Scam Squad

Scam Squad welcomes Criminologist and Financial Crime Expert, Dr. Judy Christman Yates. Dr. Yates discusses upcoming scams to look for as the new COVID-19 vaccine continues to roll-out. Dr. Yates reminds listeners to seek official information from legitimate sources. Do not answer anonymous calls from strange phone numbers. Be sure to identify who exactly you are communicating with, especially if you provide personal or financial information. To report a scam or if you believe you have been scammed, call Vicki Johnson at 805.568.2442

As you get older, it is normal to check the obituary to see if you know someone who passed on. Obituaries sometimes contain personal information about the deceased to tell a story of their life. Sometimes obituaries contain the full name of the deceased, as well as their residential address. Unfortunately, scammers take advantage of any situation in order to capitalize. Beware of obituary scams, bereavement scams, and phony psychics who want to make a quick dollar on the grieving process.

To report a scam or if you believe you have been scammed, call Vicki Johnson at 805.568.2442

Happy New Year to all of our listeners, from our heart to yours! Unfortunately, scammers don’t take breaks for the holidays. With COVID-19 vaccines now available, it is predicted that there will be large scale scams related to COVID-19 testing kits and vaccines. Not only is it a financial danger to get scammed with fake products, but fake testing kits and vaccines could negatively affect your health.

To report a scam or if you believe you have been scammed, call Vicki Johnson at 805.568.2442

This episode of Scam Squad features Senior Fraud Specialist at Montecito Bank and Trust, Shawn Dyer. Shawn talks about a few reoccurring scams that seem to recirculate regularly. These common scams include, tech-support scams and scams where fraudsters impersonate official organizations like the FTC. Shawn reminds us that scams can happen to anybody! Be aware when giving out your personal information, especially when sending money. To report a scam or if you believe you have been scammed, call Vicki Johnson at 805.568.2442

This episode of Scam Squad features Judy Christman Yates, a senior financial fraud expert with over 13 years’ experience working in the Financial Fraud department as a volunteer with the Port Hueneme Police Department. She is also the author of a monthly financial exploitation newsletter. As online shopping during the holidays is increasingly popular, there are more ways for scammers to phish your personal information.

If you have questions about return policy abuse: https://www.theretailequation.com/

Before donating to a charity, do some research: https://www.charitynavigator.org/

This episode of Scam Squad features Judy Christman Yates, a senior financial fraud expert with over 13 years’ experience working in the Financial Fraud department as a volunteer with the Port Hueneme Police Department. She is also the author of a monthly financial exploitation newsletter. Judy talks about how to protect your identity and credit card information.

The holiday season is here! Especially this year, many people are shopping and buying gifts online. As we know, scammers are trying to take advantage of people in any way possible. When shopping online, be aware that fraudulent websites do exist. Only make purchases from secure websites and reputable sources. To report a scam or if you believe you have been scammed, call Vicki Johnson at 805.568.2442

This week’s episode features Victim Witness Advocate Dayton Aldrich. Dayton talks about the importance of secure digital passwords and provides tools that can help you protect your identity when shopping or browsing online. To report a scam or if you believe you have been scammed, call Vicki Johnson at 805.568.2442

Thank you to Montecito Bank and Trust for making Scam Squad possible. This episode features Montecito Bank and Trust’s very own Senior Fraud Specialist, Shawn Dyer. When mailing checks at the big blue post office boxes, it is important for people to be aware that these mailboxes are targets of theft. Fraudsters also steal account information, write themselves counterfeit checks, and try to pass it through personal accounts. To report a scam or if you believe you have been scammed, call Vicki Johnson at 805.568.2442

Online shopping scams and tech support scams are the two scams most likely to trap seniors. Shopping scams also often happen to people who are actively searching for a particular product on the internet. Online shoppers can be enticed by a reduced price on a specific item or shoppers can stumble upon items that are otherwise difficult to find.

The most risky items to buy online are pets and pet supplies. 25% of all online purchase scams are related to pets, while other common scams are related to vehicles and medical/nutritional supplies. When shopping online, be sure to buy from a reputable source or do your research before making a purchase.