Fear of Arrest Drives the No. 1 Scam — Dave’s Diary

How low can they go?  Imagine the lowest -- then go lower. If scammers spent as much time working at legitimate jobs as they do developing new scams, they would have every corner office locked up by now. But there is something about the allure of ill-gotten gain that keeps them in the game.According to the Better Business Bureau, here is how the No. 1 scam operates:

You receive an ominous phone call from someone claiming to be a police officer or government agent (often the IRS). They say they are coming to arrest you for overdue taxes or for skipping out on jury duty, or something of the like -- but you can avoid it, being the naturally honest person that you are, by sending them money via a prepaid debit card or wire transfer.

Whatever the “violation,” it’s scary to be threatened with arrest, and many people pay out of fear. Thanks to the BBB for these tips on avoiding the No. 1 scam in the country!

How to Avoid the Scam:

• Scammers might have your information. It’s not unusual for scammers to be able to recite the last four digits of your Social Security number or your address. Be vigilant and remain aware that government agencies do not initiate contact with consumers over the telephone or via email.
• Look out for “spoofing.” Part of scammers’ sophisticated tactics include “spoofing,” which happens when the caller masks their own number and causes the number of a well-known service, like the IRS, to appear on caller ID.
• Don’t be bullied. Never trust callers who use threats and hostility to bully their targets into doing what they want. Scams prey on your emotions, so don't let fear get the best of you. Hang up the phone if a scammer gets hostile with you.
• Keep your PIN. Legitimate businesses or government agencies will never ask for a PIN, password or similar confidential access information for credit cards or bank accounts. If a caller asks, don’t give it out.
• Call the authorities. If you’re solicited by someone suspicious claiming to be from a government agency, contact law enforcement immediately, then report it to your BBB to help other consumers stay safe.

For more tips and scam alerts, check out BBB on Facebook and Twitter.