Using Siri or any voice assistant to make calls may seem convenient, but there are hidden risks. Virginia, an 82-year-old from Concord, Massachusetts, learned this lesson the hard way. She asked Siri to call American Express and ended up on the phone with scammers. They tried to convince her that she had received a $100,000 credit, pushing her to return a large sum.
Understanding How the Scam Works
This type of scam often begins with a fake customer-service number. Virginia’s experience underscores the danger of relying on voice results to contact companies. The Better Business Bureau has warned about these tricks, highlighting that voice searches can sometimes pull up incorrect numbers.
The Details of Virginia’s Experience
Virginia asked Siri to dial American Express, but the number was fake. The conversation shifted to her Bank of America account, where a supposed error turned $1,000 into $100,000. Fortunately, she caught on before losing any money.
What Makes These Scams Effective?
Scammers use the apparent legitimacy of voice assistants and the element of surprise to gain trust. Immediately shifting a call to discuss financial matters should raise red flags.
Steps to Safeguard Yourself
- Verify Phone Numbers: Always use the number on your card or the official app.
- Stay Alert: If a conversation heads in an unusual direction, end the call.
- No Money Transfers: Never transfer funds to protect your account.
- Verify Overpayments: Confirm any unexpected transactions independently.
- Security Codes: Never share these codes with anyone.
- Avoid Remote Access: Do not install software at a caller’s request.
- Antivirus Software: Protect your devices with robust security programs.
- Set Alerts: Enable notifications for account activity.
- Strong Passwords: Use unique, secure passwords and two-factor authentication.
- Self-Verification: Always check account changes directly.
If You’ve Been Scammed
- Stop communication immediately.
- Contact your financial institution using verified numbers.
- Freeze accounts that might be compromised.
- Change any exposed passwords.
- Remove any unwanted remote-access software promptly.
- Check for unauthorized transactions or new account changes.
- Consider freezing your credit if sensitive data is leaked.
- Report the incident to authorities and relevant firms.
Caution with Follow-Up Scams
Be wary of further contact from scammers claiming to help recover lost funds. Always treat such interactions with skepticism.
Virginia’s experience shows the importance of vigilance when using digital devices for financial matters. Double-check phone numbers and treat them with as much care as you would a password to protect against scams.