The Minnesota Department of Commerce is encouraging Minnesotans to identify and prevent scams that harm consumers, organizations and communities.
“We are seeing an alarming increase in scammers who trick people into sharing their private financial information,” said Commerce Assistant Commissioner of Enforcement Jacqueline Olson.
“As you set goals for the new year, especially with plans to improve how you manage money, we want to empower you to arm yourself with tools to prevent losing money to fraud.”
Olson offers tips from consumer protection and enforcement agencies:
Verify first. Scammers use technology to look and sound like a person or business you know. Do not respond. Instead, contact the person or business directly to verify whether there is a problem.
Following are the most common imposter scams:
•Scammers use caller ID to make it look like they are calling from an official government or business. They will urgently demand you need to share your account info or pay money.
•Scammers pretend to be a grandchild or other relative who needs emergency financial help.
•Charity scammers pretend to be from a real or fake charity to try to get you to contribute.
•Technology scammers tell you your computer’s security is at risk and try to remotely access your device.
Beware when someone plays on your emotions. Slow down and consider that the call or text could be from a scammer trying to trick you.
Advances in artificial intelligence make it easier for scammers to clone phone numbers and voices. They may also alter images to look like a person or organization you know.
Contact the person yourself to verify the story and use contact information you know is theirs.
Too good to be true? Ask yourself why someone is trying so hard to give you a “great deal.” If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
Never pay up front for fees, taxes or prizes. It’s a scam if you must pay fees or taxes to receive a prize or other financial windfall.
Compare prices after hearing a sales pitch. Ask for information in writing and read it carefully.
Watch out for deals that are only “good today” and that pressure you to act quickly. Walk away from high-pressure sales tactics that don’t allow you time to read a contract or get legal advice before signing.
Also, don’t fall for the sales pitch that says you need to pay immediately, for example, by wiring the money, sending it by courier or over a payment app, or by sending cryptocurrency.
Don't click on links or scan QR codes. These can take you to scammers’ malicious websites or give them access to your device.
Put your number on the National Do Not Call Registry. Go to www.donotcall.gov or call 888-382-1222.
The Minnesota Department of Commerce works to assist and protect consumers and to ensure a strong, fair marketplace. Learn more at mn.gov/commerce.
