Another year, another scam

It’s a new year, which means new scams can’t be far behind.

The latest one, according to a consumer alert from the Better Business Bureau, involves thieves who are threatening to cut off email services, other services such as Facebook accounts, orders from online companies and even utilities unless the targeted victim quickly pays up.

“The scammer alerts the consumer either via a phone call or email of the cancellation and may say that the consumer must provide certain information or pay a certain amount to keep their services,” BBB officials said. “The scammer proceeds to give the consumer a number to call for more information or a clickable link to follow.”

Following those directions can be a costly mistake. Rather than blindly calling a number or going to some website that almost assuredly is bogus, BBB officials say individuals should look up the service provider in question and go directly to the business.

“Don’t give out any information or pay for anything without checking that this is legitimate,” BBB officials said. “If you are concerned about the inquiry, find the direct contact information for the provider in question and contact them to verify if this cancellation of services is genuine. You don’t want to give out personal information to the wrong people or end up with a virus on your computer.”

There’s a common thread, regardless of the scam — the caller wants information that he or she can use to rob you. That’s the reason why it gets even more important in these days when companies rely more and more on technology for interaction with their customers that consumers make sure they’re familiar with the contacts and methods of doing business with the companies they use.

The BBB has some tips on how to handle these types of scams:

— Never give out your bank account information to anyone you do not know. Scammers want to push you to divulge your bank account information so that they can steal your money. Keep that information confidential. Contact Customer Service of the service that is being referenced to see if the inquiry is real.

— Phone numbers and email addresses can deceive. Scammers can use technology to disguise their phone numbers and email addresses. They can make a call or email look like it is from anybody anywhere.

— If you encounter something suspicious, let someone know. BBB officials encourage consumers who encounter suspicious activity with a business to contact the BBB offices. And if it seems to be a serious concern, contact law enforcement immediately.

— Be familiar with your services payment policies and contact information. Don’t be fooled into making payments or responding to a company in unusual manners. Know how your service providers will bill you and contact you, and how you can contact them in return.

For a scam like this to work, the victim has to provide some degree of cooperation. By being alert and proactive, you can save yourself a lot of grief … and money.

— The Albany Herald Editorial Board