Many Ways You Can Get Scammed

The convenience of the Internet has given us access to networks we would otherwise never be able to reach, but it also means we are exposing ourselves to malicious people. Posting your number on an online marketplace makes you a target for scammers.

Late this summer, I put my 10-year-old Corolla up for sale to take advantage of the hot used-car market. Posted on Facebook Marketplace, OfferUp, Craiglist, and other online sites. Almost immediately, I was inundated with car offers. The only problem is that the majority of them steal my identity.

If you haven’t been looking to sell something on the internet lately, you may be caught off guard by the sheer volume and new tactics scammers are using today to steal your identity. There are some things.

“I am not fake. you “fake” technique

Scammers try to “confirm” it. you Authentic by convincing you that the only way to do that is to send them the number code they use to control your number. If so, they have the power to reset your password.

they will play with your emotions

They know you’re looking to sell your car quickly by taking advantage of the low used car inventory, so they pretend to be “very interested.” It might be tempting to think all these people really want to buy your car because you’ve been using synthetic oil since the first oil change, but for these scammers looking for their next victim, You are another target. Approach all online interactions with skepticism. Some say they have cash “on hand” and can see you “right now”, but they just need to send that confirmation number first.

all is fair game

They will come pick up your mail as well as your car. Be aware that by posting your number online, you will be targeted in many different ways. I was getting texts and calls at least hourly. I was. But they all had one thing in common with her. A distracting or warning message was followed by a link asking for information. don’t click.

Takeaway

Do not send your verification code to anyone. Unless the website has two-factor authentication set up, there’s no reason for someone to require authentication from you. Your bank, the IRS, or the lonely singles in your neighborhood should never ask you for the verification code they sent you.