A caregiver's guide: Finance protection for those with Alzheimer'sKeep your loved one's credit and identity safe with these tips
By Melissa Brock  |  Published: August 30, 2018Credit problems and identity issues can be difficult to guard against during the best of circumstances, but for someone with a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease – a form of dementia that affects thinking, memory and behavior – preventing identity theft and maintaining good credit can seem impossible. 
As many as 5.5 million Americans were living with Alzheimer’s disease in 2017, according to the Alzheimer’s Association. The number of Alzheimer’s victims is on track to triple by 2050, meaning up to 16 million Americans could be living with the disease. 
For many individuals, money management problems such as unpaid or unopened bills, extraneous or unusual purchases and numerous ATM cash withdrawals are common financial symptoms of Alzheimer’s or dementia. . These types of smaller infractions could negatively affect an Alzheimer’s patient’s credit or make them easy targets for identity theft.
Alzheimer’s disease and dementia both take a physical and emotional toll on every family they touch. Fortunately, there are a few ways to lessen or eliminate the financial risks associated with Alzheimer’s and dementia.
Read More...

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July 16, 2013
5 Ideal Weapons for Survival Situations

Completing any project requires tools.  Survival is no different.  In fact, it is a project that your life depends on.  It only makes sense to have the proper tools.  Although there are many important aspects to a successful survival strategy, the tools you rely on are crucial.  Firearms, knives, and other weapons serve many purposes.  Food procurement is imperative in a survival situation.  Self-defense is another consideration.  Knives can also be used for everything from preparing a meal to aiding in a construction project on the survival homestead.

When selecting gear for your survival kit, the key trait should be versatility.  Specialized tools are required for some jobs but the most valuable survival tools are those that can be used for many different purposes.  The good news is that with a little bit of knowledge, selecting gear that is practical and versatile is not all that difficult.

Guns

Firearms are an essential part of a survival plan.  There are a variety of different firearms available that have unique traits specific to one or two uses.  For instance, a pistol is great for self-defense in close-quarters combat or for dispatching an animal caught in a trap.  Shotguns excel at hunting waterfowl and other flying prey and second as excellent self-defense weapons.  Rifles are best suited for long range shooting duties such as when hunting large game.  Ideally, you own all three types of weapons along with a sufficient ammunition supply for each.  That ensures that you are well-equipped no matter what situation you find yourself.  At the very least, understanding the limitations of each weapon allows you to choose what option is best for you.

1. Pistols can provide exceptional stopping power while remaining compact and easily concealed.  Especially in an urban survival setting, the ability to conceal your weapon allows you to avoid unnecessary confrontation.  Like any survival tool, reliability is important.  As a result, the best pistols are usually single action revolvers.  Although these pistols may not have the capacity of semi-automatic models, the presence of fewer moving parts translates to greater reliability in a world devoid of gunsmiths and spare part suppliers.

A pistol should be large caliber.  Smaller calibers such as the .22 are simply not effective enough in a post-apocalyptic world.  Staying with the theme of versatility, there is one pistol that stands out as a sure bet.  The Taurus Judge is a compact revolver capable of shooting the .45 Colt cartridge.  This round is well-known for its stopping power and accuracy.  What makes the Judge unique is that it can also shoot .410 gauge shotgun shells.  Although the .410 cartridge isn’t suitable for large game hunting, it is perfect for small game and bird hunting.  Accuracy of a handgun will never be as good as a long-barrel gun but the Judge gives you options as a survivor by allowing you to quickly change between ammunition types depending on the situation.

2. A shotgun is versatile by design because the type of shell can be changed depending on the intended usage.  When hunting large game, a shotgun is effective when loaded with slugs or buckshot.  For shooting birds and small game animals, specialized shells with more pellets are used.

A good shotgun should offer reliability and few have proven this more than the Remington 870 Express.  The pump-action design of this weapon lasts for years with minimal maintenance.  It is effective as a hunting instrument while being an admirable self-defense tool as well.  Other considerations include the Mossberg 590 and the Weatherby PA-459.  Whenever possible, stay away from semi-automatic shotguns.  Although their reliability is often on par with pump-action designs, the complicated mechanisms are almost impossible to fix without the help of a trained gunsmith and specialized tools.

3. Rifles are required to hunt many species of large game.  The heightened senses of these animals makes approaching within shotgun or pistol range nearly impossible.  Bolt-action rifles tend to be the most reliable and easy to maintain although some semi-automatic models are adequate as survival weapons as well.

The .30-06 is one the most versatile calibers for a survival rifle.  Although it is often too powerful to use against small animals, its range and accuracy make it a long range killing machine capable of taking down practically any game animal in North America.  As a defensive weapon, the .30-06 is an excellent choice for defending your position from distant enemies before they get too close.  Fitted with a decent scope, these rifles have an effective range of nearly 1,000 yards.  Hundreds of manufacturers produce rifles chambered for the .30-06 cartridge.  Look for one with a history of reliability such the Remington 700 or Winchester Model 70 to ensure the longevity of your weapon.

Knives

A common misconception about survival knives is that they need to big “Rambo” style knives.  In most cases, knives like that are not practical for survival situations.

1. A smaller, fixed blade knife is better suited to most duties including field dressing animals, cutting rope, and many other tasks.  Some newer model survival knives actually have a magnesium fire starter built into the handle.  By striking the back of the blade against the magnesium bar, you are able to start a fire even in damp conditions.  Gerber manufactures a knife like this under the Bear Grylls series of knives offered by the company.
2. In addition to a fixed blade general purpose knife, a short blade machete is also useful to have.  This blade can be used for heavier duty tasks such as clearing a path through dense foliage, cutting down small trees, and as a formidable self-defense weapon.  Easily carried in a sheath on your belt, a short blade machete can prove to be a valuable asset in your quest for survival.

The tools you have available to you in a survival situation are an asset overshadowed only by your own will to survive.  Having a versatile selection of survival weapons can provide a sustainable food source and protect you from the many unprepared people looking to capitalize on your preparedness.
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Financial guide for widows: building creditWhen used strategically, credit can soften the financial blow
By Tamara E. Holmes  |  Updated: April 2, 2018
Personal Finance Writer
Writes regularly about personal finance and health
Losing a spouse is one of the most traumatic experiences one can endure. If you are a widow, the emotional toll can be compounded by financial challenges. However, credit can be used strategically to help you get through the tough times and rebuild your life.
Each year, more than 700,000 women in the United States become widows, according to Widows Well, a service that strives to help widows make sound financial choices. For these women, the financial impact can be devastating.
American widows on average face a 37 percent decline in household income when their spouse dies, compared to widowers, who experience a 22 percent drop, the U.S. Government Accountability Office has found.
Carole Brody Fleet learned firsthand how financially devastating a spouse’s death can be when her husband died of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a disease often referred to as Lou Gehrig’s disease, that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. 
“I was that person where months would come where I had to choose between the payment on my daughter’s braces or making a full mortgage payment,” she recalls. 
While Brody Fleet’s story is not unusual, credit can soften the blow.
Using credit to help pay for the funeralOne of the first financial challenges a widow might face is how to pay for her husband’s funeral. The national median cost of a funeral and burial is $7,360, according to the National Funeral Directors Association. 
If your spouse had a life insurance policy and you are the beneficiary, you could use the money to pay for the funeral, but you may not receive the proceeds in time for the service.  In this case, credit can tide you over if you pay for the service with a credit card and then pay the card off once the life insurance settlement is disbursed. 
Even if there is no life insurance policy, you can charge the funeral costs on a 0 percent APR credit card with a 12- to 15-month promotional offer and take the year to pay off the balance. 
Beware of credit scams targeting widows Another early challenge for widows is the threat of fraud. Identity thieves have been known to scour obituaries and use a deceased person’s information to open credit card accounts or apply for loans, says Eva Velasquez, president and CEO of the Identity Theft Resource Center. 
To reduce this risk:

• Send a copy of the death certificate to the Internal Revenue Service.
• Send a copy of the death certificate to each of the credit reporting bureaus and ask them to put a “deceased alert” on the credit report of the deceased individual.
• Request the credit report of your husband and review it to see if any active credit accounts need to be closed. The Identity Theft Resource Center offers a sample letter you can download and send to the credit bureaus. 

Scammers also are on the hunt for widows who are not accustomed to handling the family finances, Velasquez says. For example, an older widow who didn’t work outside the home might be contacted by a scammer who tells her that her husband owes him money.
"SUDDENLY I HAD AN ELECTRIC BILL THAT WAS TWO MONTHS PAST DUE. THERE ARE SO MANY THINGS THAT GO ON AFTER YOU LOSE SOMEONE THAT IT'S EASY TO GET BEHIND."To protect yourself, pick a trusted friend or family member and use him or her as a sounding board, Velasquez says. “Let them know, ‘I’m going to need your help while I’m getting through this, and I’m going to have to run a lot of stuff past you.’ Make that your golden rule.”
A widow’s financial checklistIf your spouse has recently died, your finances must become a priority. Take the following steps to protect your credit and get your financial house in order. (Download as a PDF.)
1. Figure out how much money you have to work with. Gather documents such as bank and credit card statements, insurance plans, mortgage papers, automobile titles and recent tax returns. Also, identify assets such as savings and investment accounts. 
If you work, take an honest look at your salary to see whether it, alone, can support your lifestyle. 
Determine whether there is a life insurance policy for which you are the beneficiary and contact other potential providers of income such as the Social Security Administration, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs or your spouse’s employer. 
2. Get a handle on the bills.  When Christina Polovich lost her husband of 13 years, grief left her in a fog. 
“Suddenly I had an electric bill that was two months past due,” she says. “There are so many things that go on after you lose someone that it’s easy to get behind.” 
To make sure you stay on track, write down the due dates for all monthly bills, or better yet, set up automatic bill payments so you don’t rack up late fees. 
3. See where you can cut expenses.Update your budget to reflect your new reality, says Martin Lynch, education director for Cambridge Credit Counseling in Agawam, Massachusetts.
If you’re not on your utility providers’ budget plans, enroll in them, Lynch suggests. “You want your monthly budget to be as predictable as possible.” 
If you fall behind on your rent, mortgage or other bills, contact your creditors to try to work out a payment plan.
4. Close or convert accounts. If you and your spouse had joint accounts, send the company a copy of the death certificate and ask that the account be put in your name. 
Close any accounts that were in your spouse’s name only. 
Some financial institutions may also require you to reapply on your own on previously held joint accounts.
5. Address your spouse’s debts.Confirm that all debts for which your spouse may have been liable to pay have been satisfied by the proceeds of his or her estate. 
If you live in a community property state, this may be more complicated. There are 10 states that have community property laws: Arizona, California, Idaho, Louisiana, Nevada, New Mexico, Texas, Washington, Wisconsin and Alaska. (Alaska’s community property laws are on an opt-in basis.) 
In community property states, assets and debts that a couple amassed during the marriage may be deemed joint property. That means you could be on the hook for loans or credit card debt that your husband racked up before his death. 
If you do end up having to pay off your deceased husband’s debt, transferring the balance to a zero-interest or low-interest credit card could help you to spend less on interest and pay off the debt faster.  
Financial resources for widowsThere are services and programs that can help widows regain their financial footing. Here are some resources you may be able to tap. 
Resources for elderly widowsAn elderly widow is less likely to be working and may have to rely on a fixed income. 
Without a salary, elderly widows are more dependent on the assets the family has already built. Medical bills and expensive prescriptions are also a concern for many elderly widows, says Cindy Hounsell, president of the Women’s Institute for a Secure Retirement. 
If you’re 65 or over, you may be eligible for Medicare. Widows who are 60 or over may be eligible for monthly Social Security benefits. 
Identify other income you may be eligible for, such as pensions, life insurance, retirement accounts and brokerage accounts.    
Resources for widows with young childrenWhen Maureen Bobo became a widow, her daughters were 8 years old and 2 months old and the family had to downsize.
“Widows with children have to look at education and things like music lessons and gymnastics. A lot of things just have to be put aside,” Bobo says.
If you have limited income and dependent children, you may qualify for federal or state assistance programs, Lynch says. There are also organizations that may offer assistance. The Liz Logelin Foundation, for example, provides financial grants to help widows with young children to take care of short-term needs. 
Don’t forget to reach out to churches or other organizations you belong to. “Many churches have funds available for parishioners going through events like this,” Lynch says. 
Resources for military widows If you’re a military widow, one of the first places to go for support is the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. That agency’s Office of Survivors Assistance can provide you with information about benefits and services for which you may qualify.  
The Veterans’ Wives International Network also can help. The organization will not only point you toward potential resources you may qualify for, but the agency will help you through the process of applying for them. 
The Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors is another organization that offers educational assistance, and can help you to identify potential resources.   
Using credit to build a strong financial futureSome widows never managed the family finances. For example, Chasity Williams found herself struggling to figure out how to file the family’s taxes the year after her husband died. 
“He did the financial planning and the taxes so I had no clue,” she says. 
She eventually found a tax professional and did a ton of research on her own to get up to speed. Today, Williams helps other widows adjust to their new lives as president of the Hope for Widows Foundation. 
"HE DID THE FINANCIAL PLANNING AND THE TAXES SO I HAD NO CLUE."Another challenge some widows face is credit. 
In some cases, the widow depended on her husband’s credit for loans and credit cards. And for some widows, their husbands may have had the stronger credit history. They may now find themselves having to improve their credit score and apply for credit on their own.
Regardless of what stage of life you are in, credit can be an asset. Not only can a credit card be used for a financial emergency, but widows can take advantage of rewards and other perks that can enhance their lifestyles. 
Check your credit score to see where you stand. With a higher score, you will “earn lower interest rates, saving you money,” Lynch says. 
To improve your credit, pay your bills on time and try not to let your account balances reach more than 25 percent of the cards’ limits, Lynch advises.
If you have no credit history, applying for a department store credit card or a secured credit card can help you build one.
When shopping for a credit card, look for one that has rewards that fit your new lifestyle and compare the pluses and minuses of each. 
For example, you may be choosing between the Chase Freedom vs. Chase Sapphire Preferred card. The Chase Sapphire Preferred card may be the better choice if you want to travel, while the Freedom card could satisfy your desire for cash back. 
When your world is turned upside down by a spouse’s death or any traumatic situation, give yourself plenty of time and patience to turn things around.  
“Time may not heal the wound opened by the death of your loved one, but it can give you perspective on your financial options,” Lynch says.
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10 Things a Burglar Doesn’t Want You to Know


Published: July 10, 2012
By: Jan Soults Walker

 

Successful burglars have lots in common — home owners who unwittingly give invitations to robbery. Here’s how thieves thank you for your generosity.

Leaving boxes by the curb alongside the trash lets burglars know you've got new toys inside. Image: Liz Foreman for HouseLogic

You come home to an open front door, a ransacked house, and missing valuables. How did a burglar know you’d be gone? How did they get in?

In these 10 thank-you notes, your friendly neighborhood burglars share advice on how to stop lending them a helping hand.


1. Thanks for the ladder!

Call me a social climber if you will, but I did discover a ladder in your back yard. Thank you for leaving it where I could lean it against your home and easily reach a second-story window. I really love it when upper story openings aren’t wired to a home security system! 

So, if you want to keep me out, store your ladder in the basement or a locked garage. And call your security company to wire upper-story windows into your alarm system.

Vertically yours,
A rising star

2. Loved your trash

Can’t tell you how much fun I have driving around neighborhoods on trash day (especially after big gift holidays) when the empty boxes on the curb reveal what wonderful new toys you have. Your thoughtfulness made it possible for me to land a new laptop and a flat-screen television in one easy trip to your home!

Next time, break down the boxes and conceal them in the recycling or trash bins. 

Happy shopping!
Curbside Cruiser

3. Dear Can’t-Get-Around-to-It

Recently, I noticed you hadn’t trimmed trees and shrubs around your home, so I knew I’d have a wonderful place to hide while I worked to break into your home. I really can’t thank you enough for all the great new things I grabbed.

Next time, trim back bushes and trees near windows and doors. Make sure entry points to your home are easily visible from the street — I much prefer to work in private! While you’re at it, install motion-sensor lighting. I’m scared of bright lights!

Cordially,
The Tree Lover

4. Su casa es mi casa!

I was sincerely relieved to find your back door was a plain wood-panel door. I had no trouble kicking it in (my knees appreciate how easy that was!) Imagine how silly I felt when I discovered that your windows weren’t locked anyway.

You may want to take a cue from your neighbor and install steel-wrapped exterior doors with deadbolts on all your entries. And be sure your windows are locked when you’re away. 

All the best,
Buster Door

5. Bad reflection on you.

You’d be surprised how many home owners position a mirror in their entry hall so I can see from a window if the alarm system is armed. (Yours wasn’t, but I’m guessing you know that by now!) Thanks for taking a lot of pressure off of me. 

A little free advice: Relocate the mirror so your alarm system isn’t visible if someone else would peer through a window.

Fondly,
Mr. Peeper

6. The telltale grass

Wow, isn’t it amazing how fast the grass grows these days? I swung by now and then and noticed your lawn was uncut, newspapers were piling up on the front steps, and your shades were always closed. To me, that’s an open invitation. 

Next time, hire someone you trust to mow regularly, pick up around the doorstep, open and close various window shades, and turn different lights on and off (or put a few on timers). One more thing: Lock any car you leave in the driveway, or I can use your garage door opener to get in quickly.

Best,
Your Trip Advisor

7. Getting carried away

Many thanks for putting your valuables into an easy-to-carry safe that I could carry right out your back door. (Nice jewelry, and thank you for the cash!) 

You may want to invest in a wall safe, which I rarely attempt to open. Or, rent a lock box at your bank.

With appreciation,
Mr. Safe and Not-So-Sound 

8. Dear BFF

Thanks for alerting a professional acquaintance of mine via your social network that you were away for the week in Puerto Vallarta, having the time of your life. Me? I enjoyed a very relaxing visit to your home with no pressure of being caught.

If only you had known that posting comments and photos of your trip on social networks is fine — but do that after you return so you won’t broadcast your absence!

Sincerely,
Cyber Savvy

9. Tag, you’re it!

Where are you? When you use popular geo-tracking apps, such as FourSquare and Glympse, I might know if you’re not home. Web sites such as www.pleaserobme.com help me keep track of your whereabouts. 

If you prefer that I not visit your home, be careful about geo-tagging. But, otherwise, thank you for the loot! 

— Just Tagging Along

10. Thanks for the appointment

Thanks for inviting me into your home to view the laptop you wanted to sell. I do apologize for the scare I gave you when I took it (and your purse).

Did you know that some large U.S. cities are averaging one so-called “robbery by appointment” per day? If you want to sell high-ticket items to strangers, I suggest you arrange to meet at the parking lot of your local police station. I definitely won’t show up, and you’ll still have your valuables (and your purse!)

Regards,
A Tough Sell

P.S. For more tips, see our list of low-cost tricks to fool burglars. Did you know there’s a gizmo that mimics the glow of a TV?

Read more: 
Follow us: @HouseLogic on Twitter | HouseLogic on Facebook

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Aug. 3rd:
WANT A FREE & CLEVER BURGLAR ALARM...that could save your life? Put your car keys beside your bed at night! SHARE THIS GREAT IDEA!

"Tell your spouse, your children, your neighbors, your parents, your Dr's office, the check-out girl at the market, everyone you run across. Put your car keys beside your bed at night.

If you hear a noise outside your home or someone trying to get in your house, just press the panic button for your car. The alarm will be set off, and the horn will continue to sound until either you turn it off or the car battery dies.

This tip came from a neighborhood watch coordinator. Next time you come home for the night and you start to put your keys away, think of this: It's a security alarm system that you probably already have and requires no installation. Test it. It will go off from most everywhere inside your house and will keep honking until your battery runs down or until you reset it with the button on the key fob chain. It works if you park in your driveway or garage.

If your car alarm goes off when someone is trying to break into your house, odds are the burglar/rapist won't stick around. After a few seconds, all the neighbors will be looking out their windows to see who is out there and sure enough the criminal won't want that. And remember to carry your keys while walking to your car in a parking lot. The alarm can work the same way there. This is something that should really be shared with everyone. Maybe it could save a life or a sexual abuse crime.

P.S. I am sending this to everyone I know because I think it is fantastic. Would also be useful for any emergency, such as a heart attack, where you can't reach a phone. My Mom has suggested to my Dad that he carry his car keys with him in case he falls outside and she doesn't hear him. He can activate the car alarm and then she'll know there's a problem."
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Wed., Apr. 3rd:

For those planning on 'Bugging In' some thought needs to made how to protect your home from looters.  When it comes down to: survival of you and your loved ones or a stranger?  Here are some ideas on how to fix up your home on the Cheap.  Get a good Dead Bolt with Key for your front and back doors that has at least a one inch bolt.  Keep the key OUT of the lock, put it nearby for emergencies.  Then for your windows there's plywood (you will feel like you are in a cave after a short time) or get 3M Safety & Security Film from Home Depot put on your windows.  It is on the windows of all embassies around the world, and on all the windows along the parade route at DisneyWorld due the influx of people during the parades.  That way no one will be hurt by glass.  It will hold up to cement blocks being thrown at it or being beaten with a hammer.  The glass with shatter, but not break.
by: Barb's Bulletins
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70+ common online scams used by cyber criminals and fraudsters
JON WATSON
@lahmstache  UPDATED: January 29, 2020
Comparitech is  reader supported and may earn a commission when you buy through links on their site.

The internet is the most widely used communication network ever constructed. It’s used by millions of humans and machines every second of every day. There are good and bad things happening on the internet, and among the bad things are ongoing attempts to scam innocent people out of their money or identities.
Indeed, wherever there’s a slight opportunity of making some easy money, you can be sure that criminals lay ready to pounce. The internet brings with it many such opportunities, and fraudsters appear to be waiting around every virtual corner with the latest in online scams.
While some forms of internet fraud have gotten very sophisticated, even some of the older, less advanced plays still actually work. If people know more about the types of scams taking place and what to look out for, we can hopefully save at least some people from getting swindled out their hard-earned cash.
We’ve covered some specific types of scams in various dedicated posts, but here we’ll offer a roundup of many of the common internet scams currently in operation.
Related: Cybercrime stats and facts
Contents [hide]

• 1 Email-based scams
• 2 Elder fraud
• 3 Extortion
• 4 Phishing
• 5 Vishing
• 6 Social media scams
• 7 Travel scams
• 8 Tax scams
• 9 Bitcoin and cryptocurrency scams
• 10 Other online scams
• 11 How to recognize scams
• 12 How to report a scam

Here’s our list of over 70 common online scams to be aware of:
Email-based scams
Email scams are a type of online fraud. While it’s true that a fraudulent offer can be contrived with almost any story, there are a few “tried and true” cons that seem to crop up repeatedly over time, such as advanced fee fraud, over payment fraud, and work from home scams, among others.
The broad strokes tend to remain the same, but the details of these types of online fraud change over time. There are resources to keep on top of the ever changing scams, and steps to take to defend against them.
Email is an extremely popular format for many common internet scams for the simple fact that it’s so cheap and easy to execute. You would think that scam artists would have refined their approach by now, but many scam emails are poorly written and fairly easy to spot. Nonetheless, some are more sophisticated and people still lose a lot of money to email scams every year.

See also: How to encrypt email
Advanced-fee fraudThe advanced-fee fraud scam has many variations, and may claim that you are a beneficiary of some estate money, have won the lottery, or have an old bank account you’ve forgotten about.

A scam requesting a nominal fee of $82 in return for a supposed sum of $7.5 million .Whatever the subject, the email is requesting that you send a fee in advance before you can receive whatever is promised.
Nigerian scam (Nigerian 419 scam)The Nigerian scam is a variation of the advanced-fee scam but deserves its own spot since it has been so prevalent. Emails typically promise large rewards for helping “government officials” move money to a US financial institution, with upfront fees required. The scam started in Nigeria and violates penal code 419 in the country, so is often referred to as a Nigerian 419 scam.
Charity fraudCharity scams simply play on the emotions of victims to persuade them to hand over donations to fake charities and organizations. Subjects might include puppies in danger or disaster relief efforts. The emails typically include some excuse as to why the matter is urgent and may include links to legitimate-looking websites. Aside from sending money, victims may be handing over their debit card or credit card details to thieves.
Work-at-home job scamsWorking from home has so many draws and is a major lifestyle goal for many people. Scam artists capitalize on the dreams of these would-be remote workers by luring them with fantastic yet realistic-sounding work-at-home job opportunities. The catch? They just need to send a wire transfer or money order upfront to pay for some equipment or educational materials before they can get started, but these never arrive, and there is no actual job.
Cancelled accountSome scammers spend a fair amount of time creating official-looking emails from reputable service providers. They tell the target that the account is about to be suspended and that they need to provide information to keep it open. The email might include a link to a phishing site requesting login credentials and billing details to secure the “continuation of service.”

A section of the Netflix email. (Source: Mailguard)Netflix customers were recently hit by such a scam.
CEO fraudThis one is more targeted toward businesses. The scammer identifies the person within a company that has control over funds. They then pose as someone with authority such as the CEO, and request money be transferred to a specified account. With all of the information available on LinkedIn these days, it’s fairly easy for fraudsters to identify who to target and to come up with convincing stories (see also: whaling).
This type of phishing requires some preparation because the scammer needs to act convincingly like the executive he or she is purporting to be. The fraudster will then contact someone in the company who has the authority to move money and direct that person to transfer funds to the scammer.
As with most phishing scams, CEO phishing is most effective when there’s a sense of urgency or emotionalism applied to the request. Therefore, many CEO phishers will zero in on new members of the finance department in the hopes that person does not yet know all the safeguards that may be in place to prevent the scam from working.
Read more on CEO fraud here.
Greeting cardsThe very simplistic greeting card scam can be used to infect your computer with malware. The email poses as a greeting card (e-card) from a friend or family member and encourages you to click a link. Once you do, the malware is automatically downloaded and installed on your system.
Affinity fraudAffinity fraud refers to when someone uses a common interest or belief such as religion to lure you in. It often happens in person, especially within religious communities, but can be conducted via email too.


The above email uses faith to try to hook the reader and persuade them that it’s legitimate.
Guaranteed bank loan or credit cardIn this take on the advanced fee scam, you are told that you are preapproved for a loan or credit card but that you just need to pay some processing fees. It could be a small amount but fraudsters might be looking for bank account info more so than the money itself.
Service providerThis one often targets businesses and involves an email containing an invoice for legitimate-sounding services. A sense of urgency is used to convince the receiver that they need to pay immediately or risk having the case transferred to a collections agency.
Scam compensation scamYes, believe it or not, this one pops up regularly in spam folders. The email explains that its sender is coordinating some compensation for scam victims, and the receivers’ name is on a list of victims.


You just need to send over some personal details before you can start collecting your compensation.
Elder fraudWhile many types of internet fraud can target virtually anyone with access to a computer, many are crafted specifically with the elderly in mind. Seniors are often targeted for identity theft since they are perceived as being more susceptible to certain scams. Here are some of the most common forms of elder fraud but you can find more about detecting and reporting these scam in our elder fraud article.
Investment scamsElderly people seeking to invest are often looking for short-term lucrative projects to supplement their retirement income. Investment scams simply promise fantastic returns in order to get seniors to hand over their money.
Insurance schemesThe insurance scam plays on the assumption that seniors might be less focused on what they have now and more so on what they will leave behind for loved ones. This type of scheme might involve a phone call or email persuading the senior that they need an annuity or life insurance policy. Often the insurance firm is completely made up, but insurance scams are actually sometimes carried out by legitimate agents, including one who has been caughtmultiple times.
Health scamsAs people age, health tends to be more likely to deteriorate and the need for prescription medication can become expensive. Many online pharmacies have stepped in to offer drugs and other healthcare at lower than average prices. The problem is, most of these sites do not operate within the law or follow standard practices. For example, the founder of Canada Drugs is wanted in the US for selling counterfeit medicines, but the website is still very much up and running.


Without proper regulation, consumers really have no way of knowing what they are getting or if they will receive anything at all.
Grandparent scamThis one is technically a form of vishing and involves someone calling a grandparent and posing as their grandchild who needs money urgently. They might say they’re in jail or in need of medical help abroad, but that it’s imperative they get the money immediately. Of course, the desperation tugs on the heartstrings of their “relatives” and one convicted scammer said that about one in 50 people fell for his scam.
ExtortionExtortion scams follow the basic premise that you need to hand over money urgently or face a predefined consequence, whether it be real or fabricated. Extortion schemes can be simple or extraordinarily complex, depending on the imagination of the perpetrator involved. Here are some of the online extortion scams to look out for.
RansomwareRansomware is a type of malware that involves an attacker encrypting your files with the promise of decrypting them only in return for a fee. One of the most notorious cases of ransomware was the 2017 WannaCry attack in which more than 400,000 machines were infected. Ultimately, criminals took an estimated $140,000 worth of bitcoin in exchange for decrypting users’ hijacked files. Backing up files regularly can help protect you against the threat of ransomware.
SextortionIn this form of extortion, victims are typically lured into sharing intimate photos or videos, often through online dating sites or social media. They may even be prompted to perform explicit acts while being secretly filmed. They are then asked to pay a fee to prevent the photos or videos from being released.
HitmanThis terrifying scam involves threats of physical violence and even death, usually sent via email. The claim is often that the person sending the email has been hired to kill you and will relinquish their role in exchange for a fee. Emails might include personal details garnered from social media or other sources to make them seem even more threatening. Aside from going after your money, some scammers also try to obtain your personal information for use in identity theft.
Terrorist threatThis is a variation of the hitman scam that plays on today’s societal fear of terrorist acts. Again, the basic premise is that your life will be spared only if you pay up.
Bomb threatAnother one playing on the fear of recent world events is the bomb threat scam. This is an email telling people that there is a bomb planted in their building and it can disconnected only if a certain fee is paid.
DDoS attackDistributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks are similar to ransomware attacks, except that instead of file encryption you often have whole websites or internet services taken down. Web servers hosting these sites and services are flooded with dummy traffic that overwhelms them, slowing the site down to a crawl or even shutting it down altogether. Victims are instructed to pay a fee to gain back control over the service. Businesses are often prime targets for this type of attack.
PhishingWe’ve touched on phishing in some of the other sections, but with this field comprising such a large portion of online scams, it’s good to know about the different types to look out for. In fact, the common element in almost all types of internet scams is the initial “phish.” This is the act of tricking you into providing some kind of information that is later used to scam you.
The odds of pulling off a successful scam are low, so the pool of potential victims has to be very large. The easiest way to contact a large number of people with almost no effort is through email. In some cases, phishing emails attempt to direct you to a clone of a trusted website where you’re likely to enter login credentials, or try to make you download malware.
In a dedicated phishing post, we look at the how to avoid or repair the damage done by common phishing scams, some of which are explained below.
Spear phishingSpear phishing is very targeted and the perpetrator typically knows some of your details before they strike. This could be information gleaned from social media, such as recent purchases and personal info, including where you live. A phishing email or message might be crafted based on those details, asking for more information including payment details or passwords.
WhalingThis is geared toward businesses and targets high-level executives within corporations who have access to the email accounts of someone in authority. Once they have access to that email account, they can use it for other means such as accessing employee information or ordering fraudulent wire transfers (see also: CEO fraud).
W-2 phishingThis is an even more targeted version of whaling where the main goal is to obtain employees’ W-2s or contractors’ W-9s. Recents cases have involved schools, hospitals, and tribal groups, as well as businesses. The email might be from an actual or spoofed executive account or might appear to be from the IRS or an accounting firm. Once provided, the documents give criminals everything they need for identity theft.
Phishing to deliver ransomwareAs if the phishing itself isn’t bad enough, many emails come bundled with ransomware. This way criminals can get an increased payload for their efforts.
VishingVoice phishing (vishing) scams are not really online scams, but they are often linked and are becoming more sophisticated so are worth mentioning here. They use voice solicitation to get information or money from consumers or businesses. The scammer calls the victim and attempts to use social engineering techniques to trick the victim into doing something, often to give credit or debit card details or send money.
Sending email spam and SMS spam is very easy and costs almost nothing. Calling an intended victim personally, on the other hand, takes more time and effort. For that reason, we are less accustomed to vishing and the stakes are often much higher in order to justify the scammer’s time.
One of the major benefits of vishing versus phishing via email is that criminals don’t have to worry about spam filters. Calls in general are far less abundant than email, so there is a higher chance of getting someone’s attention. While phone calls are more expensive than email, VoIP has made mass calling far more accessible to criminals.
To make matters worse, it is almost trivial to spoof a caller ID number these days. If a scammer wishes to present themselves as an official with your country’s tax bureau, it would be easy for them to show you a legitimate tax bureau number on your caller ID.
BankBank fraud vishing scams are some of the most common you’ll come across. Scammers will typically pose as a financial institution representative and tell you there has been suspected fraud or suspicious activity on your account. While some will then try to extract personal or bank account information, other scammers have different tactics. One in particular involves persuading targets to install “protective software” on their computer to block any more fraudulent transactions. What the software actually does is allow remote access to the victim’s computer.
TaxWe’ll cover tax scams in a bit more detail later, but these are often carried out over the phone or through a combination of phone calls and emails. The first contact via phone may be automated meaning scammers can reach a huge number of targets very easily. It also means they only have to actually speak with anyone who calls back. These callers would be considered “qualified leads” and easy targets at that point since they’ve already fallen for the first stage of the scam. See more tax scams.
PrizeFake prize or contest winnings are often communicated via a phone call or automated voice message. Promised prizes could be in the form of cash, a car, or an all-expenses-paid vacation. In reality, fraudsters are looking to find out personal details (including your address and social security number) for use in credit card fraud or identity theft.
Tech supportThe tech support scam often starts as a phone call and ultimately ends up online, similar to the bank scam mentioned above. This time, a “technician,” claiming to represent a large firm like Microsoft, will tell you your computer is infected and you need to hand over remote support.
Once you do, the fake tech can do whatever they want with your system, including installing malware or ransomware. Typically, once they are finished “fixing the issue,” you’ll be asked to pay for the service. They then have all of your payment info and in some cases can continue to access your computer through the remote access software whenever they want.
This scam isn’t always initiated over the phone and might start via a web page popup that tells you your computer is infected and to call a support number. The popup is usually difficult to get rid of which serves as motivation to call the number provided.
Government agencyIf you get an official-sounding call from a law enforcement or government agency, you’d be forgiven for being scared into handing over details. Criminals prey on this fear and often pose as police or government officers to phish for personal information. Bear in mind, any such legitimate contact would be dealt with in person or at the very least by mail.
Social media scamsWith the popularity of social media continuing to boom, it’s no surprise that it’s considered a ripe environment for scammers. While many of the other scams on this list could potentially be carried out through social media, a few very specific ones have popped up on social platforms.
“See who’s viewed your profile”This scam takes advantage of the curiosity of Facebook users and might pop up as an ad while you’re browsing the site. You’ll be prompted to download an app with the promise of being able to see who has viewed your profile. The thing is, Facebook doesn’t actually give this information out, even to third-party applications. All you’re actually doing is handing over access to your Facebook account, including your personal details and possibly banking information.
Facebook “dislike” buttonDuring the last few years, the Facebook world is often abuzz with the prospect of a “dislike” button becoming available. Scammers capitalize by posting ads for such a feature. These lead to pages which look like they’re run by Facebook but that actually include links to phishing sites asking for personal information.
Fake celebrity newsThis scam involves a clickbait-style headline on Facebook relaying some fake celebrity news, such as the death of a well-known star or a new relationship in Hollywood.

Angelina Jolie is just fine but this title suggests otherwise.Once you click, you’re prompted to enter your Facebook credentials to view the article, thus giving criminals full access to your account.
Impersonation scamWhen you think about how easy it is to create a social media account, you realize there’s nothing stopping someone from creating an exact replica of your public profile. They can then reach out to your friends and family with friend or follow requests and once connected, pose as you. These trusted connections can then be used for a whole host of purposes such as spreading malware or requesting money for made-up scenarios.
Instagram Likes scamWith many users across social platforms desperate for ‘likes’ and ‘follows,’ scammers have capitalized by offering just that. One app released in 2013 called InstLike asked for usernames and passwords in return for follow and likes.


In fact, they simply collected the credentials of 100,000 users and turned them into participants in a large social botnet. Basically, the app did deliver on its promise but used the accounts of those who signed up to do so. What’s more, within the app, people were encouraged to pay fees for additional follows and likes.
Job offer scamA job offer scam might be run through email, but is commonly conducted through professional networking site LinkedIn. Basically, you’re offered a job from a seemingly reputable company via direct message. In some cases, these can lead to scams whereby you become the middleman for transferring funds. You deposit a cashier’s check, then wire some of the money, keeping the remainder as your fee. Unfortunately, the initial cashier’s check bounces and you are down the amount you sent in the wire transfer or money order.
Travel scamsMany people purchase airline tickets, hotel rooms, and even entire vacation packages online these days. Scammers know this and there has been a rise in fraudulent travel sites selling fake tickets and non-existent vacations. Travel is usually a big-ticket item, which spells big bucks for criminals. Additionally, travel is a tricky purchase because you typically pay large amounts of money up front for something that you won’t see until the date of travel.
This type of scam can be particularly problematic because you may not find out you’ve been scammed until you arrive at your destination or the airport. There may be no record of you having a booking at all. Now you’re out the original money and also might have to come up with more to continue on your vacation, or simply pack up and go home.
Free or discounted vacationThese scams may be initiated via phone or email, but typically the target is told that they have won a vacation. In order to claim, they either have to pay a small fee (advanced fee scam) or provide credit card details for a deposit. In the former case, the thief takes off with the money. In the latter, the credit card details can be used in credit card fraud.
Vacation ticket re-sell scamIn this case, someone posts an ad claiming that they have purchased a ticket for a trip they can no longer go on. They then sell the (fake) tickets for a much lower price than their face value. Some victims don’t realize the scam until they show up at the airport ready for the trip. With insurance company agencies making it so difficult to get refunds on tickets, the fact that someone might be selling tickets online is made more believable, fueling the success of the scam.
Points schemeIn a points scam, the target is called or emailed and informed that they have won a huge number of points, through a travel points card program or a travel credit card points scheme. All they have to do is provide some details to confirm the transaction. This may include account information, credit card details, or other personal information.
Vacation rentalThe vacation rental scam involves fraudsters posting ads for property in desirable locations for bargain prices. The victim is required to send a deposit or the full amount up front.
Once they arrive at their destination, they may realize the property doesn’t exist, it has been misrepresented, or it isn’t actually available for rent.
Tax scamsAs if tax season isn’t already dreaded enough without scammers making life more difficult! Criminals look to exploit both taxpayers and the government using a range of tax-related scams.
Fake auditIn a fake audit scam, targets are contacted by someone claiming to be from the IRS or similar tax agency and told that an audit has identified a discrepancy. Immediate payment is demanded with the threat of additional costs, imprisonment, or even deportation if victims don’t comply. Whether it’s through an email or recorded voicemail, this scam is easy to execute so probably won’t go away any time soon. Oddly, in Canada, it is reported that many of these particular scams involve payment requests via iTunes gift cards. You’d think this would be a bit of a giveaway, but it’s happening.
Fake refundThis one targets people who are expecting a tax refund. Again, criminals pose as the IRS or similar agency and prompt targets to click a link through which they can claim their refund. However, the link leads to a phishing site where the victim is asked to provide personal information such as their social security number and banking details, which can be used in identity theft.
Erroneous refundThis scam is a bit more sophisticated as it actually uses real client details stolen from accounting firms via hacking or phishing. The information is used to file a fake tax refund request which is processed by the IRS, and the client receives the refund amount. The scammer then poses as the IRS or a collection agency, tells the client the refund was issued in error, and demands the money be returned. Of course, the payment is directed toward the fraudster, not the IRS. This case spells double trouble for the client. Not only are they short their refund, they could also be in hot water with the IRS for supposedly filing a false claim.
Tax protester schemeA tax protester scheme involves criminals calling or emailing consumers to tell them they don’t need to pay taxes. This is really more of a troll than an actual scam, because the person running it doesn’t benefit financially. However, the victim can be negatively impacted as failing to pay taxes can result in a conviction, including fines and imprisonment.
Bitcoin and cryptocurrency scamsWith bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies exploding in terms of popularity and market cap over the past few years, it’s no surprise that criminals want to get in on the action. Indeed, there are so many methods for scammers to choose from, and scams and hacks involving bitcoin and altcoins seem to be constantly in the news.
Fake coin exchangesSince so many cryptocurrency-related businesses are relatively new, it’s difficult to know which ones are legit. Criminals have capitalized on this and simply take people’s money through fake or questionable exchanges. One example of a blatantly fake coin exchange is Internet Coin Exchange which simply lists cryptocurrency price details alongside Buy buttons.


This one still appears to be very much up and running so we won’t be posting the link here.
Other questionable operations include Igot, which later became Bitlio. This exchange appeared to be operated inefficiently as there have been times when it simply can’t pay customers. Again, it’s still in business.
Hacked coin exchangesUnfortunately, when exchanges are hacked by cybercriminals, both the exchange and its customers tend to lose out. Mt Gox is probably the most famous case in which people are still waiting to find out if they’ll see their money four years on. But there have been other, more recent, high-profile hacks, including that of Coincheck to the tune of $500 million.
Pump and dump scheme‘Pump and dump’ is a familiar term in the stock market, but it’s hitting cryptocurrencies too. This involves the organized promotion of a particular cryptocurrency, usually a relatively unknown coin. The mass investment causes the value to spike, encouraging other investors to get in on the action. The value of the coin increases even further and when the time’s right, the first round of investors cash out, leaving the second wave with a worthless coin.
Fraudulent cloud mining companiesMining of bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies typically involves using computational power to support the network in return for a reward. However, mining isn’t the easiest thing to get started with. Enter cloud mining companies, which enable you to invest in mining without having to actually deal with the setup yourself.
When you invest in cloud mining, you’re putting a whole lot of trust in the mining company. Of course, where there are investors, there are scammers ready and waiting. For example, Mining Max raised $250 million for its operation, all but $70 million of which was reportedly pocketed.


In another case, the CEO of GAW Miners pleaded guilty to $9 million in fraud as an outcome of some very dodgy dealings, including selling more hashing power than was available.
Mining malwareMining requires a huge amount of computational power, and that doesn’t come cheap. As such, criminals have developed mining malware that can enable them to exploit users’ computational power. Known as malicious cryptomining or cryptojacking, the malware is usually spread by a trojan virus. Infected computers then form a larger botnet that mines cryptocurrencies. Examples of mining malware include “Digmine,” spread via FacebookMessenger, and WannaMine, which uses EternalBlue, the leaked NSA exploit.
ICO exit scamAn Initial Coin Offering (ICO) is a little like an Initial Public Offering (IPO) for a company, the major difference being the coin is really worthless until investors perceive value. ICO exit scams are similar to the pump and dump scams we talked about earlier except it’s usually the coin creators doing the heavy promotion followed by a quick sell-off.
Investors are wooed with whitepapers and promises of superior security and broad application potential. They buy coins in exchange for fiat currency, hoping to get a return on their investment. Some of the biggest exit scams we’ve seen so far are Plexcoin, which gathered $15 million in investments before it was suspended, and Benebit, the team behind which ran off with between $2.7 million and $4 million early in 2018.

ICO Drops posted evidence of the scam in this page that is no longer accessible.ICOs in general are viewed as such a problem that China has banned them and other countries are imposing heavy regulation.
ICO impersonatorsAnother issue among ICOs is not with the ICOs themselves, but with scammers impersonating them. For example, the legitimate Seele ICO had their Telegram channel hijacked by people posing as admins. Investors were persuaded to pay for tokens before the sale had actually started and the funds were pocketed by the criminals. Other fraudsters used a phishing scam centered around the Bee Token ICO as a means to dupe investors out of $1 million worth of ether.
Cryptocurrency investment schemesWith the cryptocurrency market being so volatile, it’s not uncommon to hear about massive gains over a short period of time. This makes classic pyramid or Ponzi schemes an easier sell to investors as people are less likely to view them as “too good to be true.” Austrian investment scheme Optioment promised a whopping 4% weekly return to some investors and ended up reportedly stealing more than 12,000 bitcoins.

The Optioment website. (Source: Wayback Machine)Other suspicious schemes include BitConnect, which shut down after receiving multiple cease and desist letters, and OneCoin, a reported global Ponzi scheme that is still going strong.
Wallet fork scamsCoin wallets are used as “safe” places for people to secure their cryptocurrency, basically somewhere to safeguard the private keys that can enable access to coins. When a cryptocurrency forks and a new coin is created, it can be difficult to find a wallet that can accommodate the new coin. Enter scammers. When Bitcoin Gold was first released, the mybtgwallet.com website popped up, promoting users to hand over their private keys and subsequently lose their coins.


This one wallet scam reportedly resulted in total losses worth over $3 million.
Wallet impersonatorsMore impersonators are taking advantage of the cryptocurrency market, this time in the form of wallet clones. Criminals make people believe they are depositing their coins into a legitimate wallet but are actually keeping them for themselves. Hacker group, Coinhoarder, used such a scheme to steal more than $50 million worth of bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies. It used domains impersonating the reputable Blockchain.info and even used paid Google ads to attract more victims.
Coin mixing service phishing scamCoin mixing services are used to mix coins in order to break the connection between the sender and receiver, making transactions more anonymous. While coin mixing services can aid illegal activity, they can have legitimate use cases, too. Popular sites include Bit Blender and the now-defunct Helix by Grams.


These two were involved in a phishing scam on the dark web where a coin mixing tutorial used links to fake websites for both of the services. Users following the steps and visiting the links simply handed over their coin to the thieves.
Coin mixing service Ponzi schemesIt’s not just phishing schemes that affect users of coin mixing services. Bitpetite ran a mixing operation but also asked for investors to hand over money with the promise of 4% daily returns! This was clearly unattainable and the site disappeared in November 2017 after stealing an unknown amount from investors.
Other online scamsAside from all of the above, there are many more online scams to look out for. Here are some of the most popular plays making the rounds right now.
Fake anti-virus software popup windowsWe mentioned popups in the tech support scam earlier. A common occurrence you might have already seen are popup windows prompting you to download anti-virus software. However, when you follow the prompt, you could end up with malware instead.
Fake websitesFake websites are usually used in phishing scams. Typically, a replica of a legitimate website is used to encourage targets to enter details such as credentials, banking information, and personal details.


For example, the above image from the Expr3ss blog shows a very convincing fake Facebook login page.
Counterfeit goods sitesThis is a more specific example of a fake website and is a big problem. Replicas of reputable websites may be used to make counterfeit goods seem legitimate. For example, brands like Ugg, Coach, and Michael Kors have had their websites copied almost exactly to make consumers believe they are purchasing genuine goods from the real brand.
Online dating and romance scamsDating and romance scams are some of the oldest in the book, but as long as people are looking for love, they won’t be going away. In fact, in the US, romance scams account for the largest financial losses of all internet crimes. Fraudsters may contact targets through phone, email, text, social media, or dating sites.
They typically pose as a different person, including creating completely fake profiles (this is called catfishing), and often work in groups. The ultimate goal might be to get victims to pay money, hand over personal information, or even aid in illegal activities.
Ticket scamsWe mentioned travel ticket scams earlier, but would-be concert goers and sporting event attendees are also common targets of ticket scams. They purchase tickets online and show up to the event to find out they’re holding fakes.
Rental scamThe rental scam preys on those desperately searching for a place to call home. Rental ads are posted with below-average prices, attracting plenty of buyers. Would-be landlords explain that viewings are not available since they are overseas but they will happily issue a refund if you’re not satisfied. First and last month’s rent are typically required to secure the rental property. The fake landlord may also have renters fill out a form which includes banking information along with other personal details.
SMS scamsSMS scams (smishing scams) are variations on phishing and vishing scams and involve the use of a text message. SMS, or text messaging, is built into just about every phone on the planet. As phones become more internet connected, many of us have transitioned to instant messaging apps like WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger. But good old SMS messaging is almost always available. Scammers know that and can use it to target you.
A smishing text message will usually have much the same aims as any other kind of fraud. Scammers may want you to click a link to download malware or adware, or bring you to a convincing looking phishing page in order to trick you into providing your login credentials for a website. Others might provide a number to call as a transition to a vishing scamming method.
While these often follow similar plays to email and voice scams, there are some more specific cases, such as trying to get you to activate a new credit card or telling you an account is expiring.
Amazon phishing scamIn this rather complex scheme, targets order products on Amazon from third-party sellers. They don’t receive the item so call the seller to inquire. The seller prompts the buyer to complete the transaction outside of Amazon, so gets paid and has access to payment information.
Amazon delivery scamThis is a slightly different angle to the one above, but is also orchestrated by third-party sellers. In this case they ship empty packages to wrong addresses where they are signed for by someone who is in on the scam. Since the package is signed for, the victim often has problems when trying to make a claim with Amazon.
Astroturfing (advertising scam)Astroturfing has been around for a long time and its definition can be loosely defined as a company creating fake support around its product in order to attract customers. One famous example was McDonalds paying employees to stand in line to create buzz around the release of the Quarter Pounder in Japan. With the persuasive power of online reviews, these have become a means for digital astroturfing.
Companies simply pay people to write fake glowing reviews on supposedly unbiased review sites. There are even Facebook groups dedicated to swapping online reviews for specific sites like Amazon or specific product types, for example, books.


Consumers rely heavily on these reviews when making purchases and ultimately end up with a subpar product or service or nothing at all.
Continuity scamsThere are a broad range of continuity scams out there but they typically follow similar patterns. Popups for surveys offering free gifts or amazing deals lead victims to enter credit card details to pay for minimal fees or shipping. Often hidden in the small print are exorbitant ongoing monthly fees that can be near impossible to cancel. In this case, you’ll likely have to contact your card issuer to stop future fees, but it’s unlikely you get reimbursed for those already paid. This is another reason to always check your statements as these could easily go unnoticed.
Stock market scamThis scam is along the same lines as astroturfing and is conducted very much out in the open. It involves articles or other methods and materials which persuade potential investors to contribute funds based on exaggerated predictions. In April 2017, the SEC enforced actionsagainst 27 individuals and entities for such fraudulent promotions of stocks.
Buyer scamsMost of us have sold something online at some point, but it’s seller beware. Some scammers are using a tactic whereby they fake a pending payment to encourage the release of goods. This might be a bogus PayPal or email transfer message to say that payment will be released once tracking information is received. Once you do actually send the goods, no payment is ever received.
OverpaymentThe overpayment is another one for sellers to watch out for. It usually relates to the sale of items or services, often through classified ads. The scammer sends you payment for whatever you are selling but sends too much. They ask you to refund the difference. In the meantime (hopefully for them, it’s after you send the money) their payment is canceled or retracted. So you’ve received no payment at all but have issued them a partial refund.
How to recognize scamsSince online scams are popping up so frequently, with many probably yet to be uncovered, it’s impossible to list them all here. This just makes it even more important that you watch out for tell-tale signs.
Recognizing secure sitesMany scams require a legitimate looking website for victims to interact with and provide the information the scammer is looking for. Since virtually anyone can purchase almost any domain name and then visually re-create any site on the planet, how can anyone be sure they’re using a safe site? This is a good question which we cover in detail in a post about recognizing scam or fake websites.
Some techniques are technical, such as checking that the domain name shown in your browser’s address bar matches the site you think you’re visiting. Others are more holistic such as verifying the site has legitimate contact information on it and isn’t riddled with spelling errors.
There is no single silver bullet that can indicate the trustworthiness of a site, but there are a number of things you can check that will help you make a judgement call.
Spotting a fake or spoof phishing emailAs Mr. Miyagi said in the movie Karate Kid, “best block, no be there.” In internet scams, the best defense is to simply not get tricked in the first place. Scammers can be clever, though, and it can be hard to spot the fake phishing emails sometimes.
In a dedicated post, we cover tips to help you spot a fake, spoof, or phishing email.
How to report a scamIn the best case, you realize you’re being scammed before it’s too late. If this happens, you should get in touch with the operators of the platform on which you encountered the scammer, if applicable. This way, they can at least kick them off the site and hopefully prevent someone else from being scammed.
Depending on the nature of the scam, it may also be worth reporting it to your local police division. This should definitely be a port of call if you’ve lost money, have been coerced into doing something illegal yourself, or are being extorted. Another action you should take is to report the incident to the fraud center in your country of residence:

• US: FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center
• Canada: Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre
• Australia: ACCC Scamwatch
• UK: Action Fraud

Victims of online scams are often too embarrassed to come forward. However, the more of these incidents that are reported, the better the chance law enforcement will have of shutting down the perpetrators, and the more aware others will be of the dangers lurking online.

The Ultimate Internet Safety Guide for Seniors

Holding Your Ground

Publication Date: June 6, 2011 
HOLDING YOUR GROUND is an instructional guide and planning tool that addresses defensive preparation of a location. If the government can no longer protect your home, farm or property, HOLDING will teach you how. HOLDING covers virtually every aspect of protecting you and your family in the event society breaks down. Many people have preparations for food, water, shelter and personal defense. HOLDING will teach you how to configure your home, train your team, and properly equip any location for defense. Covering topics ranging from hiding in plain sight to pre-positioning of supplies, HOLDING uses common sense, military tactics and historical examples that allow you to prepare for defense without affecting your property's value or appearance. Rating 4/5

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Fraud Prevention Checklist 
New technology & communication, while opening the door for many positive avenues of progress, also makes us more susceptible as targets for scammers.  These individuals reach out to as many people as possible under some guise until they find someone who falls for their tricks.  The range of tricks being used by such scammers is always growing and evolving.  While you cannot know the details of each one of them, you can get a sense of the general types of scams out there.
Today’s seniors came from a generation raised to accumulate savings, to trust others, and to feel ashamed if they make any mistakes that feel “foolish”.  Because of their advanced age, it may take awhile for seniors to remember the events associated with the fraud and, when they finally do, the memories are somewhat faded.
Additionally, because advanced age can cause increased reliance on caregivers, family, and friends, abuse and fraud can happen with those individuals as well, breaking trust and taking advantage of need.  The answer is absolutely not to resist asking for help, but to educate yourself so that you can recognize the signs of any problems and intervene appropriately.
Based on the National Council on Aging’s “Top 10 Scams Targeting Seniors,” we’ve assembled a checklist of steps you can take to prevent falling prey to fraud. Review this list with your loved ones, checking off items as you complete them and making notes for future steps.  It might be a good idea to print out this list and keep it by the phone/mail spot in the house.
On a personal note, this story hits very close to home: my husband’s grandmother was recently conned out of $9,000 when a caller from Vegas pretended to be her grandson – with whom she hadn’t spoken on the phone for awhile – and claimed to have run into some financial trouble, such that he now needed both a plane ticket back home as well as some money wired over.  This caller begged the grandmother “not to tell anyone” about what he was going through since it was so embarrassing. – MV
 
Table of Contents

1. “Hi Grandma, it’s me…” – The Grandparent Scam
2. “I’d like to help you deal with your loss…” – Death scams
3. “Let’s reassess your home” – Real estate scams
4. “Hi, I’m a Medicare Representative…” – Medicare fraud
5. “Affordable prescriptions available here…” – Drug scams
6.  “With modern science, who needs wrinkles?” Fake anti-aging products
7. “Update! Click here…” – Internet fraud (including email/phishing)
8.  “I am a Nigerian prince…” – Financial schemes
9. “You’ve won the lottery!” Contest scams
10. “Hello there, we need your help!” – Bogus Telemarketers

 

1. “Hi Grandma, it’s me…” – The Grandparent Scam

As described above, scammers will call seniors claiming to be a grandchild in distress, requesting assistance and also discretion – both easy to obtain from the loving grandparent eager to help.
[  ] Make a list of family contacts, and if you ever receive a distress call, make sure you’re able to confirm the distress through contact initiated by you.
[  ] Never give out your personal information.
[  ] Never wire money except through a bank wire transfer, which requires confirmation of identity from the recipient.
 
More information: ​  

1. “I’d like to help you deal with your loss…” – Death scams

There are many potential avenues for death scams, from claiming a fraudulent outstanding debt on behalf of the recently deceased through overcharging individuals for funeral costs.
[  ] Always ask for a written price list in advance of your visit.
[  ] Never consult with just one funeral home. Shop around to better understand the services and products offered.
[  ] Check your state laws on embalming, autopsy, and other issues concerning death.
[  ] Make sure you read through and understand all of the details of the contract, including cancelation and refund policies.  Do not hesitate to ask for more time to read through, to take the documents home and process.  If anyone tries to pressure you to sign right away, leave; you should never be forced to sign a document under pressure.
 
More information:

• ABC article of FBI-approved steps to avoid funeral & cemetery scams​

1. “Let’s reassess your home” – Real estate scams

Using fake letters from the local assessor’s office promising reassessment with potential reduction in annual tax burden for the homeowner, scammers will artificially alter the value of a home to then encourage the homeowner to take a reverse mortgage.
[  ] Always be wary of unsolicited phone calls or other contact.
[  ] Always ask for references on the person/group contacting you, and be sure to research them online using sources like Google, Yelp, etc.  Ask for help from a family member, friend, or even your local librarian.
[  ]  Never pay for any services in advance.
[  ]  Never sign any documents without reading and understanding them in their entirety, as well as running them past your most trustworthy contact.
 
More information:

• Common Real Estate Scams and How to Avoid Them (Forbes.com)
• Tips for Seniors to Avoid Real Estate Fraud (California Bureau of Real Estate)

 

1. “Hi, I’m a Medicare Representative…” – Medicare fraud

A phone call from someone claiming to be a Medicare representative to a senior aged 65 or older is too often enough to obtain personal information, which can then be used to file false claims and extort money from the system.
[  ] Don’t give anyone your Medicare or Social Security number or card, outside of your doctor/authorized Medicare provider.
[  ] Keep track of your doctor’s appointments and check that your Medicare statements line up with the services you were provided.
[  ] Don’t bend to pressure to buy any products or services on the spot; always ask for literature and time to think it over, then research on your own, in your own time.
[  ] Be skeptical of medical products or services that are advertised as being cheaper than usually offered.  These are usually scammers seeking to prey on the financially responsible.
 
More information:

• Report Fraud & Abuse (Medicare.gov)
• Common Scams and Identity Theft – Office of the Inspector General

 

1. “Affordable prescriptions available here…” – Drug scams

With prescription drugs adding to the long list of high medical costs, it’s no wonder that cheaper options would be tempting.  In addition to conning people out of money, such scams are dangerous because the ‘medicine’ being sold is often expired or some other substance altogether, posing risks to the patient who takes them.
[  ] Be skeptical of door-to-door salesmen, because solicitations at your home without a previous appointment are illegal.
[  ] Only buy medicine from reputable pharmacies.
[  ] Know your prescriptions: names, doses, and appearance (size, color, etc.).  This is useful not just for avoiding fraud, but also for confirming your pharmacy’s product as well as for any doctor or hospital visits you may encounter, where you will surely be asked to list the medicines (and dosages!) you’re taking.
 
More information:

• FDA Guide To Protecting Yourself From Health Fraud
• Medicare Prescription drug fraud (Senior Magazine Online)
• Telemarketing Fraud – Medicare Prescription Drug Twist

 

1.  “With modern science, who needs wrinkles?” Fake anti-aging products

Similar to the prescription drug scams, these scams involve charging patients for procedures using unregulated, privately manufactured drugs that pose serious risks.
[  ] Be wary of anything that seems too good to be true, or that purports to act as a cure-all.
[  ] Research a product extensively before trying it, including checking with the BBB (Better Business Bureau) to find out if there have been any complaints against it.
[  ] Always check with your doctor before taking any sort of supplement.
 
More information:

• Tips for Avoiding Fraudulent “Anti-Aging” Products (FBI.gov)
• Tips on How to Avoid Fraudulent “Anti-Aging” Products (Quackwatch)

 

1. “Update! Click here…” – Internet fraud (including email/phishing)

Seniors are particularly at risk for such scams due to their reduced comfort with computers and the internet.  From fake anti-virus programs through phishing scams that harvest personal information through a request for updates.
[  ] Be careful about opening attachments (which often can contain viruses) as well as clicking links in emails (scammers can use letters/symbols that mimic actual letters/symbols to build a fake site that can lure you into entering your password details).
[  ] If you haven’t reset your password and receive any emails about resetting your password, independently visit the site in question and check your account.  Change your password immediately; consider calling the site’s customer support line to report the incident and make sure there are no further security measures you can take.
[  ] Monitor your bank statements vigilantly for fraudulent charges. Often, scammers will start with a small charge, just to confirm that the account is active (and also so that it is less easily spotted).  Call your bank immediately if you see anything strange.
 
More information:

• NYT Article on “Avoiding Phishing Frauds”
• Tips on Avoiding Online Fraud and Identity Theft (Norton)

 

1.  “I am a Nigerian prince…” – Financial schemes

Seniors might be tempted to invest their money if it means increasing the longevity of their savings, and so myriad scams exist to draw them in, promising yields on their investments.
[  ] Do not ever send money to someone you don’t know.
[  ] If you receive an email claiming to be from a Nigerian prince or some other comparable obvious scam, mark it as Spam.  Often, it will have some sort of “sob story” designed to get you to feel bad for the sender and want to help them in any way you can; do not fall for this.
[  ] If you receive a letter in the mail claiming to be a from a Nigerian prince (or something comparable), or requesting your banking information, take it to the FBI office nearest you or to the US Postal Inspection Service.
More information:

• Nigerian Letter of ‘419’ Fraud (FBI)
• “Nigerian Princes and Common Scams in Emails” (Windward Technology)

 

1. “You’ve won the lottery!” Contest scams

An announcement of a sweepstakes win is here linked with a need to invest to ‘unlock’ the prize.  Victims quickly send the money and receive a check, which bounces several days later.
[  ] Sweepstakes are free; there should never be a ‘buy-in’, especially if it promises you increased odds at winning – that should be a clear red flag for potential scam activity.
[  ] Be particularly wary of contests that you did not enter but announce that you are a winner.
[  ] Always read the terms and conditions for any contest in which you participate or from which you receive correspondence, as they should lay out the rules, procedure for entry, and even the probability of winning.
 
More information:

• US Postal Inspectors Guide to Sweepstakes Scams Targeting Seniors
• AARP’s 10 Ways to Spot A Lottery Scam

 

1. “Hello there, we need your help!” – Bogus Telemarketers

Because of their comfort in using the phone for transactions and communication, seniors are a prime target for fake telemarketers, who maximize on the opportunity to use voice-only means.  Some of the scams include raising money for fake charities and fake accidents.
[  ] Register your phone on the National Do Not Call Registry.
[  ]  If you are being rushed through a call or asked to give/confirm your account information – don’t.  You can even hang up in the middle of the call.  These telemarketers are just trying to get you to say ok so that they can later claim that you allowed them to charge you.
[  ]  Click on the resources below (under “More information”) to see the types of “lines” that are most commonly used by telemarketers.
 
More information:

• National Do Not Call Registry
• Phone Scams – Consumer Information

Mon., Feb. 11th:

Survival Without Firearms - The current furor over the threat of a new round of restrictive firearms laws in the aftermath of the Sandy Hook killings has gotten me to think further about what kinds of weapons we might choose to protect ourselves.
By Dr. John J. Woods, a contributing author to SurvivalCache.com

Here we are talking about defensive modes of protecting ourselves against any uninvited menace that might befall us.  However, and intended only as a sidebar, consider also if we were to find ourselves without traditional defensive firearms, then some of these same weapons choices could also be as easily applied effectively in an offensive mode.  How does the government intend to protect us against these tools?

Which of these “weapons” could be used for self-protection, an AR-15, 1911 in 45ACP, a wheel gun revolver in .357 Magnum, a swing blade, combat knife, screwdriver, ball peen hammer, a pipe wrench, sledge hammer, machete, 12-gauge shotgun, an ax, a 30-06 deer rifle, a ball bat, length of log chain, or a Kaiser blade?

The Prepper Scenario A common thread among the planning tactics for both Bug Out and Bug In preppers is the concept that we might eventually be confronted by rogue groups or a solo assault of “zombies”, common criminals, starving crowds of non-preppers, aggressive neighbors, or others just wishing to take from you what you have.

We tend to rely on a first front of defense using firearms.  There is no need for an in depth discussion of that here.  Our arsenal would likely include rifles, shotguns, and handguns.  Any types and all types in a wide range of suitable (or not) cartridges chambered for self-defense or property protection can expected to be found in stock.

A gross generalization of a tactical stance would be to use rifles for long(er) range defense or deterrent, shotguns with buckshot (not slugs) could be used for closer ranges, but perhaps not point blank, but maybe.  Handguns would most likely be relegated to close quarters work.

Hopefully what you choose to use works for you best because you are confident and skilled in the use of the weapons choices you have made.  If not, then get there as soon as it is feasible.

But in all of this keep in mind that despite the fact that you may have an ample supply of firearms and ammo available to defend or protect yourself, family, and escape hide out partners there are other alternative tools to consider.  Plus there may be times when a firearm is not the closest defensive tool within reach.

On the Cutting Edge I am not a knife fighter or blade expert.  My plan is to be the one that brings a loaded 1911 Kimber to the knife fight, but being a realist I know that might not always happen.  Still I have a wide selection of blades, long and short, fixed blades, folders, meat cleaver types, pocketknives, fish filleting knives, and nearly everything else in between.  While most of my blades are not designed for defense, at some level any one of them could be pressed into service likely with varying results.

I do not harbor a desire for that kind of hands on self defense work.  But what if we get faced with a situation in which that is the first or only option?  Then some training is called for as well as keeping such tools within reasonable reach just in case.  Knives may not draw attention like a firearm, so it is reasonable to add these to your kit.

One of the characters on the program Doomsday Preppers believes one of the critical weapons to his theoretical “circle of seven” tools of self defense needs to include a samurai type sword or other similar long blade with a long handle or hand grip.  There are many such tools on the market made by outfits like Cold Steel, Gerber, and others.  Even hardware stores and farm supply outlets will have a variety of tools that are for brush cutting and other heavy duty cutting/hacking tasks.  Add these to the mix.

Blunt Force Instruments As we work around the house or at a bug out escape location, we are highly likely to have a variety of impromptu weapons around.  We might think we’ll always have a firearm within reach, but maybe not.  If someone comes up on you in the workshop, garage, or storage shed, what might you grab to defend yourself?

Viewing another movie recently of the fictitious zombie genre’ I was taken by the choice of a sledgehammer as a tool of offensive and defensive self defense by one of the actors.  Understanding that depiction was “Hollywood” nevertheless it spirited my consideration of such heavy tools as a possible weapon of choice.  A ten pound hammer may not be a first choice, but it could an effective one at any rate.  A forward thrust to the throat or knee cap is likely to change the course of an aggressor.

Now I own a mega sledge and I would be the first to admit I would not want to tote that thing around all day.  At camp I strap it in the carry rack of the ATV.  At my age swinging a sledge about ten times is the equivalent of trying to do twenty pushups.  Good luck with that.  My point is to consider the defensive strategies with any tool you might buy for bug in home or bug out camp use.

Look in your garage on your pegboard wall or in your tool boxes.  See what items in there could be used as a last resort grab.  Perhaps all this sounds too elementary, but when is the last time you thought about taking a shovel off the wall to defend yourself?

Consider other tools as well.  What about a pipe wrench, a rake, heavy long shaft screwdriver, pry bar, broom, claw hammer, or any number of dozens of other implements found around the house.  At the very least consider thinking through the process.

Again, I don’t personally promote close quarters essentially hand-to-hand confrontations.  It’s only that whatever we are prepping for or planning for will likely not work out exactly as we had imagined.

Choosing and selecting weapons for our prepping strategies does not automatically imply the sole source of self-defense tools have to be firearms.  In reality and practice, I think we all intend to include that component, but there are many other options to have at the hand if needed