Scams are getting a lot more sophisticated?

[Sunny]

I get emails almost daily from various sources telling me that something had expired, my payment for something was refused, my credit card number was refused, etc. etc. I don't even bother checking any more. I just send them to my "security risk" mail folder.

Once or twice, I got one that was so believable that I called the company itself to make sure it was a scam. It always is. Makes me wonder what legitimate companies would do if they had an actual problem with a payment.

Actually, I did get one email with a message that my credit card had been refused, which was legitimate. I had changed my cc number because somebody had hacked it, this was several months ago, and I forgot to notify the company, which received payment from me once a year. I did some research and called the company to be sure it was on the level before giving them the correct number.

 

[Kadee]

I get emails almost daily from various sources telling me that something had expired, my payment for something was refused, my credit card number was refused, etc. etc. I don't even bother checking any more. I just send them to my "security risk" mail folder.

Once or twice, I got one that was so believable that I called the company itself to make sure it was a scam. It always is. Makes me wonder what legitimate companies would do if they had an actual problem with a payment.

Actually, I did get one email with a message that my credit card had been refused, which was legitimate. I had changed my cc number because somebody had hacked it, this was several months ago, and I forgot to notify the company, which received payment from me once a year. I did some research and called the company to be sure it was on the level before giving them the correct number.

I did that recently with a email I received saying the antivirus program would be renewing at a cost of $449 ( Norton )
Ive never used Norton …I use a iPad so it’s covered by Apple …anyway I phoned norton and they put me though to the technical department who was furious scammers were us in thier name in scamming people …they asked if id forward them the message I received as they vowed to track them down and put them out of business

@Sunny

 

[OneEyedDiva]

I got this in an email from Wells Fargo:
Scammers use pieces of your personal information and AI to create the perfect impersonation to fool you. Know the red flags to stay one step ahead.

​ What to watch for​ A receipt, shipping alert, or a declined payment notice for a purchase you didn’t make. Realistic audio or video messages mimicking people you trust.

What you can do​ Look out for red flags like unnatural formality, awkward phrasing, or noticeable changes in accent. If the communication feels suspicious, don’t respond, and contact the company in question directly ​

 

[Imogene]

I get shipping alerts a lot — for things I never ordered

Lately I have been getting voice mails telling me a loan for $57,000 has been approved, if I would either call an 866 number or click on the link

There has been a snippet on the local news a few times that Tennessee is the number two state in the nation for receiving scam calls, texts, emails, etc.

The answer as to why was allegedly because folks in the south are friendlier and will always answer their phones, etc. Not sure I buy into that but that’s the theory —-