Good cheer isn't the only thing going around during the holiday months. It's also a time filled with bad actors trying to dupe people with phone and text scams.
Learn how Shield Home Screen can help you avoid being a victim.
Let's Talk Turkey about Avoiding Common Holiday Phone and Text Scams
With the holiday season approaching, scammers are ramping up their efforts to trick people into sharing personal information or money. From promises of free turkeys to fake warnings about package deliveries, these scams are designed to catch people off guard.
Thankfully, there are tools and strategies that can help protect you from falling victim to these schemes. One powerful ally in the fight against scams is Shield: Antivirus Home Screen. This free Android launcher app provides critical security features, including a VPN, antivirus scanner, app lock, and more, to help keep you and your personal data safe.
Let’s look at some of the most common scams circulating right now, and how Shield: Antivirus Home Screen can help protect you from them.
Phone Scams to Watch Out For
1. Vehicle Warranty Scams
These scams usually start with a robocall saying, “We’ve been trying to reach you about your car’s extended warranty.” The scammers use urgency to pressure you into sharing personal details.
Shield: Antivirus Home Screen’s VPN and advanced malware scanner help ensure that your data remains private and secure, especially when dealing with suspicious calls. Remember, legitimate companies won’t pressure you for immediate action, especially regarding warranties.
2. Grandparent Scam
In this emotional scam, a fraudster impersonates a grandchild in distress, claiming they need urgent financial help. They may even ask the victim not to tell other family members. If you receive a call like this, verify the person’s identity by asking specific questions only your real family member would know.
Using Shield’s app lock feature can also help protect sensitive information on your phone, adding an extra layer of security against this type of deception.
3. IRS Impersonation
Scammers pretending to be from the IRS may claim that you owe taxes and face legal action unless you pay immediately. Keep in mind that the IRS will never contact you by phone demanding immediate payment.
Shield’s WiFi scanner can help keep your network secure, making it harder for scammers to intercept your data if you do happen to engage with a suspicious call.
4. Tech Support Scams
These scammers pretend to be tech support from major companies like Microsoft or Google, warning you of a virus or malware issue on your device. Shield’s free antivirus scanner provides real-time virus protection, so you’ll know if there’s actually a problem on your device.
Remember, legitimate tech companies will not call you to fix a “virus” you didn’t know about.
5. Medical Insurance Scams
During open enrollment, scams targeting Medicare and ACA (Affordable Care Act) recipients increase. Scammers may ask for personal information to enroll you in a fake plan. Legitimate insurance companies will never ask for sensitive information over the phone.
Shield’s VPN service protects your browsing when you research health insurance providers online, reducing the risk of identity theft.
Text Scams to Avoid
1. Package Delivery Issues
These scams usually arrive as a text saying there’s an issue with package delivery, prompting you to click a link to “verify” your information. These links often lead to malicious websites. Shield’s malware scanner can help protect your device from any malware that may be downloaded from clicking suspicious links. As a rule, avoid clicking on links from unknown sources.
2. Phony Job Offers
Scammers may offer high-paying job opportunities, especially around the holidays. These jobs usually require you to provide personal information right away. The security features of Shield: Antivirus Home Screen can help keep your device secure if you’re researching job offers online. Make sure to research the company and verify job offers independently.
3. Fake Amazon Security Alerts
You may receive a text claiming there’s suspicious activity on your Amazon account, with a link to “secure” it. These texts are often phishing attempts. Shield’s VPN can add a layer of security while accessing sensitive websites, making it harder for hackers to intercept data.
4. Free Holiday Offers
Be cautious if you receive a text promising a free turkey, gift card, or holiday meal – often, these “gifts” come with a catch. Fraudulent holiday offers usually lead to sites asking for personal information or payment details. Shield’s antivirus protection helps block malicious sites, giving you peace of mind while browsing.
Common-Sense Protection Tips
In addition to using Shield: Antivirus Home Screen, there are several things you can do to protect yourself from scams:
1. Be Wary of Urgency or Pressure Tactics
Scammers often try to create a sense of urgency to make you act without thinking. Take a moment to step back, verify information, and avoid acting under pressure.
2. Avoid Sharing Personal Information
If someone asks for your Social Security number, bank details, or credit card information over the phone or in a text, it’s likely a scam. Shield’s app lock feature lets you password-protect sensitive apps, making it even harder for scammers to access your personal data.
3. Beware of Suspicious Links
Don’t click on links from unknown senders. Scammers use these links to install malware or steal your information. Shield’s malware scanner helps protect your device from viruses if you accidentally click on a dangerous link.
4. Verify Caller IDs and Numbers
If you receive a call from someone claiming to be from an official organization, hang up and call the official number of that organization. Shield’s VPN service can help secure your connection, ensuring that your data is protected while you verify.
5. Take Immediate Action if You Suspect Fraud
If you believe you’ve been scammed, don’t provide any more information. Instead, contact your bank or credit card company right away. Shield’s WiFi scanner helps keep your network secure, protecting sensitive communications with your financial institutions.
6. Report Scams to the FTC
Reporting scams to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) helps authorities track scam trends and shut down fraudulent operations. Every report counts, and it helps protect others from similar scams.
How Shield: Antivirus Home Screen Can Help
Using Shield: Antivirus Home Screen is a proactive way to protect yourself from scams. Its advanced malware scanner, with a 99% detection rate, keeps your Android device secure, while the VPN shields your online activities from prying eyes. Shield’s app lock and WiFi scanner are additional features that protect you from identity theft and fraud, allowing you to enjoy greater peace of mind.
By staying informed about scams and using tools like Shield: Antivirus Home Screen, you can protect yourself and your personal information from fraudsters. This holiday season, don’t let scammers ruin your celebrations.
Protect yourself and your loved ones by downloading Shield: Antivirus Home Screen to keep your device and data secure. Shield is completely free to download, and for even more protection, consider Shield Pro.