Frans is Flywire’s Director of Compliance for Asia Pacific, Board Advisor, Educator and Industry Mentor. Connect with him on Linkedin.
I’ve already written about 4 scams that aren’t unusual and how to do them, but given the way Covid-19 has replaced global and encouraged virtual adoption, scammers have unfortunately sutured their scams to take advantage of their merit. the cash lost from them was higher, particularly from 2019 to 2020. In Singapore alone, the number of reported scams increased to 65. 1% in 2020, with more than $210 million lost.
Therefore, I think an update on the evolution of non-unusual scams is overdue. Here are some tactics that scammers have tricked other people into during the pandemic and what you can do to avoid being scammed:
1. Charity Scams
Scammers have used Covid-19 to solicit donations from the public posing as organisations such as the World Health Organisation or valid charities. They use the organization’s official logos that they imitate in their emails or internet sites to solicit donations.
The only way to fit a victim of such scams is to do their homework. If you would like to make a donation to an organization, check an independent government registry to make sure the organization is a registered or registered charity. Then look for the official online page of the organization and their main points of contact and make a donation directly through one of those channels. Never blindly adhere to the commands or data contained in the earned emails or internet sites found, as they can be spoofed to look at the originals.
2. Online Sales Scams
There has been an increase in the number of fake online sites created through scammers to take credit for Covid-19 anxiety These sites claim to sell emergency supplies, adding those that were once on the top list, such as masks and hand sanitizers. , as well as the supply of vaccines from pharmaceutical corporations such as Pfizer or Moderna. Once the payment is made, no device or vaccine will be sent. These sites are just a façade for scammers to borrow the payment and non-public data of their victims. .
For these types of scams, purchase emergency materials only from reputable sites, and for vaccines, consult a trusted fitness service provider or other legal vaccine provider. Stay informed and informed about news related to vaccine distribution from reputable sources. it cannot be purchased directly through Americans and can only be purchased through the government.
3. SMS Scams
During the lockdowns at the start of the pandemic, scammers attacked other people confined to their homes with the offer of a loose Netflix subscription for the entire lockdown period. All other people had to do was click on the link provided in the text to answer a survey and then pass the link to 10 WhatsApp users. The purpose was for scammers to borrow non-public data from their victims.
Stay informed and informed by reviewing the latest scam alerts in your country. For offers, call or email a company.
4. Advance Fee Scam
Earlier this year, the AARP warned against scammers attacking Americans by asking them to pay a payment (or provide their non-public information) to protect their recovery check. Covid-19 relief loans.
To verify the needs of any assistance from the passing government, go directly to the appropriate government of passage and find out how this assistance is administered.
5. Scams through government agents
In South Africa, its central bank warned of a scam in which other people went to homes, saying they needed to “remove” notes and coins because of viral contamination. People earned fake receipts and said they would simply exchange them for untainted cash from the Bank.
Be aware that those scammers create a sense of urgency and take advantage of people’s concerns through cash not easy right away. To avoid being a victim, stay logical and calm. If you encounter a similar situation, check the valid news websites or call your country’s central bank helpline directly to verify.
Remember that very often, if something sounds or seems too smart to be true, it probably is. Do your homework before making a payment or sharing your private data with anyone. latest news and check the main points before committing anything with someone. Following those fundamental principles will help you become a victim of scams.
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Frans is Flywire’s Chief Compliance Officer for Asia Pacific, Board Advisor, Educator and Industry Mentor. Connect with him on Linkedin. Read the full version of Frans Wiwanto
Frans is Flywire’s Asia Pacific compliance officer, board advisor, educator and mentor. Connect with him on Linkedin. Read Frans Wiwanto’s full profile here.