Scam the Scammers

11-07-2021Pastor's LetterFr. John Bonavitacola

Dear Friends,

Since I moved into this zip code, I noticed the amount of spam calls I receive has increased exponentially. I wonder why? Could be because those 65yrs old and older are targeted by scammers 90% of the time. And our zip code has lots of those! But why would they target that demographic? It seems that those who are 65 and older are more trusting and honest. It makes sense, you don't want to owe anyone anything, you spent your life paying your bills and not cheating anyone. So, when someone calls and tells you that you owe $5000 it tends to get your attention.

The calls I receive repeatedly tell me that unless I press #1 charges will be filed against me and my case will be referred to the courts. Sometimes they warn me that my social security number has been stolen or that the IRS wants to have an intimate meeting with me. And every day I get a call telling me that the 5year extended warranty on my car has expired, even though my car is only 2yrs old.

I don't mess with these scammers ever. But I often wonder why they are so persistent and prolific? Well apparently lots of people do fall for them. Behind those spam calls is a $20 billion scam industry.

I recently saw this brilliant video of a young man who decided to scam the scammers. It is amazing how violent the scammers become when they get frustrated. It is also very eye opening as to the tactics that scammers use and how they are successful. I admit that as I watched the video I had to try really, really hard not to wish the fires of hell on the scammers. So please, please take time and watch the entire video. Here is the link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VrKW58MS12g&t=4s

I know you have heard it before but just hang up! It is not rude to hang up on someone who is trying to scam you out of your money, good name or piece of mind. As a precaution only answer the calls that are in your phone’s contact list, let the rest go to voice mail and if you are uncertain if the call is something you do need to respond to ASK SOMEONE FIRST ABOUT IT. Never respond on your own or you might get sucked into the scammers very clever plot. Many good people have.

The Social Security Administration is not going to call you and ask for your SS#. They already know it. The Bank or Credit Card company is not going to call you for your credit card number or account number, they already have it. Name, birthdate and social security number are the wicked triumvirate and given out all together is a no-no. Don't ever do it unless you initiated the call and know who you are dealing with and what the reasons are for passing on that information.

The scammers are not just limited to phone calls. I am sure your email in box gets plenty of them as well. Again, if you do not know the sender or the business just delete the messages and never open an attachment from any of these unknown emails. If it is something you think might be legit call the company first. Better still show someone else, like one of your children or a grandchild first before you proceed. Better safe than sorry.

Thievery is part and parcel of the fallen human condition. Today we just deal with high tech forms of stealing which still require low tech solutions: hang up, delete or just don't answer.

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