Fraudulent Transactions Detection on the Rise in Georgia: Residents Warned to Be Vigilant

A growing number of residents in Georgia have been targeted by scammers posing as representatives of major retailers and financial institutions, attempting to steal sensitive information and commit fraudulent transactions. According to authorities, these scams take various forms, including automated phone calls and text messages.

Common Scam Scenario 1: Fake Purchase Alerts

In one common scenario, victims receive a message claiming that they made a recent purchase totaling several thousand dollars from a well-known retailer such as Walmart or Amazon. The scammer then requests the victim’s account credentials or payment information in order to “cancel” the transaction. In reality, this is an attempt to steal the victim’s identity and financial information.

Common Scam Scenario 2: Fake Bank Calls

Another version of the scam involves a caller claiming to be from the victim’s bank or another company they do business with, informing them that fraudulent activity has been detected on their account. The scammer may even claim that the account has been deactivated and requires the victim to provide personal information in order to reinstate it.

Expert Advice: Stay Safe, Stay Vigilant

Experts warn residents not to fall prey to these scams by providing sensitive information to the caller or clicking on suspicious links. Instead, they recommend contacting the company directly through a verified telephone number or website to verify whether an unauthorized charge was made to their account.

• Don’t rush to action without verifying the authenticity of the message.
• Hang up immediately and contact the company directly to confirm the validity of the transaction.
• Avoid replying to these types of messages, even if it’s just to say “STOP.” This can validate your phone number to the scammer, leaving you open to receiving additional text scams.

Stay Calm, Think Critically

Georgia residents are reminded to stay calm and think critically before taking any action in response to these types of messages. Remember that a sense of urgency is often a red flag for a scam. By being aware of these tactics and taking steps to protect themselves, residents can help prevent fraudulent transactions from occurring in the state.

Additional Tips:

• Verify the authenticity of the message by contacting the company directly.
• Don’t provide sensitive information, such as account credentials or payment information, over the phone or through text messages.
• Stay informed about common scams and stay vigilant to avoid falling prey to these tactics.