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Scams can come and go with the seasons. This particularly hits around the end of year holidays and you will have to be wary of it. Indeed, everyone can fall into the trap and find it difficult to extricate themselves from it. Learn to recognize this scam and know how to say no to him.
Scams in numbers
When the end of year celebrations approach, curiously, scams are increasing in number and frequency. The statistics clearly demonstrate this. According to a study by Norton for example, 18% of French consumers were victims of fraud during this period. Moreover, 58% of them have already ended up being trapped.
In addition to this, advertisements malicious (malvertising) also increase by 53% as the festivities approach. This doesn’t help matters since scams are multiplying at the same time. This data illustrates the importance of remaining vigilant and taking additional safety measures during this time.
The most common scams
The scams follow one another, but they are not alike. Indeed, some surprise victims from afar, but others do it head-on. They also vary depending on the expectations of scammers. For example, a large majority of scammers directly target the bank card in order to get a fortune. To do this, they send fraudulent emails or messages.
To have
This new phone scam can empty your bank account, it’s undetectable
Other scams lure their victims through attractive gifts or discounts. In reality, the goal of criminals is to collect personal or financial data. Donation scams also appear around the holidays. Scammers rely on the atmosphere to soften generous hearts. Phone calls or emails ask for donations to fictitious causes.
A scam is back
The scam which is making a comeback, particularly in the North of France, revolves around trash cans. This is a scam where individuals pretend to be municipal officials or garbage collectors. They seek to extort money from residents and mainly attack the elderly.
The modus operandi of this scam takes place face to face. Fake firefighters or municipal agents come knocking directly on their doors. They claim that they must carry out changing trash bins to comply with new regulations. Of course, they come to raise money for this operation. But, it will not be useful in this sense.
People who present themselves as canvassers are still not what they claim. This may be a scam, so beware. Moreover, everyone, including the elderly, can refuse to receive these individuals. However, in order not to appear totally antisocial, there remains an alternative: take precautions.
How to protect yourself?
In this period where there seems to be a festive air everywhere, scams are not far away. To protect yourself, the most important thing is to verify the identity of visitors. To do this, do not hesitate to ask for a professional card from them. If in doubt you can even contact the town hall or the waste service.
To have
This notification means that you are the victim of this new virulent scam, beware
Take this step to confirm the veracity of the request. On the other hand, refrain from paying without verification in advance. If the person standing in front of you does not inspire confidence in you, you can perfectly well leave the door closed. The law allows you to do so to protect yourself from scams.
