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Online Sports Betting A New Hotbed For Scammers

Man watching soccer at home with one hand on his head and another holding a beer.

If you’ve watched any sporting event over the last few years, you’ve probably seen a barrage of advertisements for online sports betting.  The sports betting industry is massive, accounting for over $150 billion yearly. This number will continue to grow as the years pass. If you’re thinking about throwing your money into the ring, you must be careful not to get duped. Thieves will always follow the money, which is making online sports betting a new hotbed for scammers.  Below, we will give you an idea what types of scams to look out for and how to protect yourself and your personal information.

Examples Of Online Sports Betting Scams

Scam Betting Sites

Just because you see an ad for something on social media or a website doesn’t make it legitimate. Scam websites will often offer unrealistic bonus bets or promotions in order to lure victims in. Depositing money to a fraudulent website is the equivalent of putting your money through a paper shredder.

Beware Of Offshore Gambling Platforms

Offshore betting websites are not a new invention, but it can be risky to deposit your money into one. The fact that these websites are hosted offshore means that they cannot be regulated by any government agency. While many offshore gambling sites are legitimate, you’ve got to be very careful.

Watch Out For “Expert” Handicappers

You may come across an advertisement or email where an “expert” handicapper claims to have inside information. They may claim to have knowledge about the inner workings of the sports betting industry. You would likely be paying for fake information which won’t help you win bets and may even lead to losing money to a scammer.

Tips To Avoid Becoming A Victim

Find out if sports betting is legal in your state. 38 states currently allow online sports betting through licensed websites/apps. Visit your state’s website to verify whether you are able to sports bet at your location.

Only place bets through licensed betting platforms. Any website you plan to place bets through should have a state license number which you can cross-check on your state’s website. Only place bets through licensed channels.

Don’t deposit money using non-traditional methods. If a website asks to you to deposit money using gift cards, cryptocurrency or wire transfer, this is a huge alarm bell. You should only make a deposit using a credit card or payment app that offers fraud protection.

Make sure the website you’re betting through is secure. You may have heard of large sports betting sites like DraftKings or Hard Rock Bet. However, just because an add looks legitimate, it may bring you to a spoof website. Always check that the website displays a padlock in the browser window and that the URL begins with “https”.

The popularity of gambling websites is making online sports betting a new hotbed for scammers. If you decide to bet, please be careful. If you find that sports betting is becoming a problem, please call the National Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-MY-RESET (800-697-3738) or visit npcgambling.org. 

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Protect Yourself From Scams When Using Payment Apps

Man holding a cell phone

Payment apps, such as Venmo, PayPal, CashApp and Zelle have become a part of our social lexicon. These apps make sending money to a friend or family member extremely convenient. You can a payment more securely than with cash or a check, but it still comes with its risks. It’s important to protect yourself from scams when using payment apps because scammers are using them more frequently than ever to take advantage of unsuspecting users.

Manhattan DA Speaks Out Against Payment Apps

In early 2024, a letter was sent to the owners of CashApp, Zelle and Venmo from the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office. In this letter, they called for stronger protections for consumers. This call to action was prompted by the increase of fraud claims involving payment apps between 2020 and 2022. In this time frame, fraud claims tripled and costs users hundreds of millions in losses.

How To Protect Yourself From Scams When Using Payment Apps

  • Check your security settings in the app. Every app has different features so it’s important to choose the most stringent protections the app offers. Also, you should ensure that you keep the app up-to-date. Developers are frequently providing updates that offer the latest in security upgrades. If you don’t update your app, you may be missing out on the latest protections.
  • Enable biometric authentication. Authentication is all the rage right now, and that’s a great thing for users. The latest technology taking hold is biometric authentication. This involves confirming your identity by scanning your fingerprint or your face. If you enable this feature on an app, you are the only person that will be able to open the app. 
  • Don’t send money to people you don’t recognize. One of the largest scams involving payment apps is where scammers send requests for payment to unsuspecting users. These scammers may disguise themselves as a charity or even a friend or family member and request money from you. Even if you recognize the person, first verify that this is really them and that you want to send them money.
  • Never hand your phone to a stranger. Scammers have gotten extremely proficient at taking what they want. If a stranger asks to use your phone, and you oblige, they could open your payment app and transfer money to their account in a matter of moments. It’s best to keep your phone in your possession.
  • Review your transactions frequently. You should review the transactions section of your payment apps frequently so that you can quickly spot any unauthorized transactions. Another helpful feature you can take advantage of are notifications for new transactions. This will alert you immediately when a transaction occurs in your account.

Approximately 80% of Americans use mobile payment apps. Scammers recognize what an enormous market this is for them. Please use these tips to protect yourself from scams when using payment apps. Your bank account, credit score or credit report could take a huge hit if you don’t.

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Scammers Are Using QR Codes To Steal Your Info

Cell phone with a QR code displayed on the screen.

QR codes have become a popular medium for quickly accessing information. Their name (quick response) harkens to their ability to allow users to pull up websites or files in no time. These black and white, Rorschach test-esque squares are extremely convenient. You may have used them at a restaurant to pull up a menu, or maybe scanned one on a product’s packaging to pull up more information. The convenience of QR codes is their biggest attribute, but also the thing that makes them dangerous. As with anything popular, scammers are using QR codes to steal your info. 

What is a QR code and how do they work?

A QR code is a black and white square, each with a unique pattern of blocks and lines, which will lead to a designated website or file. Most current smartphones have a built-in app for scanning QR codes, or you can use your phone’s camera to scan the code. Once the code is scanned, a URL will appear on your screen. You can then click this link to go to the webpage embedded in the code. 

QR codes seem like futuristic technology, but anyone can create one and scammers are using this to their advantage. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has recently alerted Americans to scams using QR codes and these scams have even been given a name: quishing.

What should I look out for when using QR codes?

  • Always inspect the URL associated with the code. When you scan a QR code, make sure you vet the link before clicking on it. Do you notice anything suspicious? Are there any misspellings or letters out of order? 
  • Check to ensure the code hasn’t been tampered with. If you need to scan a QR code, let’s say to pay for public parking, make sure you check for signs of tampering. Scammers may create their own QR code, print them on stickers, and place them on top of existing codes. While you think you’re legitimately paying for parking, you may be giving money to a scam.
  • Never scan a code in an unsolicited text or email that asks to you act quickly. Anytime you’re asked to do something quickly, this can be a red flag that something shady is afoot. If you think the message is legitimate, contact the sender through their official website or phone number – not through the QR code. 
  • Keep your phone’s operating system up-to-date. Your phone is frequently notifying you of new updates that need to be installed. These are updates to the phone’s operating system. While you may see changes to the features you use, most of these updates are to upgrade security features. Cell phone manufacturers must constantly be on top of the latest scams and update operating systems to combat them. It’s important that you install these updates when they’re released so that your phone is protected against the latest vulnerabilities. 

Scammers are using QR codes to steal your info, but this doesn’t mean you have to let them have it. Use these tips to protect yourself and you will be able to safely use QR codes and the convenience they offer.

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Americans Now Have Access To Free Weekly Credit Reports

Woman typing on a laptop with papers and a pen sitting beside her on a desk.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the three major credit bureaus – Experian, TransUnion and Equifax – enacted a program allowing Americans to access their credit report weekly. Recently, the credit bureaus have agreed to extend this program, indefinitely. Thankfully, Americans now have access to free weekly credit reports, permanently. Prior to this program, Americans were entitled by law to one free credit report annually from each of the three bureaus.

How do I access my free credit reports?

To access your credit reports, visit AnnualCreditReport.com. If you try to access your credit reports from other websites, you may be charged or you may end up on a fraudulent site intended to steal your information.

Why should I check my credit report?

Any time a line of credit is opened under your file, your credit report will show it. This includes credit cards, loans, car loans, etc. You also will be able to see any credit inquiries, which are when creditors access your file in order to see whether they want to do business with you. 

Accessing your credit report will allow you to review all the entries on your file and quickly discover any fraudulent activity. Reviewing your credit report is the fastest way to detect identity theft. The faster you can detect identity theft, the faster you can correct the situation. The longer identity theft goes undetected, the more time thieves have to wreak havoc.

You credit report will also allow you to see whether all your bills are being paid on time or if you have any accounts turned over to collections. Even if you don’t find any suspicious activity on your report, you may find a mistake you’ve been inadvertently making with your finances.

Americans now have access to free weekly credit reports, so use them to your advantage. Staying on top of your personal file is the key to raising your credit score and ensuring you aren’t being taken advantage of.

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Make A New Years Safety Resolution

People sitting around a table with drinks, notepads and laptops.

A new year brings with it the opportunity to start fresh. Whether you want to lose weight, exercise more or quit a vice, there’s no better time than now to make a change. Every year there are new scams looking to take advantage of your vulnerabilities. So, as we take this new year on, do yourself a favor and make a new years safety resolution. We will give you some suggestions on how to protect yourself from becoming an identity theft victim.

Make Use Of Free Credit Reports

Did you know that each of the three major credit bureaus (Experian, TransUnion and Equifax) offer you a free credit report each year? This is a wonderful tool because it allows you to keep an eye on your credit throughout the year. Your credit report will list every instance where a line of credit was opened or if there have been any credit inquiries on your file. If you spot an entry that you don’t recognize, this could be identity theft. You can then take the necessary actions to resolve any issues.  It is advisable to spread out your free credit reports so that you can keep an eye on it throughout the entire year. 

Keep Your Debit Card At Home

Many of us use debit cards daily. Money is taken directly from your checking account, and it can help you live within your means. If you don’t have the money in your account, you will be subject to fines. However, you shouldn’t carry your debit card around with you. Debit cards don’t have the same amount of protection as you do with a credit card. With a credit card, if your card is stolen and fraudulent charges appear, you call your credit card company, and they remove the charges. With a debit card, you often only have protection up to $50. Your bank may waive fraudulent charges, but they aren’t often required to. If your debit card is stolen and your bank account is drained, can you imagine the devastation it could cause in your life? It’s better to leave your card at home.

Tighten Up Your Social Media Security

The new year is a great time to re-evaluate your social media settings. Do you know if your account is private, or can anyone see your posts? Many people post very important information on their social media pages. This information could be used to steal your identity. Take a look at your security settings and make sure that your information can only be seen by those you trust. Also, take this time to thin down your friends list. Is everyone you’re connected with someone you’d like to share all this information with?

 It’s time for a fresh start, so make a new years safety resolution and stick to it. You and your family will be safer for it. 

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How Do I Find My Credit Report?

Glasses and pen on a table with a graph.

Building credit is an important task for all Americans. You may have seen commercials or advertisements that reference credit scores and how to view or raise them. Your credit report and credit score are key to being able to purchase a car, house or open any new line of credit. You may be wondering; how do I find my credit report? Well, it is very easy to find, and we will help you learn what to look for when you read it. Knowing some of the key red flags will help you potentially spot identity theft as quickly as possible.

How Do I Find My Credit Report?

All Americans are entitled to receive one free credit report from each of the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian and TransUnion) per year. You can obtain your credit report by visiting AnnualCreditReport.com. This website is authorized by US federal law, so you can feel safe knowing inputting any necessary information.

We recommend spreading out when you obtain your free credit reports. If you were to get the first one in January, the second in May and the third in September, you’d be able to keep an eye on your credit file throughout the entire year. If you’re afraid you may be a victim of identity theft, you can always obtain all three at once if you want to cover all your bases.

What Should I Look For When I Receive My Credit Report?

  • Your Information – Is all of your personal information correct?
  • Credit Accounts – Do you recognize all the accounts listed in your report? Do the payment histories for each of them look correct? If not, you should dig further and report any discrepancies.
  • Credit Inquiries – Hard inquiries will show up on your credit report when you apply for a new line of credit and the creditor requests to view your file. These hard inquiries do affect your credit report, so you should limit the frequency with which you apply for new lines of credit. Soft inquiries will show on your report when companies or organizations are looking to offer you a line of credit. These will not affect your credit report, but you should keep an eye on them. Do recognize all the hard inquiries? If not, you should notify the credit reporting agency right away.
  • Credit Score – Okay, so your credit score isn’t actually listed on your credit report, but it’s still very important. It’s also easy to find. Many banks and credit cards will supply you with your credit score for free. Otherwise, you can purchase your score from an entity such as FICO, or obtain them for free from a website like Credit Karma. What is your credit score? This number is an indication of how good your overall credit is. All lines of credit in your name, making payments on time and without missing as well as any hard inquiries will affect your credit score. As a point of reference, here are some ranges that can give you an idea how your score stacks up:
    • 720-850 is Excellent
    • 690-719 is Good
    • 630-689 is Fair
    • 300-629 is Bad

How do I find my credit report? Now you know! You should take advantage of the free reports so that you can keep an eye on your file. Any unrecognizable inquiries may be a tip off that your identity has been stolen. The faster you can identify identity theft, the easier it is to recover it. 

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Five Tips For Social Media Safety

Man holding an iPhone opened to an Instagram profile.

Social media is one of the best ways to keep in touch with old friends and family or keep yourself entertained. However, it can also put a target on your back for scammers (or self-inflicted damage) if you don’t know how to protect yourself. Below we will give you five tips for social media safety which you can use to help safeguard yourself from unwanted attacks.

Five Tips For Social Media Safety

  • Watch what you post online. This is a multi-layered issue. You must be careful what information you post on social media because any sensitive information could be used in a possible identity theft. However, you also must watch what you post. People such as potential employers, love interests or landlords could use this information to vet you in the future. Many of us feel that social media is our safe space, when in fact it could a landmine that is waiting to explode.
  • Use unique, strong passwords for all social media accounts. You should have a different password for every website or app you log into. It can be difficult to remember a bunch of passwords, so a password manager is a great option.
  • Avoid clicking ads on social media. While you may think that a massive website such as Facebook would never allow a scam ad to be posted, it happens much more frequently than you realize. You may click a link for a great deal on an item you’ve been wanting. The website may look legitimate. However, you may pay for the item and never receive it. Knowing how to spot a secure website can also help you from becoming a victim of this type of scam.
  • Strengthen your privacy settings. All social media apps and websites give you the ability to change your privacy settings. You can set it up to where only your friends can see your posts and you can also use settings to prevent tracking.
  • Be wary of random private messages. If you receive messages from people you don’t know, especially regarding topics you’ve posted about on social media, be very careful. Phishers and scammers are becoming very clever, so you must keep your guard up.

For all the positives social media brings, there certainly come some downsides with it. Use these tips to help keep yourself safe while still enjoying your time online. 

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Identity Theft Red Flags

Red flag waving in front of a blue, clouded sky

One of the scariest things about identity theft is that it is something that you can’t detect until after it happens. Unfortunately, there’s no way to stop it from happening once your information falls into the wrong hands. The most important thing you can do though is to detect fraudulent activity and report it as quickly as possible. The faster you get started correcting the issue, the easier it will be. You need to be aware of some identity theft red flags that you can use to jump into action.

Identity Theft Red Flags

  • Stolen Credit or Debit Card/Money Taken From Bank Account
    • Tip: You should check your credit card and bank statement weekly, if not daily. If you see any unauthorized transactions, contact your financial institution immediately. Sign up to receive email or text alerts whenever there is a new transaction. This is the fastest way to detect shady activity.
  • Multiple Tax Returns Filed Under Your Name
    • Tip: If you receive a letter from the IRS that there are more than one tax returns filed in your name, this is a major red flag for identity theft. Also, if you receive a W-2 or 1099 from an employer you don’t work for, this should set off an alarm.
  • Lines of Credit Opened In Your Name
    • Tip:  Check your credit report as frequently as possible. You can receive three free reports per year, one from each of the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, TransUnion and Experian). Visit AnnualCreditReport.com to receive your free report. It is best to use one free credit report every four months so that you can monitor your credit throughout the year.
  • Unemployment Fraud
    • Tip: If you receive a notice from your employer or your state unemployment office regarding unemployment benefits you didn’t apply for, you may be a victim. Unemployment fraud has been one of the most common forms of identity theft since the pandemic started. 

The easiest way to nip identity theft in the bud is to sign up with an identity theft restoration service before you become a victim. A service such as ReclaimMyID will work until your identity is restored to 100% of its pre-theft status.

Keep an eye out for these identity theft red flags and you’ll be in the best position to catch the culprits as quickly as possible.

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Start Using A Password Manager

Man holding cell phone with login screen on phone tablet and computer screens

Social media, banking apps, email and shopping websites are just a few of the various online mediums that most Americans use every day. One thing that all of these have in common are that they all require a password to log in. The average American has over 100 passwords to remember. If you’re like 75% of Americans who struggle with keeping track of passwords, start using a password manager. The accounts you log in to hold a variety of important personal information, so you should take your privacy and security seriously.

What is a password manager?

A password manager is a secure, virtual storage device where you can house all of your passwords safely. Using a password manager will allow you to easily access a password when you need it without having to remember off the top of your head. 

The most important thing that a password allows you to do is create unique, strong passwords for every site you log in to. Many of us get so tired of trying to remember all our passwords that we end up using simple passwords or using the same password for every site. It’s extremely important to vary your passwords and make them strong (around 12 characters using upper and lowercase letters, numbers and symbols) so that they are more difficult to hack. Many password managers will create strong passwords for you which is a nice feature.

There are three types of password managers: 

  • Local – Passwords are stored locally in a password manager on your device.
  • Cloud-Based – Your passwords are stored by the vendor in their data center. 
  • Portable – Passwords are stored in a password manager which is housed on a USB drive.

There are pros and cons to each type of password manager. A cloud-based manager (most popular) allows you to access your passwords anywhere you can access the internet. However, there is a very slim chance that the vendor could encounter a data breach. Locally based managers can only be accessed at home and portable devices can be lost or hacked. The choice is up to you. Choose one that works best for your needs. 

Keeping your information safe is the key to preventing identity theft. Your passwords are the key to unlocking some of your most important information. Start using a password manager – you can protect yourself while not having to remember so many passwords. 

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Don’t Fall For Family Emergency Scams

Elderly woman holding phone in right hand up to ear

If a family member called you and asked for your help, would you? Most of us would answer “yes” to this question. However, many people in America who have actually helped “loved ones” are being duped by imposters. Scammers have come up with some very elaborate schemes to take advantage of caring individuals looking to support their kin. Please take a few minutes to read the tips in this article so you don’t fall for family emergency scams.

What Are Family Emergency Scams?

A family emergency scam is one that involves someone pretending to be a family member in distress, an authority figure such as a lawyer or police officer, or a combination of both. 

As an example, a “family member” may call you saying that they are in urgent need of your help. In this case, help would be monetarily. They may inform you that a “lawyer” or “police officer” will contact you and you will receive a call from them immediately. 

You will be pressured to send money immediately and to keep it a secret from everyone. If you were to ask others in your family about the situation, you may find out it’s a scam. 

What To Do If You Receive A Family Emergency Call

  • Hang Up. This may seem heartless, but you should never send money under a time constraint while under immense pressure.
  • Call the loved one back. You may find that the actual loved one the imposters were pretending to be is perfectly fine. You may find out that they’re actually in need of your help if it wasn’t a scam. Either way, you will know for sure. 
  • Call others in your family. If you can’t reach the intended family member, call others in their close family. Hopefully, one of their family members will be able to clear up whether there is really an issue.

The moral of the story is: support your family but be smart and don’t panic. Don’t fall for family emergency scams so that you’ll have the means to help when someone actually needs it.