scammers

[Thundersmom]

I have had trouble recently with scammers and identity theft. It’s stressful enough just surviving. Being interviewed by an investigator who initially thought I was part of a crazy scam finally realized or understood my brain situation. I thought for awhile she was going to have me arrested. But it was a matter of someone stealing my identity due to poor judgement on my part. How does one improve judgement?

[bridgeit]

Hi Thundersmom, in my opinion, the problem is not with you, it's with the corrupt who wickedly and deliberately target the vulnerable as a business model. It works, so they use it often - and get away with it too.

The simple rule is to trust no-one and nothing you receive unexpectedly, online or over the phone. Any unsolicited contact from someone seeking money, offering you a service of some kind or a prize or reward should be ignored. Never, ever give out any personal details either online or over the phone. Learn to delete without responding and to hang up without saying a word.

If the contact is genuinely official e.g. from the tax office, they'll write to you and all your details will be clearly apparent in the letter; they don't need to ask you for your details, they have them already. Always directly contact your bank following a dodgy call/email to check if they really are trying to contact you. Chances are, they are not - and they need to know you're being targeted. They should support you with increased security to protect your account.

Remember, your experience was not 'your fault'. The corrupt are the ones at fault; you are not. Stay strong and don't be afraid to frequently delete and hang up. It's empowering!

[Thundersmom in reply to bridgeit]

Thank you

[James1984]

Hi Thundermom,

I'm sorry you have gone through that. It makes for a fearful experience when the Authorities rush to judgement.

To improve your judgement don't feel rushed to make a decision or give out information. Consider carefully first the person and/or organisation you are dealing with.

Don't feel you have give people an answer there and then. It's OK to say 'no' and/or 'I'll think about it'.

[Graceissufficient in reply to James1984]

Or "my solicitor will ring you back".

It's OK to lie to them.

God bless James.

[Thundersmom in reply to Graceissufficient]

Thank you Graceissufficient. And His Grace is sufficient. For sure! I dodged a big hit by the Grace of God.

[Thundersmom in reply to James1984]

James thank you for your help. It’s good advice . My issue is I for some reason feel pressured to “ react”. That gets me in trouble. I had a “ Day of Horrible Rage”. And it didn’t matter who I yelled and screamed at over anything. I am so embarrassed and remorseful . I have asked the people for forgive nes.

[James1984 in reply to Thundersmom]

Be kind to yourself, we all make mistakes. Some people are on a life-long mission to take as much as they can and walk all over others to get ahead, so be proud of yourself for having the inner-strength to admit when you are wrong and ask for forgiveness.

The Apostle James talks this sort of thing in the trials of life: 'So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath;' 1:19 NKJV

[Thundersmom in reply to James1984]

Thank you it made me cry. I just feel so numb

[Graceissufficient]

You can also usually check scams by searching the internet eg "Someone is calling and saying she is from Microsoft and I have a problem with my computer"

"Someone whose name I know is sending me photos to open saying Hi you probably never saw these"

"A Nigerian prince is inviting me to invest"

"An incredibly handsome man/woman I have never met claims to have fallen in love with me"

Etc etc

They will all come up as known scams.

[7HT-]

it’s really hard to be ahead of scammers who dedicate their life to defraud others. Try not to rush and think before doing anything.

Awareness of their tricks also helps recognising, and although which! magazines are a bit pricey, you can sign up for free to their email scam alerts

signup.which.co.uk/wlp-scam...

Also, find some tips here: which.co.uk/consumer-rights...

I try to delete emails I don’t recognise without opening them, because by opening the email, the scammers know your email address is active, and can target you more.

[Thundersmom in reply to 7HT-]

Thank you

[Nemo24]

Maybe, if your memory is good this situation will come to mind going forward to help you. Do you have Headways brain injury card? It's really useful to hand to people you don't know who are professional working people that have come newly into your life. I use mine when see new health staff, at citizens advice etc