Scams often work by exploiting a vulnerability. Could something as positive as kindness, be a vulnerability? Turns out it is for a lot of elderly folks. Scamming elderly folks, exploiting their kindness, is on the raise.
One of the scam playbooks is a call from a well recognized organization, think Amazon (shopping) or Norton (antivirus), informing being signed up for a service that was not asked for. Offering an option to unsubscribe and ask for a refund. But there is a caveat. Have to install some software.
These scams work by exploiting the kindness of the victim. Scammer claims that their job is at risk because of the carelessness of the victim. Part of the scam involves installing software on the victims desktop or laptops, that takes full control of their systems. Not just allowing remote viewing but also allowing transfer of files.
Being scammed not only has financial costs but often a huge psychological hit. Invariably questions are raised. Is age making them more vulnerable? Some times these questions end in a battery of tests. While the real reason for being scammed? Pure and simple kindness!
How can one protect themselves from such attacks?
Don’t trust. We are living in a world where trust needs to be earned. If someone calls claiming they are from some reputable organization, hang up and look up the number for the organization and call back.
Don’t install any applications asked for by these callers. No organization really needs access to any of your devices for any refunds and such. Rare exceptions are when you have initiated the call for help or support.
Don’t be kind! In today’s world, kindness can be expensive! Be kind – but use wisdom. If you don’t know who is on the other end of the line, chances are you are being scammed, just because you are kind.
Check out this page for more details: https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2021/10/amazon-impersonators-what-you-need-know
