Fraudsters have become increasingly cunning in recent years, using various tactics to deceive vulnerable individuals and steal their hard-earned money. Unfortunately, many people have fallen victim to these scams, including Justin Westwood, a 40-year-old man who suffered a brain injury as a baby, leaving him unable to read until much later in life. Despite his newfound literacy skills, which helped him get a job and connect with others on social media, he became a victim of a cruel scam that left him on the brink of starvation.
Fraudsters’ Tactics: How They Isolate Victims
Fraudsters commonly use the tactic of isolating victims to increase their chances of success. Justin’s mother received a concerning text from one of his caregivers, stating that he no longer needed assistance as he could look after himself. The caregiver also claimed that Justin did not wish to be contacted regarding his decision. This alarmed Justin’s mother, but things took a turn for the worse when Justin began asking her for money frequently, admitting that he no longer had enough money to pay his bills or buy groceries.
It’s important to stay vigilant regarding unsolicited messages or calls, especially if they involve requests for money or sensitive information. Fraudsters know that if the victim’s support network becomes aware of the scam, they may warn the victim and expose the fraudsters’ lies. By cutting the victim off from their support network, fraudsters increase their chances of getting away with the scam and stealing the victim’s money.
The Threat: Imprisonment
As more family members became concerned, Justin revealed that someone on Facebook, “Agent Tyson,” had informed him that the government owed him money. To release these funds, Justin had to pay a delivery fee. In hopes of a life-changing sum of money, Justin paid the delivery fee using Apple gift cards.
The fraudsters continued to deceive Justin, requesting more money and even threatening him with arrest and imprisonment if he didn’t comply. Justin’s dwindling funds eventually ran out, leaving him in financial distress.
Protect Yourself: Verification and Two-Factor Authentication
Before providing sensitive information, verifying the authenticity of any emails or messages from financial institutions, government agencies, or service providers is essential. You can check the sender’s email address or contact the institution directly to confirm the legitimacy of the message. Financial institutions also provide security features such as two-factor authentication and fraud alerts. It’s highly recommended to utilise these features to ensure your accounts remain secure and any suspicious activity is flagged immediately.
What to Do If You’re a Fraud Victim
If you suspect you have fallen victim to fraud, taking immediate action and reporting the incident is vital. Start by notifying your bank or financial institution and requesting a freeze on your accounts to prevent further fraudulent activity. It’s also advisable to contact relevant government agencies, such as Action Fraud, to report the incident and seek guidance on what steps to take next. Lastly, file a report with your local police department or the National Fraud and Cyber Crime Reporting Centre to help document the fraud and assist in any investigations. Timely reporting is critical to stopping fraudsters in their tracks and protecting yourself from further harm.
Fraudsters will use any means necessary to scam individuals out of their money, including isolating victims, making false promises, and threatening imprisonment. It’s important to stay vigilant and take precautions to protect yourself, such as verifying the authenticity of messages and utilising security features like two-factor authentication. If you suspect you’ve fallen victim to a fraudster, take immediate action and report the incident to your bank, relevant government agencies, and the police. By doing so, you can help.
