Scam Squad

Sometimes you may end up on a scammer's list no matter how careful you are. However, there are some things you can do to reduce your risk:

1. Don't fill out consumer/marketing surveys.

2. Don't fill out surveys attached to warranty registration cards.

3. Don't fill out sweepstakes forms.

4. Exercise 'opt out' rights whenever you have the chance.

5. When giving money to a charity, enclose a note instructing them not to share, sell, or rent your name to any other organization.

6. Donate to established charities. Give by check or credit card, not through wires, gift cards or cash.

DANGERS OF INSTANT MONEY TRANSFERS by Hub for Podcasting

In this special interview with Deputy District Attorney Casey Nelson, you'll learn how the Santa Barbara District Attorney's office worked together with the Santa Barbara Police Department in an intensive investigation that lasted for more than two years, leading to the apprehension of crooks who made off with BILLIONS in California unemployment benefits. Learn how the crooks breached a property management company's data base to gain access to people's identity, and how they were finally CAUGHT!

Senior Fraud Specialist from Montecito Bank & Trust, Doris Roof, sounds the alarm about the dangers of real estate fraud. Currently, home buyers are often closing very quickly and it's vitally important to be sure to verify that the escrow instructions emailed to you are coming from your realtor and escrow company--and not a fraudster.. Once the wire is sent, your money could be lost forever. Pick up the phone to verify the wire instructions before sending the money!

As we start a new year, many of us are determined to get in shape and lose weight. Beware of companies advertising quick weight loss with their 'special formulas'! In this episode, special guest and ciminologist, Dr. Judy Christman Yates, shares tips to help us recognize unreputable companies and scams! Then, Deputy District Attorney Vicki Johnson, issues a warning about phony Covid-19 tests and testing sites. Don't miss this timely episode!

Criminologist, Dr Judy Christman Yates, gives great advice on shredding or burning personal information, making sure your online passwords are safe, two-step login authentication and even your car’s GPS system. Don’t miss this important episode and be sure your personal information stays safe!

HOME IMPROVEMENT SCAMS by Hub for Podcasting

Does your purse or wallet feel like a filing cabinet? Crooks want wallets for MORE than the cash they contain. With the information they may find, fraudsters often steal our identity to open bank accounts and credit cards in OUR NAMES! Stay safe by taking the time to clean out your wallet or purse today!

Shawn Dyer, Senior Fraud Specialist at Montecito Bank & Trust shares the following warnings:

1. Don't unsubscribe to an unwanted email by clicking on a link you receive in an email or text. It can be another way for scammers to install malware on your computer. Instead, go to the company's legitimate website and safely unsubscribe.

2. If you are a business owner, or work at a business and receive an invoice via email, asking you to send payments to a new account, be very, very cautious. The email may look like it came from the person you usually do business with but look closely at who it's from. A very small email address variation from the sender is a RED FLAG! Pick up the phone and call your contact to confirm the email really came from them.

Supply chain issues have made some items, such as popular toys, hard to find. Scammers have been taking advantage of this problem by creating phony websites and links featuring these hard-to-find items. In this episode of Scam Squad, learn how to recognize phony websites and links that can cause BIG problems!