Identity Crime Education
Scams and Preventative Measures
Don't Take the Bait!
The Grandparent Scam
A caller impersonates your grandchild. They claim to be traveling abroad and need you to wire money for an emergency.
They demand you not hang up, and may know other family members' names.
How to Avoid:
Stall the caller and reach out to other family members to confirm the story.
Phishing Scam
A fake email that requests personal information or a password reset. Red flags of a phishing scam include poor spelling, outlandish threats and unusual sender email addresses.
How to Avoid:
Check for poor spelling or grammar and avoid clicking any links.
Romance Scam
Criminals pose as potential suitors on online dating sites. They use highly-convincing manipulation tactics to bond with victims before asking for money or personal information.
How to Avoid:
Don't send money or personal information to anyone you met online.
IRS and Debt Collection Scams
Caller claims to be from the IRS or a debt collection agency. They threaten legal or financial consequences, even arrest, for unpaid taxes or debt.
How to Avoid:
Hang up immediately and pull your credit report on your own to verify claims.
Rules to Live By:
- Don't click on links or attachments in suspicious emails
- Install both anti-virus and anti-phishing software
- Consider poor spelling, grammar or odd word choice as red flags
- Never wire money to someone you don't know
- Don't fall for something that's "too good to be true"
For more information and resources about identity crimes, visit www.FightingIdentityCrimes.com.
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