mysecurepc.com blog

A growing scam involves false tax returns.

Here is how it works:
A scammer files a tax return with a refund specified. Then the scammer goes to one of the tax return advanced loan businesses, presents the return, and gets a loan based on the anticipated refund. Goodbye scammer.

The problem manifests itself when the victim tries to file their tax return. If electronic, the IRS returns a notice that a return has already been filed.

One thing I cannot understand is how a tax return company will gladly create a tax return without physically checking the identity of the person. Maybe now they will.

Doug

Am I glad my mother in law is on the ball! My wife and I talk about all the scams that are happening around the country. Having one almost happen is a real wake up call.

A few nights ago my mother in law received a subtle frantic phone call around supper time from a man saying she is not correctly enrolled in Medicare. No problem though he would take care of it on the spot. Just give me your social security number and a few other pieces of information and you will be good to go.

She did not fall for it. Her response was that someone else takes care of her dealings with Medicare and they will look into it. After we heard this story and her friend investigated her Medicare status we decided it was a scam.

If caller id was available it probably would show “private call” so the phone call could not be tracked down.

If you know any seniors alert them the possibility of phony telephone calls that ask for personal information. Legitimate companies do not ask for this type of information. Get the telephone number and say you will call back – this usually ends the conversation.

Doug

This was on the news in Las Vegas the other day but is prevalent around the country. The ruse is this: a crook copies down pertinent information off gift cards, usually hanging next to the checkout line. Then the crook periodically calls to see if it has been activated. If so, then it is off to a spending spree.

One of the best ways to avoid this, other than not using gift cards, is to buy one that is behind a counter…of course the attendant may not be on the level but that is another story.

Doug

There has been a lot said about gas station skimmers – devices that take your debit card information at the gas pump. How does this happen? A crook attaches a skimming device, about the size of a pack of cigarettes, inside the gas pump. When the debit/credit card is scanned the information is captured on the skimmer. Sometimes a small camera is mounted to get debit card pin numbers being typed in.

Thieves get access to the pump by getting the keys from the attendant (usually paid off) or pose as a gas pump repairman. The most susceptible places are mom-and-pop gas stations. Unfortunately, there is no way to tell if a skimmer is attached to the pump.

Me? I use cash.

Doug

Gold has always been a hedge against rampant inflation. Gold coins have bought the passage to safety where other forms of money has failed. Many financial planners have recommended precious metals such as gold as part of an overall portfolio. Consider purchasing some gold, whether it be bullion or coins such as American Eagles, Krugerrands, or Maple Leafs for an adjunct to long-term financial security.

Doug

The newest scam is this: criminals place a call to a person requesting they call a number because of a problem such as a credit card breach. The person calls the given number which is a VOIP (voice over internet) phone number and is asked to enter in their account number, etc using the phone keys. VOIP phones can be set up to log phone key strokes and thus steal your information.
If you receive an email or phone call to call a particular number, don’t. Disconnect and call a known good telephone number and verify that indeed your account was breached.
Popular scams involve impersonating the IRS. If this is the case, report it to: IRS scam

Doug

The home computer security checklist is an all-inclusive list of tasks that need to be done to a home computer. Also included are tips on security around the house (e.g. getting and using a top quality paper shredder) and privacy issues (e.g. adding your telephone number to the national do not call registry).
Issues about laptop computers and wireless computing are also addressed. The impetus behind this list is the lack of a place where one can find *all* the things that must be done to provide a safe and secure computing environment. The list is updated frequently as the computer and home security landscape changes rapidly.

Doug

We finally spent the time investigating and evaluating residential locking mailboxes – what a chore! Stories abound about mail theft, especially around tax time. There have been several days the mailbox was empty and the question remains: no mail or stolen mail? Read our findings on the residential locking mailbox

Doug

A good paper shredder will help prevent someone rummaging through your garbage from finding personal information they could use to steal your identity. Some paper shredders will chop up credit cards, CDs, DVDs, and even smart cards. Read more about home/home office paper shredders at: home paper shredders