Don’t Get Spooked by One of these Scams this Halloween!

That cackling witch might send your heart fluttering, but Halloween scams are even spookier! Here’s what to know about them:

1. The Joker

Scammers target people with messages promising loads of money for little effort. Just send a bit of money to a digital address using a money transfer app, and your money will double, triple or more. Unfortunately, the joke’s on you.

Spot a money-flipping scam through the amateur writing and the promises of unreal rewards. Also, you know what they say about anything that sounds too good to be true … it probably is. 

2. Night of the Living Dead

In the deceased identity theft scam, scammers steal the identity of someone who is no longer living. They may empty the decedent’s accounts, use their credit history as their own, and use their Social Security number.

Protect a late loved one’s identity by locking their social media accounts, credit report, and Social Security number. Keep an eye on their accounts until their assets have been lawfully divided. 

3. Trick or Treat

You found the perfect costume online – and for a bargain price! You complete your order and wait for the package to arrive. And wait … and then you realize you’ve been tricked. 

In a variation of the online order scam, the package arrives but looks nothing like it did online. You try to find a customer service representative, but they’ve apparently vanished!

Don’t get tricked! Only order from reputable sites that display complete contact information for the company. Ignore offers that scream “Hot Deal! Act Now!” Shop with caution so you’ll only walk away with treats. 

4. The Boogey Man

There’s a boogey man at your door – and no, this is no disguise! 

In the Boogey Man Scam, scammers act as extortionists. They’ll send extortion emails and messages, or phone calls, promising to spare you embarrassment for just a few thousand dollars. Or they falsely claim that your loved one is in dire straights and you need to send money them to give to your loved one.  Yikes! 

Don’t get scammed! If you receive an extortion message, contact local law enforcement immediately.  Never share money or account information with an unverified contact. 

If you think you have been, or are currently, a part of a scam described above, contact us directly at (402) 444-5999.

Have a happy and safe Halloween!