BBB warns of Federal Trade Commission impersonation scam
JACKSON, Tenn. — There is a new scam alert that you should be aware of. Reporter Ryan Hodges gives us the information, as well as tips on how to prevent yourself from falling victim to this scam.
The most recent warning is actually coming from the Federal Trade Commission. They are saying that scammers are impersonating agents from the FTC, and they have some pretty convincing ways of trying to prove themselves.
“They have been utilizing real employee names along with fake employee ID numbers to gain trust and trick consumers into moving, transferring, sending, or wiring money,” said Toddnetta Trice with the Better Business Bureau of the Mid-South.
Trice also tells us that we should be on the lookout here in West Tennessee, as there have already been some reports in our area.
“The tell-tale sign is always them calling, asking to confirm the account information,” Trice said. “That’s what we had some West Tennessee victims say they were calling, saying, ‘Hey, you have put your information down to receive a refund from a lawsuit. Can you please confirm your account details?'”
Trice also gives us a few things to remember if you get contacted by someone claiming to be from the FTC.
“Always remember that they will never call you, they will never threaten you, arrest you,” Trice said. “I know the big thing now is deportation. So do not be scared with this type of call because it is a scam.”
It is always important to verify calls before you give any information. You can certainly hang up, do research, and then call back if needed.
Again, it is very rare for a government agency to contact you via phone call. They will almost always send you a letter in the mail to communicate.
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