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Tag: Internet Safety

  • Toll Text Scams Are on the Rise – Don’t Become a Victim

    Toll Text Scams Are on the Rise – Don’t Become a Victim

    If you get a text message saying that you have overdue toll charges, there’s a good chance it’s a scam. There has been a huge rise in these fraudulent texts – and clicking on the link in the text could open you up to big trouble.

    What’s the Scam?

    You’ll get an unexpected text or email that tells you to click a link to pay “overdue toll charges” to avoid late fees or other penalties. Clicking the link can lead to a phishing attack, where the scammer tries to get your personal information – like your driver’s license number and address – and use that information to potentially steal your identity. And if you pay, not only are you out the money, but the scammer gets your credit card number, too.

    Because text messages and emails cost nothing to send, the scam is everywhere. Financial podcaster and media personality Clark Howard posted on his blog, “I’ve gotten the scam texts and also an email recently, telling me that I owe money for tolls.” The fake toll scam has become such a problem that federal agencies like the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the FBI are warning people to be on the lookout.

    What You Should Do

    Don’t click the link. If you should see one of these texts or emails – or any unexpected text or email for that matter – never click the link.

    Wondering whether the message is legitimate? Visit the toll agency’s website directly using the browser on your phone or computer, or via the agency’s app on your phone. Again, do not click the link in the text or email, but navigate to the site yourself via your browser by searching for it using a reputable search engine such as Google or Bing. Once there, you can input your vehicle license plate to see if you do indeed owe any tolls.

    Scam text recently received by author. URL altered for safety.

    How to Spot a Scam

    Scammers are very good at mimicking emails and text messages – and even entire websites – of legitimate companies. It can be very difficult to tell them apart. No matter what the message, whether it arrives by text or email, best practice is to never ever click on the links in the message. If you get a message asking you to click on a link, you should instead go to the website manually.

    Additionally, watch out for these common telltale signs of scam texts and emails:

    • Urgency: Scammers use tight deadlines or phrases like “final notice” to get their victims to follow their directions without a chance to think it over or double-check.
    • Threats: Fear is a strong motivator, and it’s easy to make something sound deadly serious in writing, even something as vague as “penalties” or “legal action.”
    • Free Stuff: Money and prizes are also strong motivators, especially when presented at zero or minimal cost to the recipient.
    • Unknown Number: Scammers may pose as someone you know or an institution you trust. However, a giveaway in this case will be their unfamiliar phone number or email. If your bank calls you unexpectedly to verify your personal information, don’t give that information away. Instead, call them back on the number on your credit or debit card.
    • Typos and Grammar Mistakes: It’s not always the case, but fraudulent texts and emails will often feature spelling errors, strange punctuation, or awkwardly written sentences. In some cases, they’ll make a mistake with the organization’s name. (Note the extra “t” in “FasTrak” in the image.)
    • Suspicious Links: Scam URLs will often look like those of legitimate websites, but there will be subtle differences. Like maybe the number “1” is used in the place of a lowercase “L”; or there are additional letters, numbers, or symbols.
    • Strange Instructions: If the instructions you’re asked to follow seem oddly complicated, or if they’re asking for gift cards rather than a normal method of payment, it’s likely not a legitimate transaction.

    Not sure if you’re on a legitimate website? The easiest way to be safe is to close the tab and manually enter the website URL, or find it using a good search engine. Otherwise, Clark Howard has a guide on how to spot a fake online store in six steps.

    It Can Happen to Anyone

    This article was prompted by a number of texts I got as I traveled east to Indiana from my home base in New Mexico. Every time I crossed a state line I got a text alleging that I owe a toll in the state I just left.

    Given the number of axles between my pickup and travel trailer, the cost of toll roads makes it feel like I’m buying the road outright rather than paying to drive on it. So I always use my mapping software to avoid tolls in the first place. And wouldn’t you know it, when I get one of those texts and I go to the appropriate agency’s website, I don’t see that I’ve incurred any tolls at all.

    Scammers are everywhere, and thankfully, this one is easy to avoid: Never click on an unexpected link, and always go straight to the source if someone tells you that you owe them money.

  • What to Do if You Encounter Scammers & Spammers When Selling Your Used RV

    What to Do if You Encounter Scammers & Spammers When Selling Your Used RV

    Online marketplaces provide a great way to sell your recreational vehicle quickly and easily, but you should still take some precautions when listing your unit. Scam, spam, and fraud are a few looming issues that buyers and sellers have to navigate on the internet. For more guidance, RV Trader is providing further insight on how you can handle scams and spam when you sell your motorhome or camper van online. 

    How to Avoid Scams

    1. Research the Buyer

    Confirm the buyer’s identity and contact information, including their full name, street address, phone number, and email address. If possible, conduct a background check on the buyer before you move forward. Look for online reviews, contact references, and a history of fraudulent activities associated with their name. 

    2. Request Valid Contact Information

    Scammers often refuse to provide verifiable contact information or may claim to be out of the country, making it difficult to confirm their identity or complete parts of the transaction. Always request and verify valid contact details before proceeding with the sale. 

    3. Be Skeptical of Unusual Payment Requests

    Don’t ever trust buyers who insist on using unusual payment methods, such as wire transfers, prepaid cards, or checks for more than the agreed amount. Legitimate buyers will generally use common, secure payment methods, like bank transfers or escrow services.

    4. Be Wary of Amazing Offers

    If an offer seems way too good to be true, it likely is. Be hesitant of buyers offering a drastically higher price than the market value or offering to buy your RV without any kind of negotiation. Don’t ever send any personal or financial information (such as your bank account number or social security number) to a seller via email or over the phone.

    5. If They Use Pressure Tactics, Run

    Scammers often try to create a sense of urgency, pressuring you to make a fast decision or provide personal information without allowing time to do any research or consider the sale. Take your time, verify the buyer, and proceed cautiously. If you feel uncomfortable with the buyer or the transaction, it’s best to walk away. 

    6. Pay Attention to Communication

    Spelling mistakes, poor grammar, and refusal to provide details about the buyer’s identity are all hallmark signs of a scam. Real buyers will communicate clearly and professionally.

    7. Meet Up in Person

    If a buyer doesn’t want to meet in person, this is a red flag. It’s one thing if they’re actually on vacation and can’t meet up until they’re home. But if they just flat out refuse, something sketchy is going on behind the scenes. Insist on meeting face-to-face before the transaction moves ahead.

    8. Verify Payment

    Before handing over the RV, verify that any payments have cleared in your account. Scammers typically give out fake payment confirmations or fraudulent checks.

    9. Wait to Transfer the Title

    Hold off on transferring the title of your recreational vehicle until the agreed upon price has landed securely in your account.

    10. Check for Scam Trends

    Unfortunately, scams are common. Research common scams related to selling RVs online, and stay updated on new tactics that scammers might use. Awareness can help you recognize warning signs and walk away before you’re in too deep.

    11. Know How to Spot a Phishing Email

    We will never send out an email or text message with a link telling you to log into your My Trader account. These are phishing attempts to steal your account information, like a username or password, in order to take over your account and commit fraud. 

    Compare listings online for new and used travel trailers.

    How to Deal With Spam Emails

    Spam is frustrating for everybody. Unfortunately, it’s something that most people have to deal with in the midst of the internet age. However, there are things you can do to prevent yourself from falling for a scam. RV Trader does its best to prevent spam on our site, and we never sell your information to anyone. Here are some steps you can take to stop spam emails from reaching your inbox.

    1. Create a Selling Email Address

    Create and use a separate email address for sales communications related to your listing on RV Trader. Don’t use your personal or work email.

    2. Keep Your Information Private

    If you’re being overloaded with spam, keep your selling email address private. Don’t display it publicly. Instead, you can direct potential buyers to your listing. Later on, you can share your selling email with shoppers who appear to be serious.

    3. Never Click Suspicious Links

    If you receive an email that looks suspicious, trust your gut. Don’t download any attachments or click any links. Delete these emails immediately, and mark them as spam.

    4. Use Your Spam Folder

    If an email doesn’t sit right with you, mark it as spam. Regularly review your spam folder to check that important communications aren’t missed.

    5. Change Your Contact Information

    If you continue to be overloaded with spam, create a new email address and keep it private. Update your contact information accordingly on the marketplace. 

    How to Report a Scam or Spam Online

    Always report scams, even if the scammer wasn’t successful and you backed out in time. If you think you’ve been scammed or were in the midst of a scam attempt, file a report with the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3). This is a safe and easy way to report a cyber crime, where IC3 will alert authorities by referring reports to law enforcement or regulatory agencies at federal, state, local, and international levels.

    If you think you’ve received a suspicious email related to the marketplace, make sure to report it to Trader Interactive right away. Forward the email to fraud@traderinteractive.com. For more ways to fight internet fraud, visit Trader Interactive’s Security Center.

    Browse our marketplace for new and used fifth wheels. 

    Be confident when you sell your motorhome with RV Trader. Know the red flags that indicate a scam so you can protect yourself. Reduce spam by following these tips, and report any fraud that you encounter. When you’re ready to sell your camper, visit RVTrader.com/Sell.