They're everywhere

Thermopolis Independent Record, July 13

Scammers are targeting us all and they seem to be coming at us from every which way. There are lottery scams, package delivery scams, open enrollment for benefits scams, utility delinquency scams, identity theft scams and the list goes on and on.

Several years ago, scammers primarily targeted senior citizens who they believed were the most vulnerable. They have advanced their scams to a point where each and every one of us is vulnerable.

Their tactics have improved to a point where they are tricking people of every age and every walk of life.

A story on page 7 of this issue describes a scam reportedly going on in Cody where a person claiming to be a law officer is scamming the community.

To say the least, our trust has been seriously violated.

The old saying of “if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is” won’t even begin to keep you safe. Scammers are convincing, enough so they are threaten jail time, fines, utility shut off, etc.

It is a good policy to never give any personal identifying information to anyone unless their identity can be verified.

Do not open or click on emails or text messages that appear to be phishing for information.

Just as you have a family plan for an emergency such as a fire or natural disaster, it is a good idea to have a conversation with family members about how to recognize and avoid the many ways scammers are trying to access your identity and ultimately your money.

Scams, scams, everywhere a scam. Stay safe out there.