Protecting Yourself from Scams

Scams can happen to anyone – all ages, sexes, and races, leaving no person immune. As frequent subjects of scams, senior citizens must work diligently to stay informed and take proactive steps to avoid falling victim. Scams are growing more sophisticated every day and frequently involve technology. Let’s learn about the latest water bottle scam.

A rising scam

Recently, individuals doing the kind act of buying bottled water from teens in Atlanta’s heat were victimized by scammers. Here’s the sordid tale: While driving in their vehicles, they were approached by “water boys” – teens hustling bottled water to passing cars. The teens purportedly used Cash App to overcharge individuals. Two victims report losing over $1,000 from the transaction. Yahoo News describes how a $2 water turned into an unexpected $1,100 charge after a woman handed her phone over so the seller could type in “the right username.” Another victim who asked to remain anonymous said she lost $800 after the group of waterboys offered her a QR code when she didn’t have cash on hand. After scanning the code with her phone, $800 purportedly vanished from her account, bypassing verification typically required by Cash App. Yahoo News shares, “It’s unclear how the verification steps were skipped, but experts say scam apps and spoofed links can trick devices into authorizing payments.”

Ways to be careful

Avoid purchases from unestablished vendors

Unfortunately, it is unsafe to buy bottled water and other products from strangers operating on the roadside without permits to sell them. Not only can the products themselves be unsafe, but one’s personal security and private information can also be at risk.

Guard your phone

While using the phone to pay for items or provide tips is reasonable, one must never hand their phone over to a seller. This allows scammers to tamper with the transaction.

Avoid public or non-trustworthy QR codes

For those unfamiliar, QR codes, or quick-response codes, are a type of two-dimensional matrix barcode invented in 1994 originally designed to label automobile parts. Today, QR codes are used in many places. They encode data which can be scanned onto a device such as a computer or smartphone such as the iPhone. The grids are typically read with laser scanners or cameras on mobile phones, and special software is used to decode the pattern. QR barcodes are frequently used to track and share information and are popularly used in sales. They can download links for apps or take payments and more.

Here’s the problem

The problem is that people cannot tell if a QR code is trustworthy – so they must put faith in the source. One may also visually inspect QR codes to check for signs of tampering, but it is not always evident.

What we know about QR codes

Scanning QR codes can be risky, so only do so after verifying that the source is reputable, established, and legitimate – and one you utterly trust. Avoid using public QR codes such as those located at parking meters, gas stations, airports, on billboards, and more – where scammers can put up fakes or cover QR codes with illegitimate ones designed to take victims to a malicious website to steal information and money. Restaurants frequently leave QR codes on tables for customers to order food and make payments. Whenever possible, resist using the QR code and order and pay in person instead.

Protecting yourself from scams

Scammers have become very high tech, bypassing verification codes in some circumstances, as described in the case of the water boys. Unfortunately, older people are frequently targeted for scams possibly associated with mental or physical declines, reduced technological skills, and trusting natures. The best plan for action is to stay educated, stick to business with reputable businesses only, and be on guard against scammers and their latest forms of trickery.

Disclosure: This article is purely informational and is not intended as a substitute for professional advice.