5 ATM Tips to Save You From Scammers

Beware of No-Name ATMs

First Published Date: November 20, 2016

Technology is improving security features on your ATM cards and bank machines. And con artists or scammers are upgrading their skills to keep up with the technology. Using some simple tips and common sense can go a long way to save your money from the con artists. Here are a few tips today:

– Be extremely careful using no-name ATM machines. No-name machines are owned by private businesses or individuals, not any financial institutions. Always use precautions when using these stand-alone machines. Not only you are paying additional ATM fees, but also you are taking additional risks of getting scammed using these machines.

Author/Copyright: Ahmed Dawn www.adawnjournal.com

– Scammers use high tech devices such as hidden cameras, scanning devices, and card readers to copy your debit or credit card information and then they make clone cards to empty out your bank or credit card accounts. If you notice or feel something unusual such as slot is too tight for your card, visible attachment to the machine, signs sticking on the wall asking you to use one particular machine, someone standing nearby the machine and pretending to read a newspaper, or anything that does not make sense, leave that spot right away and go to different location.

– Cover your keypad so any person behind you or any video camera cannot see your password input on keypad.

– Your card should enter through the slot smoothly. If you struggle to enter your card or notice anything unusual on the slot, do not use that ATM. If the ATM eats your card, call your bank immediately.

– Always be vigilant, take precautions, and use your common sense. For example, if you see an ATM that is not well-lit, or an ATM in a bad neighbourhood, or anything suspicious, do not use that ATM.

Scammers Are Working Hard This Holiday Season

Protect Yourself From Scammers

First Published Date: December 16, 2016

Hard working Canadians are busy this time of the year trying to make their families happy by presenting a memorable holiday season. Likewise, relentless scammers and con artists are busy on innocent Canadians to make their holiday season a miserable one. Scammers are always coming up with innovative ways to scam and it’s just not possible to warn everyone about each specific type. However, here are some common scams that are popular among scammers and con artists this time of the year.

Author/Copyright: Ahmed Dawn www.adawnjournal.com

Text Message Scam – Scammers send a text asking you to be a mystery shopper, wrap your car with advertisements, a job offer, a moneymaking opportunity, etc. You will receive a cheque from scammers and in return you have to refund the extra money they paid you or give them your banking info. The cheque they sent is fake, so they will have your extra money and can empty out your bank account if they have banking details.

Shaved Cat Scam – Scammers shave or pluck cats’ hair and sell them as pricey hairless sphynx cats or kittens.

Fake Online Retailers – Scammers set up fake online stores and send out mega-sale flyers or online deals via email or text directing consumers to their fake websites.

Door-to-Door Scam – Scammers are on foot going door-to-door and asking for donations for various charities. Obviously there are no charities and the collected money is going to their own pockets.

There are many other scams that con artists come up with. Your best defence is your common sense and vigilance. If you believe you or someone else have been a victim of a scam, contact your local police and central anti-fraud authority such as The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC).

How To Avoid Vacation Rental Scams

Holiday Rental Scams

First Published Date: July 23, 2013 ADawnJournal.com

As vacation rental bookings via the Internet take off, so are scammers’ and con artists’ innovative fake listings to steal money. The vacation rental scam is one of the easiest scams to make money and there are various techniques scammers use. For example, they will use pictures copied off the Internet or sometimes real pictures from real listings to create fake listings. Today, I will go through some tips you can use to avoid vacation rental scams.

1. Use Vacation Rental Sites – Avoid free ad sites like Kijiji or CraigsList and use specialized vacation rental sites such as VacationHomeRentals.com. Although it may not be guaranteed, you will have lesser chances of being scammed with a legitimate rental site. The above site guarantees up to $10,000 in case of misrepresentation.

2. Obtain Contact Information – Gather as much information as you can about the advertiser. Talk to the owner and ask for the property management office phone number, copy of a utility bill, references, etc. to verify. Ask questions about the vicinity and what’s available nearby such as restaurants, malls, tourist attractions, and so on.

3. Search Engine and Email – Do not communicate via email. Use search engines to search for the email address, properly listing, and name of the owner to check for fraudulent activities. Use an online map to see if the property really exists. 

4. Do Not Wire Money – Do not send money using anonymous wire transfers such as Western Union, bank wire transfer, etc. Do not pay using cheques, as this way scammers will have your banking information to scam you even further later on. Use only credit cards and PayPal, which have some sort of protection against fraudulent activities.

5. Use Common Sense and Vigilance – Your best defence is your own common sense and vigilance. Look for suspicious behaviour and other elements from the property owner such as a foreign phone number, bad grammar or heavy foreign accent, unable to describe anything nearby, unable to provide any verification, and so on.

Learn how Internet and investment scams work by reading some articles here: Internet & Investment Scams. If you ever believe you have been a victim of fraud and scams, contact your local law enforcement authority and any other agencies that deal with online scams in your respective country.

5 Safe Online Shopping Tips You Need to Know

Online Shopping Safety and Security Tips

First Published Date: February 16, 2012 ADawnJournal.com

Convenience has its advantages and disadvantages. Advantages? There’s no need to elaborate when it comes to online shopping. Disadvantages? One of the many is that con artists or scammers get hold of your credit card or other valuable information and make you suffer endlessly. I will go over some simple things you can do to make your online shopping a safe one.

1. Protect Your Computer – Use a full version Internet security software like MacAfee or ZoneAlarm. Prices have come down a lot for the paid version of such software these days and you can get a full version protection for less than $100 annually. This is the first thing to do to protect yourself.

2. Secure Your Browser – Keep your browser up to date. I recommend Google Chrome for all your online activities. Whenever you are shopping or banking online, make sure your browser is properly encrypted by checking its URL. URL should start with HTTPS:// instead of HTTP://.

3. Use Well-Reputable Websites – Internet shopping is a lot easier when you know the merchants. We all know Amazon, eBay, Future Shop and won’t be hesitant to buy something online due to their reputation. Be extra careful when you buy from a merchant you don’t know. Research online first to check if this is a fake online store that has had issues in the past dealing with customers.

4. Do Not Use Debit Cards – If you use debit cards (Interac in Canada) online, your bank account may be exposed to thieves. Canadian credit cards now offer zero liability policies for fraudulent or unauthorized transactions under some conditions. Also, you can use PayPal instead of credit cards and I find it even safer than credit cards.

5. Other Precautions – Do not use public computers or public Wi-Fi to shop online, access your bank accounts, or access your email. Use a strong password and change it from time to time.

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB)

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau – America’s New Financial Watchdog

First Published Date: July 19, 2011 ADawnJournal.com

America’s new financial watchdog the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau starts its journey this week. It was setup in the aftermath of the global financial crisis to give US consumers financial rights and to protect consumers by carrying out financial laws.

The central role of the CFPB to inform consumers by promoting financial education, enforce Federal consumer financial laws, and study, analyze information to better understand consumers, financial markets and service providers.

Information is what makes all the difference when it comes to understand the terms and agreements implemented by the financial companies. These terms and agreements are written in such a way that even an MBA holder faces difficulty comprehending the true meaning lies behind these infinite mazes – forget about a general consumer with no financial literacy. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s main objective will be to educate consumers, so they understand the risks and rewards when they shop for financial products. The CFPB will be doing various other things. Here are some of the most important ones:

– Enforce consumer protection laws

– Monitor financial markets to restrict illegal, abusive practices and to identify new
risks  to consumers

– Maintain a consumer toll-free hotline to take complaints

– Review practices of financial service providers

– Promote financial literacy

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau resulted from the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010 (Dodd-Frank Act). On July 21, 2010, President Barack Obama signed this act into law.