At the recent Kiwanis Club meeting, Tanya Blixt, a Denton Noon Kiwanis Club member and Executive Patient Administrator at Unlimited Care of North Texas, delivered a complete review of common internet scams that we’re exposed to daily. Worldwide, scammers have conned victims out of a staggering $1.03 trillion in the past year!
Some of the scams Tanya covered included:
Scam QR Codes on Packages
Unexpected package contains QR code to “identify sender” or open the box. Scanning may lead to phishing or malware download.
Tech Support Impersonation
Pop-up or caller claims your device is infected and requests payment for fake tech support.
Government Impersonation
Scammers impersonate IRS, SSA, or Medicare agents and threaten fines or arrest if you don’t pay.
Medicare or Insurance Fraud
Fake agents ask for a Medicare number and use stolen info to bill fake services.
Sweepstakes/Lottery
Claim you’ve won but must pay taxes or fees first. No real prize is delivered.
Grandparent Love
Scammer poses as a grandchild in an urgent situation and asks for secrecy and quick money transfer.
Crypto Romance/Pig-Butchering
Builds trust online, encourages crypto investments. Fake platforms steal our money.
Phishing
Fake messages from delivery, bank, or fines. Clicking links can steal login info or install malware.
House Stealing
Criminal uses personal information to forge a deed. A criminal takes out loans against the home without the owner’s knowledge.
How to protect yourself:
• Don’t scan unknown QR codes or click on suspicious links.
• Verify caller identity through trusted sources.
• Never send money or share sensitive information quickly.
• Monitor your financial and Medicare accounts.
• Enable two-factor authentication.
The members were very appreciative of the review of these scams that we must be so diligent to avoid.