Local

Channel 11 investigates most popular scams targeting area

PITTSBURGH — Target 11 worked with the Better Business Bureau in Pittsburgh to uncover the most popular schemes targeting the region.

Stephanie Grimes of Oakmont was the victim of one.

"One day I got a phone call on our landline from a local man who said, 'You keep calling my house, every day, several times a day, asking me about my credit information,' and I responded, 'No, I haven't,'” she said.

Grimes was the victim of caller ID Spoofing.

Fraudsters use local, residential phone numbers to trick victims.

Caitlin Driscoll of the BBB explained that "they can actually modify what comes across the screen to you on your caller ID."

She said crooks sometimes use caller ID spoofing with another popular con—the IRS phone scam.

Someone who claims to the IRS calls to say you are due a big refund or that you owe money

"The IRS will never send initial notification to consumers about a tax that they owe through the phone or through an email. It's always through U.S. mail," said Driscoll.

The BBB is also fielding a lot of calls after Home Depot and several other retailers were recently hacked.

Millions of consumers had their credit or debit card information at risk.

Driscoll recommends monitoring your financial accounts and credit report often.

The Microsoft tech support scam has been around for years, but the BBB said it's still one of the most reported scams in our area.

Callers claim they need to fix a virus on your computer but once you give them remote access, they steal your passwords and personal information, putting you at risk for identity theft.

Phishing and smishing schemes are still prevalent.

Crooks use emails or text messages, often time saying they are from a financial institution, to try to get your personal information.

WPXI

0

Most Read