I recently received a message from Leroy of Conyers, Georgia, who was the victim of a cunning scam targeting customers of cable service Xfinity. This cautionary tale is an important reminder for all of us to stay alert and informed about the latest scams.
Here’s what he has to share:
“I received a text message, believed to be from Xfinity, saying that if I prepaid for 4 months using a Target gift card, my bill would be halved.
Then I got a message saying there was a problem with the system.was told to call [number removed] to solve the problem.
I have been informed that there is a problem with the system and the target card. I was asked to submit two e-bay cards he bought for $200. When I did this, I was told that the original $350.00 would be refunded via overnight check. This had to be done within 3 hours of the call being made.
I checked with Xfinity and they didn’t know anything about this. I contacted Target and told them what had happened. There was nothing they could do and the money was already gone. – Leroy, Conyers, Georgia”
It’s very disappointing what happened to Leroy and it’s disappointing to see another person fall for an evil cybercriminal. To avoid falling for such nasty tricks, here are some key tips to know if you’ve been scammed.
1. Pay attention to benefits and winning announcements
A key tactic used by scammers is to trick you into believing that you have won a prize or that you will be given something in exchange for money. That was exactly the case with Leroy.
You might say that you bought a gift card, paid something upfront, or won a product such as a new flat-panel TV in exchange for your personal information.
If you receive a text message from a random number and the message contains a link or any kind of attachment, proceed with caution. Companies like Xfinity often send billing information by mail rather than by text or phone.
How scammers pose as cable and internet providers
![woman on the phone](https://a57.foxnews.com/static.foxnews.com/foxnews.com/content/uploads/2023/08/640/320/2-confused-woman-on-the-phone.jpg?ve=1&tl=1)
A woman is sitting on the sofa and making a phone call. (CyberGuy.com)
2. Don’t be fooled by phone solicitations
There have been incidents at Xfinity where someone called victims by phone, claiming to be from the company, and similarly offering a 50% reduction in cable bills.
They ask for your account information to “verify your identity,” and once they have that information, they can do anything with it. Xfinity says it will not call customers or offer such offers without calling them first. Don’t be fooled by these fake calls.
3. Never pay with a gift card
If someone asks you to pay with a gift card or buy a gift card, it’s very likely a scam. Gift cards are untraceable and a great way for scammers to extort money without leaving a paper trail.
At the very least, if you paid with a debit or credit card and it was fraudulent, your bank or credit card company may be able to help you get your money back.
4. Do not share your banking information with others
You should always be on your guard if someone calls you or texts you asking for your banking information.
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Scammers may try to trick you into believing that there is a problem with your account and that they need your information and that providing it will fix the problem. Don’t give out that information to anyone over the phone unless it’s the official number of the company you contacted.
5. Use antivirus protection
If you receive a text message or email with malicious links, install antivirus software on your device and click on those malicious links or attachments that can install malware on your device. to prevent hackers from breaking in. Access to Your Personal Information.
Read my expert reviews on the best antivirus protection for you. Windows, Mac, Android, iOS devices by going to CyberGuy.com/LockUpYourTech
6. Check your email now
It’s an old-fashioned trick, but there are still people who steal bills straight from your mailbox to get your information and then try to make more calls later.
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![Woman goes out to get mail](https://a57.foxnews.com/static.foxnews.com/foxnews.com/content/uploads/2023/08/640/320/3-WOMAN-GETTING-MAIL.jpg?ve=1&tl=1)
If you notice that your bill is missing, please contact your provider immediately to have the bill lost. Also, it’s a good idea to have a ring camera or some kind of outside security in front of your house so you can see if someone is stealing something from you.
Cart key points
Leroy’s unfortunate experience serves as a lesson for all of us. This highlights the need to remain vigilant against fraud.
To avoid being a victim, it is important to be aware of offers, prizes and phone calls, refrain from paying with gift cards, protect your banking information, take virus protection, and protect your personal information quickly. By doing all this, you can avoid becoming a victim of these sneaky scammers.
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