Scams - 5 Red Flags to Watch Out For
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These days, the Internet can be alot like the Wild West. Outlaw bandits, lone rangers, and damsels in disguise ready to ride off into the sunset with your hard-earned cash. As a modern business owner, you’ve likely got much of your important business information online, where it can pose a risk. In fact, the number one call we get from clients at Kona IT Solutions is regarding scams and cyber security. Unfortunately, we’ve seen more than one good business owner have sensitive information compromised, costing them hundreds, or even thousands of dollars. But this doesn’t have to be you. Here’s five red flags to watch out for when it comes to internet scams.
Red Flags That Could Indicate a Scam
🚩 They call you.
Think about it. How hard is it these days to get a real person on the phone when you actually have a problem? Large corporations like Quickbooks do not call up their customers. You have to get in touch with them. If you get a call from someone who claims to be a representative of Quickbooks or another large company, something is off.
🚩 They get pushy.
Scam artists don’t want to give you time to think. It’s all about speed and urgency. If someone is attempting to rush you or pressure you into making a decision or giving sensitive information, take note.
🚩 They refer to themselves as a “third party consultant”.
While some scam artists might claim to be an official representative of a known company like Quickbooks, others may refer to themselves as “third party consultants” or a similar term. See red flag #1, and do not give them information.
🚩 They send you a link or want you to “sign up” or “login”.
Beware! Scam artists often send links which prompt you to “sign up” or “login” which gives them remote access to your accounts and/or computer system. (This is also common on social media sites where you get a direct message with a link, either from a stranger or a “friend” whose account has been hacked, prompting you to login or give information - don’t do it!)
The kicker with this red flag is, reputable customer service and IT professionals also sometimes need to gain remote access to your system and can use similar links. To avoid being scammed, always make sure you are giving access to trusted people. Legit IT and customer service professionals will ask permission and inform you of exactly why they need to remotely access your system or account...and it’s almost always after you’ve contacted them about an issue. They will likely require that you provide verifying information for your account, to insure you are who you say you are, too.
In contrast, scam artists will be shady about their intentions and very pushy over the phone. If you question them or push back, they often become invasive or even hostile....which brings us to red flag #5.
🚩 Name calling, swearing, or other impolite behavior.
If you start to ask questions or push back against a suspected scam artist’s “pushyness” (See #2) you are likely to meet with some colorful language, the likes of which you’d never utter in polite dinner conversation, or in front of your granny. Remember, no reputable business allows their representatives to speak that way on the phone to customers!
What To Do If You Think it Might Be a Scam
Listen to your gut. If you have any inkling or small feeling that something isn’t right, listen to it! If you’re on the phone with them, you can say something like:
“Can I have a number to call you back? I just want to run this by my IT guy, because I’ve heard there are alot of scams going on lately.”
If they respond with any of the red flags listed above, that’s confirmation you’ve got a bandit on your hands. Hang up. DO NOT ask to speak with a supervisor, as it’s easy for a scammer to pass you off to another bad guy on their team.
What To Do if You’ve Been Scammed or Hacked
If you have fallen for a scam, contact your financial institution right away to notify them. Change your passwords on all your accounts. Contact a trusted IT professional and law enforcement to report the scam.
Have More Questions About Scams and Security?
We’re here to help keep your business and important information safe. Contact us today to schedule a 1-hour security consultation.