Information / Education

Spotting a Scammer

  • January 2025
  • By Grandezza

Scammers bank on being able to put their victims into a state of panic and keeping them there while they manipulate the victim using fear and intimidation. Knowing the tactics scammers use to confuse and scare victims is a sure way to help you stay calm and recognize the scam for what it is. The Federal Trade Commission recently shared some common things that scammers say and ask potential victims to do. Here are those red flags:

Things only scammers will say:

• “Act now!” Scammers use pressure, so you don’t have time to think. But pressuring you to act now is always a sign of a scam. It’s also a reason to stop.

• “Only say what I tell you to say.” The minute someone tells you to lie to anyone — including bank tellers or investment brokers — stop. It’s a scam.

• “Don’t trust anyone. They’re in on it.” Scammers want to cut you off from anyone who might slow you down.

• “Do [this] or you’ll be arrested.” Any threat like this is a lie. Nobody needs your money or your personal information to keep you out of jail or avoid bigger fines. They’re all scams.

• “Don’t hang up.” Anyone who wants to keep you on the phone while you go withdraw or transfer money, buy gift cards, or anything else they’re asking you to do is a scammer. DO hang up. And here’s a list of things that only scammers will tell you to do:

• “Move your money to protect it.” Nobody legit will tell you to transfer or withdraw money from your bank or investment accounts. But scammers will.

• “Withdraw cash and give it to [anyone].” Doesn’t matter who they say: it’s a scam. Don’t give it to a courier, don’t deliver it anywhere, don’t send it.

• “Go to a Bitcoin ATM.” Nobody legit will ever insist you get cryptocurrency of any kind to pay fees or fines. And there’s no legit reason for someone to send you to a Bitcoin ATM.

• “Buy gift cards.” There’s never a reason to pay fees or fines with a gift card. And once you share the PIN numbers on the back, your money is as good as gone.

If you see or hear any version of any of these phrases, you’ve just spotted a scammer. Instead of doing what they say, stop. Hang up. Delete the email. Stop texting. Block their number — anything to get away from them. And then, tell someone you trust and report the scam to the FTC: ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is the state’s clearinghouse for consumer complaints, information, and protection. To file a consumer complaint, visit FloridaConsumerHelp.com or call 1-800-HELP-FLA or 1-800-FL-AYUDA (for Spanish speakers).

PARKING LOT SAFETY

Many of us will be scouring mall parking lots for open spots and, quite likely, settling for a parking space quite far from mall entrances.

These far reaches of the lot are rarely used… likely only during holiday season…and often lack sufficient lighting and security cameras.

While I’ll always recommend parking in a well-lit area, this may not be possible during the holiday shopping season. That being said, we need to do a bit of additional thinking and planning when parking far from store/mall entrances.

Before you leave your home…not while in the parking lot…ensure that all valuables that can be removed are, indeed, removed. Doing so once inside the parking area may tell unscrupulous individuals that you are storing expensive and valuable items in your trunk…or hiding them within the vehicle itself.

Before you walk away from your car or truck, take note of where you are parked. Have a genuine understanding of where your vehicle is and where store entrances are positioned. Roaming a dark lot upon concluding your shopping, packages in hand, unable to locate your vehicle, increases your chances of victimization.

Don’t linger in the lot…not before entering the mall/store or after.

Upon leaving your vehicle, ensure that all doors are locked and that there are no valuables, shopping bags, etc. visible through the windows. Upon your return, have your keys/fob in your hand. Fumbling through a purse or pockets in search of keys/fob, especially in the dark, provides opportunity for individuals with bad intentions.

When you return to your vehicle, look into the back seat before entering. Ensure that your vehicle is empty prior to entering it. If possible, avoid cellular distractions. Look around, know your surroundings, and avoid texting and phone conversations.

Lastly, report suspicious activity. Trust your instincts. If a situation even remotely appears unsafe, seek assistance immediately.

Additional Lee County Sheriff’s Office staff and resources will be noticeable during the holiday season. Help us help you remain safe by utilizing these safety recommendations.