school . This means you're more likely to respond when someone knocks on your door with something to sell. Fraudsters know and rely on it.
How the scam works: This scam can work in a number of ways, from someone trying to sell you a product, such as magazine subscriptions or kitchen gadgets unaffordable for people offering a service that you don 't need to have access to your home (or distract you at the door, while their accomplice sneaks into your house through the back door). You can write a check or hand over your credit card information to anyone and never receiving the items you thought you were going to buy (and potentially facing identity theft due to write financial information), or you might find yourself the victim of a home robbery.
Avoid by: These types of scams often target the elderly, but anyone can be a victim so it's good to be on your toes. Every time someone you do not know comes to the door, it's a good idea to regard with suspicion. Your best option is to not even open the door, but if you choose to proceed with caution. It may feel uncomfortable not welcome someone into your home, but keeping your information and your home safe rate higher than the feelings of a stranger. If the person is insisting on teaching you to commit to a purchase or leave them in your home, it is likely that there is something wrong about the visit. Do not let them in your house, and closed the door in my face if you must. As a last resort, you can threaten to call the authorities. This will usually scare any crook who hope to fly under the radar.
In addition, if you have relatives or elderly parents, it is wise to speak with them about the importance of not opening their house to strangers - especially strangers trying to sell them something . The elderly and children are generally more confidence, something crooks know this and try to take advantage.
2. Summer Jobs
Teenagers and students are often looking for part-time jobs to make some money during the summer months. Unfortunately, the current labor market creates a lot of competition and creates the ideal atmosphere for scammers to trick job seekers more easily than ever.
How does the scam: Scammers display ads on job search engines and job boards advertising a dream position - high salaries, large benefits, no experience necessary. Those who respond will be invited to submit personal information, which is then collected and used for data collection purposes or identity theft. Worse yet, some seemingly legitimate jobs will require fees for training or background checks which are designed to take your money or information. Of course, the announced work either does not exist or is not as promised.
Avoid by: Do not provide any personal information beyond your name and contact information. Create an email address to use to separate your job search personal email and never give your social security number or agree to a background check unless you are certain that it is 100% necessary in the handy position. Students should consider using the job search service to their school rather than on the web to look for summer work, and teenagers under 18 must be supervised by a parent or a trusted adult any seeking a job. It is also a good idea for job seekers looking any business they intend to apply to the carefully using the BBB and Google, and pay attention to any mention of fraud in relation to a display of business or employment.
3. Vacation Rentals
Take your family on vacation is a chance to create unforgettable memories and leave the bustle of everyday life. Hotels and popular hotspots can be expensive, but sharing the house is on the rise thanks to sites like Airbnb that enable ordinary people to rent their homes for others to use on vacation. Unfortunately, this kind of thing attracts crooks.
How does the scam: According to this article from Forbes, rental scams can come in many varieties. Some are more infamous, such as those who take a deposit for a rental property that does not exist and disappear - leaving holidaymakers stranded and a chunk of change. Others will simply bait-and-switch by showing you a fabulous mine property to lure you into the rental, but something less desirable instead, at the price you expect to pay for nice rental.
Avoid by: Remember that age-old saying that if it is too good to be true, it probably is. A rental cheap dirt in a prime location, or something fancy for a low price is probably not legitimate. Ask as many questions as possible and do your research. Many owners are naturally reluctant to provide an address without a reservation, but before you hand over the money to see if you can get one and double check how it looks on Google maps. Know, however, that even an address can be falsified. Using a site like Airbnb Veterinary If that rental owners to ensure they are legitimate is a good way to ensure you will not be scammed. Also, never pay upfront in cash by Western Union or other money transfer service; instead, pay with a credit card if you are scammed, the charges can be reversed.
If you plan to travel this summer, follow these tips to keep your home safe while you're away, and see what steps you can take to protect your identity while you are traveling. For more information on how to avoid scams and protect your identity, follow our blog protect against identity theft.