Scammers Target Educators!
By Remar Sutton
Educators’ Consumer Spokesperson
Here’s the bad news:
Scam artists are calling some of our members. There have been various scenarios, ranging from vacation prizes to time-share presentations to telling members that their account has been compromised. Scammers are asking members to tell them their personal financial details. The scammers are even calling from phone numbers that appear to be real Educators phone numbers.
- How do know you know these calls are scams? Educators will never call and ask you to give out any personal information. We already have it.
- What do you do if you get a call like this? Hang up, and immediately call us at any Educators number.
- More details on this scam are available at https://www.ecu.com/site/fraudCont.html
Here’s the Good News:
The chance of you falling for any of the identity theft and fraud scams out there is virtually zero—if you know how to spot the scam. At Educators new Privacy and Fraud page we’re going to teach you:
- How to spot the most common scams—online, on the phone, or in the mail.
- How to reduce your risk of identity theft.
- How to cut down on spam and junk mail (both lead to identity theft!)
- And, as they say, much much more!
Here’s what to do:
- Work through each of the links on this page. And get your family to work through them, too!
- Tell me if you’ve seen a scam lately. Email me directly at remar@remarsuttonassociates.com with questions or stories.
Fraud and Protecting Privacy Resources
The recent phone scam targeting Educators members is an example of a phishing scam. In these types of scams, the scammers are after your financial account information and/or personal information. Take a look at these articles on scams and identity theft.
Phishing Scams — Don't Be Hooked
Reduce Your Risk of Identity Theft
Do you or anyone you know use WiFi Hot Spots? Know the Dangers? Here's a story by Educators' youth spokesperson, Will from Holland
Privacy concerns are now rated as the number one consumer complaint in America. Below are some tips and resources to help you protect your personal and financial privacy online and off.
A good starting place is with the Privacy Survival Guide from the Privacy Rights Clearinghouse.
More Information About Your Financial and Personal Privacy
Tips on What Not to Do with Your Social Security Number
Five Steps to Protect Your Privacy and Identity