I am an EU resident being contacted about stock I own in a defunct company by a supposedly US based lawyer, is this a scam?
How can you identify a scammer?
Four Signs That It’s a Scam
- Scammers PRETEND to be from an organization you know. Scammers often pretend to be contacting you on behalf of the government. …
- Scammers say there’s a PROBLEM or a PRIZE. …
- Scammers PRESSURE you to act immediately. …
- Scammers tell you to PAY in a specific way.
How do you know if its a financial scam?
Be particularly alert to these types of strategies:
- Unsolicited approaches by phone, email, or text or in person.
- A hard sell and lofty promises.
- No way to call back or follow up with the seller.
- Insistence on a quick decision.
- Sketchy details.
- Complicated explanations or use of highly complex terminology.
How do I know if an investment company is real in South Africa?
Licensed: The investment company should be licensed with the Financial Services Conduct Authority (FSCA) and should display their FSP number on all their marketing material, including their website, business cards, brochures and social media pages. If you’re unsure, phone the FSCA and verify the organisation.
How do I get my money back after being scammed online Australia?
What to do if you have been scammed? We urge you to immediately stop corresponding with the suspected scammers and report the scam to Scamwatch. We also suggest that you contact your bank immediately if you have provided your financial details or recently transferred money.
What information does a scammer need?
Much like a Social Security number, a thief only needs your name and credit card number to go on a spending spree. Many merchants, particularly online, also ask for your credit card expiration date and security code. But not all do, which opens an opportunity for the thief.
How do scammer know your name?
Spammers often release information-gathering programs called “bots” to collect the names and e-mail addresses of people who post to specific newsgroups. Bots can get this information from both recent and old posts.
Can I report a scammer to the police?
Report the incident to the classified site immediately, sending them as much information as possible about the ad in question as possible. They can retrieve and store information to pass on to the police. Report the incident to your local police station so that they can open a case.
What if your investment were scammed what will you do?
If you suspect an investment scam, report it to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Report possible securities fraud to the SEC online. For tips on investing wisely and avoiding fraud, visit the SEC’s website for individual investors, Investor.gov.
What information does a scammer need to access my bank account?
Once they have your personal information (such as your ID, Social security number, etc.), they can steal your identity and access your bank account. If you’re on the job hunt, it’s a good idea to set up fraud and credit monitoring to make sure no one is using your credentials for the wrong reasons.
Can the police help if I have been scammed?
It is generally best to file a police report on a scammer, reach out to your bank, and file a complaint with the appropriate federal agency as soon as possible after you have been scammed. To file a police report for a scam, you will need make a call to or visit the fraud division of your local police department.
Will a bank refund you if you get scammed?
If you paid by bank transfer or Direct Debit
Contact your bank immediately to let them know what’s happened and ask if you can get a refund. Most banks should reimburse you if you’ve transferred money to someone because of a scam.
What happens if I give my phone number to a scammer?
By having your cell number, a scammer could trick caller ID systems and get into your financial accounts or call financial institutions that use your phone number to identify you. Once the scammer convinces your carrier to port out your number, you may never get it back. Scam porting is a big problem for phone owners.
How can I get back my lost money from a scammer?
Recovering money from cyber scams – Do this first!
- Report it to the police – It is important that you report the issue to the police ASAP. …
- Contact your bank – You also need to contact the financial organisations involved in making the payments immediately.
Who is responsible for bank frauds?
Through its regulatory oversight of national banks, the OCC works to implement legislation designed to detect, identify, and prevent financial crimes and fraud.
What happens if you give a scammer access to your computer?
If you gave permission to the caller to access your computer, you should no longer consider it to be safe or clean. They might have installed programs, changed settings, or even installed a virus. In short, you can no longer trust it.
How can I report a scammer to the FBI?
Report Threats and Federal Crimes
- Fill out our Online Tips and Public Leads form at tips.fbi.gov.
- Call 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324)
- Contact your local field office or closest international office.
What does the FBI do overseas?
The FBI stations special agents and other personnel overseas to help protect Americans back home by building relationships with law enforcement, intelligence, and security services around the globe. This helps ensure a prompt and continuous exchange of information.
How can I find out if someone is using my identity?
What you can do to detect identity theft
- Track what bills you owe and when they’re due. If you stop getting a bill, that could be a sign that someone changed your billing address.
- Review your bills. …
- Check your bank account statement. …
- Get and review your credit reports.
What kind of crimes does the FBI investigate?
The FBI has divided its investigations into a number of programs, such as domestic and international terrorism, foreign counterintelligence, cyber crime, public corruption, civil rights, organized crime/drugs, white-collar crime, violent crimes and major offenders, and applicant matters.
How do you know if FBI is investigating you?
The most common signs of being under investigation include talking to your friends, employees acting abnormally, and even an investigator leaving a business card on your door. Oftentimes, if the DOJ or FBI brings you under its investigation ‘claws,’ they may not confirm that you are a target.
Why would the FBI come to your house?
They may or may not have a search or arrest warrant in hand. They could be there to search your home, make an arrest, or simply chat with you.
Can the FBI operate internationally?
The FBI operates in over 65 countries and its mission is to lead FBI global operations to identify and eliminate threats to the US. Through Legal Attaché offices, or Legats, FBI personnel work with host country agencies to jointly investigate crimes affecting US citizens and interests.
Can INTERPOL make arrests in the US?
INTERPOL is an international organization with administrative capabilities to help countries work together to fight international crime. Interpol does not have executive powers, so Interpol official do not arrest suspects or act without the approval of national authorities.
Does the FBI have offices in Europe?
Believe it or not, the FBI has offices all over the world. According to the FBI’s website, they “have 63 legal attaché offices — commonly known as legats — and more than two dozen smaller sub-offices in key cities around the globe, providing coverage for more than 180 countries.”