In 2023, refund scams are still a major problem for both individuals and businesses alike. Fraudsters are taking advantage of the increasingly online nature of most transactions by targeting unsuspecting victims with false promises of refunds.
These scams typically involve the fraudster posing as a legitimate company or government entity, claiming that the victim is eligible for a refund. The fraudster may then request personal information, such as bank and credit card details, as well as pictures of signed documents and/or digital signatures. Fraudsters may also use phishing techniques, sending victims fake emails that appear to come from a legitimate source and prompting them to click a link or open an attachment in order to “claim their refunds”.
The best way to avoid falling victim to a refund scam is by being vigilant and verifying the legitimacy of any request for personal or financial information. If something seems too good to be true or suspicious, it likely is. Additionally, it’s important to regularly monitor your accounts to ensure no fraudulent activity has taken place.
Refund scams are a growing problem and are likely to become even more sophisticated in the coming years. It’s important to remain vigilant and recognize the signs of a scam in order to protect yourself and your finances.
