SCARS Institute’s Encyclopedia of Scams™ Published Continuously for 25 Years
SCARS™ Special Report: Official U.S. Airforce Warning
Take Proactive Measures, Research To Prevent Scams
By Senior Airman William Tracy, 50th Space Wing Public Affairs / Published January 29, 2019
Scams Have Been Around Since The Dawn Of Civilization, However, And Thanks To Technology, They Have Grown In Sophistication
An example of a phishing email arrives in an Airman’s inbox at Schriever Air Force Base, Colorado, Jan. 21, 2019. Phishing is a scamming technique in which a scammer tries to lure a user through email into following a link or submitting their personally identifiable information and/or money. It is one of many techniques scammers use to exploit individuals for profit. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman William Tracy)
Staff Sgt. Kyle Maldonado, 50th Security Forces Squadron investigation section, warns that military members may be targeted as he’s seen an uptick recently.
“Military members are targeted for a variety of reasons,” Maldonado said. “For one thing, we have a steady paycheck which is lucrative to scammers. Additionally, we are trusted members of society, are always moving and may be unfamiliar with an area.”
Among the oldest scamming techniques are false phone calls.
Staff Sgt. Robert Cook, 50th Space Wing safety office occupational safety noncommissioned officer in charge, said callers pretending to offer gifts and prizes, or money of any sort are to be considered suspicious.
“If it seems odd, be very cautious,” Cook said. “If you can determine if the caller is a scammer, forward it to your local police department.”
Cook said the proactive approach towards preventing scam calls is to pay attention to the number of the person calling. Business numbers that start with “1-800” or area codes not from the United States or from a state one has no contacts in can often clue the caller is a potential scammer.
Additionally, Cook recommends call blocking software to stem the tide of potential scam callers.
The rise of online dating has led to military-centric scams that mislead others into thinking they are a real military member or civilian to try to solicit money, often referred to as lonely hearts schemes – schemes which use emotion and romance to lure victims.
According to the FBI, between 2012 and 2016 alone, online romance scams have tripled in frequency. The Federal Trade Commission’s official website warned in an article that “scammers might claim to be service members who can’t get into their accounts overseas or who need money fast. The first sign of a scam is an online love interest who asks for money.”
Cook said to investigate the supposed individual to see if they are who they claim to be.
“These scams are big, especially among younger Airmen,” he said. “It’s important to do your research.”
Maldonado said false emails are another scam to watch out for. Often, email scams ask for one’s personal information and come from unfamiliar addresses. They often try to lure a user into following a link or submitting their information.
He said this technique, known as phishing, has become a prominent threat in recent years.
“Phishing is just another way for cybercriminals to make a profit,” Maldonado said. “Often, they start with the lines ‘dear customer.’ They try to be a legitimate source but they’re not – think before you click and check the email’s security certificates. If it is a suspicious email, send it to your unit’s security manager.”
Other scams include Ponzi schemes, stolen valor, fake charities, faulty investments and more.
Despite how many scams exist, Maldonado said they all focus on one core technique – exploitation.
“They are all looking to use you – and they will almost always ask for money and or personally identifiable information,” he said.
“If it’s too good to be true, it probably is,” Cook added.
Maldonado said general guidelines to follow are to be cautious giving out credit card information, research before spending or investing and always take monetary opportunities with a grain of salt.
“Bottom line – be financially educated and self-reliant,” he said. “Use your head and be conservative with your money.”
Cook said although scams aren’t going away anytime soon, Airmen can always take the proactive approach and gain the upper hand over scammers.
“Be smart, take the right measures and if you are unsure, ask somebody,” he said. “If you do find yourself in a scam consult your leadership. It’s not OK what these people do and they need to be caught. The best way to do that is to protect yourself.”
SCARS™ Team
A SCARS Division
Miami Florida U.S.A.
TAGS: United States Airforce, U.S. Airforce, Scams, Ponzi schemes, stolen valor, fake charities, faulty investments, Fake Soldiers, Romance Scams, Scam Advisory, U.S. Government,
END
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FAQ: How Do You Properly Report Scammers?
It is essential that law enforcement knows about scams & scammers, even though there is nothing (in most cases) that they can do.
Always report scams involving money lost or where you received money to:
- Local Police – ask them to take an “informational” police report – say you need it for your insurance
- Your National Police or FBI (www.IC3.gov »)
- The SCARS|CDN™ Cybercriminal Data Network – Worldwide Reporting Network HERE » or on www.Anyscam.com »
This helps your government understand the problem, and allows law enforcement to add scammers on watch lists worldwide.
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Visit our NEW Main SCARS Facebook page for much more information about scams and online crime: www.facebook.com/SCARS.News.And.Information »
To learn more about SCARS visit www.AgainstScams.org
Please be sure to report all scammers HERE » or on www.Anyscam.com »
All original content is Copyright © 1991 – 2020 SCARS All Rights Reserved Worldwide & Webwide – SCARS/Romance Scams Now & SCARS/Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams are all trademarks of Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Incorporated (formerly the Society of Citizens Against Romance Scams)
Legal Notices:
All original content is Copyright © 1991 – 2020 SCARS All Rights Reserved Worldwide & Webwide. Third-party copyrights acknowledge.
SCARS, RSN, Romance Scams Now, SCARS|WORLDWIDE, SCARS|GLOBAL, SCARS, Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams, Society of Citizens Against Romance Scams, SCARS|ANYSCAM, Project Anyscam, Anyscam, SCARS|GOFCH, GOFCH, SCARS|CHINA, SCARS|CDN, SCARS|UK, SCARS Cybercriminal Data Network, Cobalt Alert, Scam Victims Support Group, are all trademarks of Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Incorporated.
Contact the law firm for the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Incorporated by email at legal@AgainstScams.org
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Important Information for New Scam Victims
- Please visit www.ScamVictimsSupport.org – a SCARS Website for New Scam Victims & Sextortion Victims
- Enroll in FREE SCARS Scam Survivor’s School now at www.SCARSeducation.org
- Please visit www.ScamPsychology.org – to more fully understand the psychological concepts involved in scams and scam victim recovery
If you are looking for local trauma counselors please visit counseling.AgainstScams.org or join SCARS for our counseling/therapy benefit: membership.AgainstScams.org
If you need to speak with someone now, you can dial 988 or find phone numbers for crisis hotlines all around the world here: www.opencounseling.com/suicide-hotlines
A Note About Labeling!
We often use the term ‘scam victim’ in our articles, but this is a convenience to help those searching for information in search engines like Google. It is just a convenience and has no deeper meaning. If you have come through such an experience, YOU are a Survivor! It was not your fault. You are not alone! Axios!
A Question of Trust
At the SCARS Institute, we invite you to do your own research on the topics we speak about and publish, Our team investigates the subject being discussed, especially when it comes to understanding the scam victims-survivors experience. You can do Google searches but in many cases, you will have to wade through scientific papers and studies. However, remember that biases and perspectives matter and influence the outcome. Regardless, we encourage you to explore these topics as thoroughly as you can for your own awareness.
Statement About Victim Blaming
Some of our articles discuss various aspects of victims. This is both about better understanding victims (the science of victimology) and their behaviors and psychology. This helps us to educate victims/survivors about why these crimes happened and to not blame themselves, better develop recovery programs, and to help victims avoid scams in the future. At times this may sound like blaming the victim, but it does not blame scam victims, we are simply explaining the hows and whys of the experience victims have.
These articles, about the Psychology of Scams or Victim Psychology – meaning that all humans have psychological or cognitive characteristics in common that can either be exploited or work against us – help us all to understand the unique challenges victims face before, during, and after scams, fraud, or cybercrimes. These sometimes talk about some of the vulnerabilities the scammers exploit. Victims rarely have control of them or are even aware of them, until something like a scam happens and then they can learn how their mind works and how to overcome these mechanisms.
Articles like these help victims and others understand these processes and how to help prevent them from being exploited again or to help them recover more easily by understanding their post-scam behaviors. Learn more about the Psychology of Scams at www.ScamPsychology.org
Psychology Disclaimer:
All articles about psychology and the human brain on this website are for information & education only
The information provided in this article is intended for educational and self-help purposes only and should not be construed as a substitute for professional therapy or counseling.
While any self-help techniques outlined herein may be beneficial for scam victims seeking to recover from their experience and move towards recovery, it is important to consult with a qualified mental health professional before initiating any course of action. Each individual’s experience and needs are unique, and what works for one person may not be suitable for another.
Additionally, any approach may not be appropriate for individuals with certain pre-existing mental health conditions or trauma histories. It is advisable to seek guidance from a licensed therapist or counselor who can provide personalized support, guidance, and treatment tailored to your specific needs.
If you are experiencing significant distress or emotional difficulties related to a scam or other traumatic event, please consult your doctor or mental health provider for appropriate care and support.
Also read our SCARS Institute Statement about Professional Care for Scam Victims – click here to go to our ScamsNOW.com website.
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