Comment: This is not a subject about which I typically write. However, I felt it important to bring the increased danger of getting scammed to your attention.
Do not approach this with an attitude of fear. Rather, be grateful “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” (2 Timothy 1:7, NKJV). We need not be afraid of anything the world can do to us (Psalm 118:6-7; Hebrews 13:6). But we do need to use the sound mind God gave us and be informed and cautious.
Photo by jotform on Unsplash
Scammers are increasingly targeting older people and banks and credit unions. If you already heard this warning, just take this as a reminder. If not, please be extra careful about responding to texts, phone calls, emails, anything on line and people who come to your door. As you may have heard, scammers target older people because we tend to be more trusting in general. And, obviously, we are not as well-acquainted with technology and the ways it can be used against us as younger people tend to be.
Why am I writing this? Unfortunately, I recently was scammed. My credit union stopped payment on part of the money before it was transmitted. I am still waiting to hear what decision will be made about the other part – my entire savings account, which, though not large to many people perhaps, was large to me.
Although it is painful even to think about, I share what happened in the hope of helping to protect someone else.
In my case, the scammers sent a text to my phone that looked like it came from my credit union. The text asked, “Did you approve the payment of $54 to John Jones?” I replied with “N” for No and one thing led to another.
How to avoid this and similar scams in the future? The credit union official said to ignore any text apparently from the credit union and call the credit union directly to ask about the status of my account. I plan to do the same for texts or emails regarding a credit card.
Other text scams. Below is a link to an excellent Reader’s Digest article from October 2024. Read it carefully and you will see just how devious scammers are becoming.
8 Scam Text Messages You Should Delete Immediately
Good advice from a credit union. Below are links to more articles about scamming. I learned a lot by reading them.
Why We Get Scammed – A+ Federal Credit Union
Pay Attention To These 4 Banking Scams – A+ Federal Credit Union
Fraud Alert: Romance Scams – A+ Federal Credit Union
Financial Safety Tips: Using Direct Payment Apps – A+ Federal Credit Union
Scam-Proof Your Financial Life Online – A+ Federal Credit Union
Scams To Look For In The New Year – A+ Federal Credit Union
Although Christmas and tax seasons are over, read the two warnings below. They will help you be more cautious and prepared.
Beware Of Tax-Time Scams – A+ Federal Credit Union
Top 10 Holiday Scams – A+ Federal Credit Union
Other precautions to take. Recently, in the city where I live, a lady I know (call her Jane) was the victim of a home robbery. A woman who appeared to be a nurse coming to give physical therapy came to Jane’s house. The woman knew a lot of personal information about Jane. Jane went into another room for just a minute and in that short time the imposter grabbed Jane’s wallet out of her purse. This woman and another woman were arrested about two weeks later, having robbed many people in the area.
The obvious warning here is to be more careful than ever about who you let into your house. I suggest that if you have not specifically requested a service or delivery, do not even answer the door, and certainly do not open it. If it is a scammer/criminal, or solicitor, they will just go away if they get no response.
If you have specifically requested a service, like home repairs or physical therapy or installation of medical equipment, speak through the closed and locked door and tell them to wait. Call the company or agency the person says they represent and get the name and physical description of the person they are sending. Then ask the person’s name and see if they look like the person described by the company. (If you do not have a peephole, get one installed.)
If the name and appearance do not match, stop talking. Period. A determined scammer will start making up excuses, like “Joe got sick and I am filling in.” Just stop talking. Period.
Signs of the end times. As we all know, the world is getting more and more evil, as God warned in His Word. Jesus taught us about what will happen at the end of time as we know it. One of those teachings is in Matthew 24. One of the signs Jesus mentioned is that evil will increase and the love people have for God will grow cold. But He encourages us that if we stand firm to the end, we will be saved.
12 Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, 13 but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved. 14 And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come. (Matthew 24:12-14, NIV)
Here is the thought I want to leave you with. The world is indeed getting more evil, but we can rejoice. Why? Because Jesus has overcome the world for us and deprived it of power to harm us.
33 I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace and confidence. In the world you will have tribulation and trials and distress and frustration; but be of good cheer [take courage; be confident, certain, undaunted]” For I have overcome the world. [I have deprived it of power to harm you and have conquered it for you.” (John 16:33, AMPC)
What if I get scammed anyway? Immediately report it to the bank or credit card company involved. Immediately. The sooner you report it, the more likely it can be stopped.
You might ask, “Well, if I get scammed how does that show Jesus has overcome the world and deprived it of power to harm me?” For one thing, loving Jesus helps us value the unseen, spiritual things more than things of this world. He tells us: “And set your minds and keep them set on what is above (the higher things), not on the things that are on the earth.” (Colossians 3:2, AMPC, emphasis added)
And He says: We are assured and know that [God being a partner in their labor] all things work together and are [fitting into a plan] for good to and for those who love God and are called according to [His] design and purpose.” (Romans 8:28, AMPC)
God does not promise us a trouble-free life but He promises to be “our very present help in time of trouble.” (Psalm 46:1). Another verse that is instructive to consider in this regard is Hebrews 13:5. Notice that the first part of the verse exhorts us to be free from the love of money and things of this world. God tells us to be satisfied with our present circumstances and what we have.
5 Let your character or moral disposition be free from love of money [including greed, avarice, lust, and craving for earthly possessions] and be satisfied with your present [circumstances and with what you have]; for He [God] Himself has said, I will not in any way fail you nor give you up nor leave you without support. [I will] not, [I will] not, [I will] not in any degree leave you helpless nor forsake nor let [you] down (relax My hold on you)! [Assuredly not!] (Hebrews 13:5, AMPC)
In conclusion. Be smart, be alert, and keep your heart fixed on and resting in the love of God. As we go forward in this world, we can face the future as King Jehosophat did in 2 Chronicles 20:1-30. We can pray, rely on God, and send our songs ahead of us.
“When he had consulted with the people, he appointed singers to sing to the Lord and praise Him in their holy [priestly] garments as they went out before the army, saying, Give thanks to the Lord, for His mercy and loving-kindness endure forever!” (2 Chronicles 20:21, AMPC)
Friend, I say again, and again, and again:
“Give thanks to the Lord, for His mercy and loving-kindness endure forever!” Pause and deeply consider that.
I appreciate the balance of this writing. We can certainly become overwhelmed by the evil and deception in our world, so it is a good reminder to not be fearful and focused on the evils. The links all point to credible information sources and I think I was most surprised to learn how prominently scanners use text messages to deceive us and pull us in. Thank you also for the refocus on God and His power over evil and that He is on our side. We must draw close to Him, trust Him & remain grateful in His love and care!
Thank you and I say amen! Our only true safety and refuge is in God. He is our good, good Father, and our loving all-powerful but gentle Shepherd.