GREENSBORO, N.C. — You're on your computer looking at emails, checking out Facebook, and then, there's a pop-up message on your computer. It says something like: Do not turn off your computer. Please call this number.
You might think this is the computer or software company sending you a message, but it's not. The FBI reports that $3.4 Billion was stolen last year in scam cases like this.
More than 100,000 financial fraud complaints were filed to federal law enforcement last year alone. Experts say most of the fraud is tied to criminal networks operating in West Africa and Asia.
"Organized networks of individuals who are well financed, well resourced, and are using technology. The bottom line is if you've never met somebody in person, the best advice is to not send them any money," said an FBI agent.
Did you get that last part? Don't send money. Really.
If someone contacts you and says they're from a company, a business, an agency and they need payment right then to fix something or you'll be in trouble if you don't pay, it's a scam. I don't care how real they sound.
2 Wants To Know has told you this before, but it's worth repeating: NEVER call the number or click the link in a message, email, pop-up, voicemail, or text that comes to you.
Instead, always find the number of the business on your own or go to your account online.
A reminder-- a great way to protect your financial identity is by shredding documents with personal information on them. You should never trash items like credit card statements, canceled checks, utility bills, receipts, or credit card offers. We can help protect your identity by shredding those documents for free. The WFMY News 2 Shred-a-thon is Tuesday, May 14, at the Greensboro Coliseum from 4 pm to 7 pm.