Calling the scammers
In this episode of the "Joe Knows Better" podcast, Joe Ducey teamed up with Jasmine Hill and Tierra Terry from the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to tackle the pervasive issue of scam calls. Broadcasting from the podcast studios at BBB, the trio took a hands-on approach to confronting scammers who prey on unsuspecting victims.
Joe kicked off the episode by highlighting the frustrations of many who fall victim to scams, sharing a personal experience about a supposed virus alert on his computer. His goal was clear: to give scammers a taste of their own medicine and educate listeners on how to avoid these traps.
The BBB's ScamTracker tool played a crucial role in their mission, helping the team identify common scam numbers reported by victims. Joe emphasized the importance of this resource, noting that the BBB is a vital place for reporting and tracking scams and unethical business practices.
The first scam they tackled involved a fake Apple support number. A victim had been redirected from what they thought was Apple support to a scammer who demanded $1,800 in gift cards. Joe made it clear that gift card requests are a major red flag for scams and urged listeners to never comply with such demands.
Attempting to contact the scammers, Joe and his team faced several disconnected numbers, a common issue as scam numbers often go offline quickly once detected. However, persistence paid off when they finally connected with a scammer posing as a computer support technician. Joe confronted the scammer, revealing his identity and affiliation with the BBB, and questioned their unethical practices. The scammer, clearly unsettled, hung up.
The podcast continued with more calls, including one to a supposed Microsoft support line that had scammed a victim out of $320. Jasmine and Tierra shared their own experiences with scam calls, finding some satisfaction in frustrating the scammers by not giving them the answers they wanted.
Another call involved a scammer claiming to help with a virus alert on a computer. Joe played along until the scammer asked for remote access to the computer, a common tactic to steal personal information. Once again, Joe revealed the scam and condemned the fraudulent activity.
The highlight of the episode was a call to a fake Apple support line where the scammer tried to guide Joe through downloading a suspicious program. Joe interrupted the process, exposing the scammer live on air. The scammer quickly ended the call, unable to justify their actions.
Joe, Jasmine, and Tierra wrapped up the episode by reflecting on their efforts. They expressed hope that by exposing these scams, they could deter some fraudulent activities and protect potential victims. Joe reminded listeners to always verify the legitimacy of support numbers and to report scams to the BBB's ScamTracker.
For more tips on avoiding scams and ethical business practices, Joe encouraged listeners to visit the BBB's website BBB Scam tracker and his podcast page, reminding everyone to "check reviews and look for accredited businesses that agree to operate ethically."
Five quick tips to avoid scams
Verify contact information: Always verify the contact details independently before engaging with anyone who contacts you unsolicited. Use official websites or known contact numbers to ensure you're dealing with legitimate sources.
Be wary of unusual payment requests: Scammers often request payment via gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrencies. Legitimate companies and government agencies do not ask for payments through these methods. Always be skeptical if asked to pay this way.
Look for red flags in communication: Be cautious of emails, phone calls, or messages with urgent requests, poor grammar, and spelling mistakes. Legitimate organizations typically communicate in a professional manner.
Use two-factor authentication (2FA): Enhance your online security by enabling 2FA wherever possible. This adds an extra layer of protection by requiring a second form of verification in addition to your password.
Educate yourself on common scams: Stay informed about the latest scams and fraudulent tactics. Regularly check resources like the Better Business Bureau's ScamTracker, Federal Trade Commission (FTC) updates, or consumer protection websites for information on new and trending scams.
Make informed choices before you hire!, check out reviews at bbb.org. Also check for BBB Accredited Businesses that agree to operate at a higher ethical standard. And check out Joes podcasts and videos helping businesses and consumers get it right. Go to joeknowsbetter.bbbcommunity.org and to the JoeKnowsBetter Facebook page.