Q. Hot weather has arrived. What advice do I give my family to stay alert and avoid scam activity during the summer months?
A. Great question, there are thousands of new scams every year, and you can't keep up with all of them (we know, we try!). But if you can just remember these TEN THINGS, you can avoid most scams and help protect yourself and your family.
1. Never send money to someone you have never met face-to-face. Seriously, just don't ever do it. And really, really don't do it if they ask you to use wire transfer, a prepaid debit card, or a gift card (those cannot be traced and are as good as cash). The transfer of money is a RED flag in all scam activity.
2. Don't click on links or open attachments in unsolicited email. Links can download malware onto your computer and/or steal your identity. Be cautious even with email that looks familiar; it could be fake.
3. Don't believe everything you see. Scammers are great at mimicking official seals, fonts, and other details. Just because a website or email looks official does not mean that it is. Even Caller ID can be faked. The latest trend is to use the local area code to increase the chance of you answering.
4. Don't buy online unless the transaction is secure. Make sure the website has "https" in the URL (the extra s is for "secure") and a small lock icon on the address bar. Even then, the site could be shady. Check out the company first at bbb.org. Read reviews about the quality of the merchandise, and make sure you are not buying cheap and/or counterfeit goods.
5. Be extremely cautious when dealing with anyone you've met online. Scammers use dating websites, Craigslist, social media, and many other sites to reach potential targets. They can quickly feel like a friend or even a romantic partner, but that is part of the con to get you to trust them.
6. Never share personally identifiable information with someone who has contacted you unsolicited, whether it's over the phone, by email, on social media, even at your front door. This includes banking and credit card information, your birthdate, and Social Security/Social Insurance numbers.
7. Don't be pressured to act immediately. Scammers typically try to make you think something is scarce or a limited time offer. They want to push you into action before you have time to think or to discuss it with a family member, friend, or financial adviser. High-pressure sales tactics are also used by some legitimate businesses, but it's never a good idea to make an important decision quickly.
8. Use secure, traceable transactions when making payments for goods, services, taxes and debts. Do not pay by wire transfer, prepaid money card, gift card, or other non-traditional payment method. Say no to cash-only deals, high pressure sales tactics, high upfront payments, overpayments, and handshake deals without a contract.
9. It is important to the success of our local marketplace and communities; whenever possible, support and work with local businesses that have proper identification, licensing and insurance. Especially contractors who will be coming into your home or anyone dealing with your money or sensitive information. Check them out at bbb.org to see what other consumers have experienced. After you are a happy, satisfied customer, go to bbb.org/Chattanooga and enter a "Thank You' by entering a positive customer review for the business.
10. Be very cautious about what you share on social media and consider only connecting with people you already know. Be sure to use privacy settings on all social media and online accounts. Imposters often get information about their targets from their online interactions, and can make themselves sound like a friend or family member because they know so much about you.
Jim Winsett is president of the Better Business Bureau in Chattanooga.