With many utilizing online shopping these days, the so called “bad actors” are now sending text messages or emails with links to verify delivery or even mimicking banking institutions that report your account has experienced an issue, even if you may not have placed an order. Monmouth Police Department Investigator Josh Kramer says not to click on the provided links:
“They are just trying to confirm information with you. If you do kind of fall for it, and you get to the point where they are telling you to go buy gift cards, obviously that should be the biggest red flag of everything. No company is going to want you to go purchase gift cards for them and send gift card numbers. The other thing that we are seeing too is they are mimicking different banking, whether it be Capital One, Credit One, sending spam emails saying either we have had problems with your account, you need to confirm this information, or somebody has created an account in your name can you confirm whether this is you or not. Obviously they are asking for usually your Social Security number, date of birth, or whatever numbers they are missing. That is a big one to definitely start keeping your eye out on. When you get those, don’t ever call the number provided, don’t click the links that they provide in the email or the text message, go directly to their official site or their official phone number and call to confirm. If you have an account with them, they will send you a direct message.”
Also, as technology advancements continue with the use of artificial intelligence, Investigator Kramer reports to be on the lookout for spoofing calls. Verify who you are talking to before trusting what they are saying.
