⭐ What Are signs that a post is a scam or a hoax? ⭐
Common phrases and things to look for in a scam
▪️ There is a problem with...
➡️ This is hoping to peak your interest and maybe give you a little bit of anxiety.
▪️ Your credit card has been declined (yet you never charged anything there)
➡️ Do not click on the link or call the number on the message. Instead go to your bank or call your credit card company directly; using the number on the back of the card.
➡️ If they call you on the phone have them give you a call back number. Then contact your credit card company using the number in the back of the card and let them know what you were given.
▪️ The use of the word kindly. Often overused
➡️ The word kindly, we understand the word but it's not an often used word in American English. When they tell you to kindly respond, or kindly call, or kindly click; chances are they are a scammer.
➡️ Do not respond to them. If it's regarding any type of credit card purchase, contact your bank or credit card company directly.
➡️ If it's a company you don't do business with, Just ignore it.
▪️ Overuse of UK based English. "Colour" rather than *color*. Especially if they claim to be from the United States.
▪️ If they're selling a product or a service, They want you to send them a private message. They never have a web page.
➡️ We see this a lot with the fake duct cleaning services, car cleaning services, home cleaning services, and those places offer you a free gift card or a free something.
▪️ The phone number area code is almost never from your local area.
➡️ If you are in the 212 area code, and they are using a 407 area code. Those are definitely not in the same area. That should be a red flag.
▪️ If they claim to be the police, The IRS, or any law enforcement agency; they do not call you on the phone to tell you there's an arrest warrant.
➡️ Depending on the level of the charge, law enforcement may not be hunting you down. They may be simply waiting for you to be pulled over or have an interaction with the police on something totally unrelated.
➡️ If it's serious enough, uniformed officers will come to you.
▪️ You cannot clear a warrant of any type using Bitcoin or Amazon gift cards. Nor gift cards from anywhere.
➡️ If you truly are afraid there's a warrant for your arrest. Call a local bail bond agency, most of them will do a warrant check for free. Some might charge you a nominal fee.
▪️ Do not respond to scary emails or scary phone calls without talking to somebody and getting another person's opinion.
If you don't know what to do about a scary email or text. Call your local police department non-emergency number and ask for help.