Fraud.global

Even before the pandemic, many Americans were highly dependent on package delivery services. But COVID-19 shelter-in-place orders have made parcel delivery companies essential. Fraudsters have taken note. “Porch Pirates” have increased the theft of packages from homes, even where there are security cameras. And a common scam tricks its targets into giving up personal information to “reschedule” delivery of a nonexistent package. Protect yourself from theft by tracking packages and requesting delivery signatures. To foil identity thieves, don’t provide information to unknown callers or click on suspicious email links.

The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic may pose a double whammy for seniors. The elderly are extremely vulnerable to medical complications associated with the virus and they’re also prime targets for COVID-19 scams. Fraudsters are attempting to con Medicare and Social Security benefit information and money from unsuspecting people. They’re also updating old frauds, such as the “grandchild” scam (where a caller may claim to be treating a sick grandchild or other relative and demand payment). Seniors must be suspicious of all COVID-19 related claims and verify information before revealing personal or financial information.

In theory, investigating executives for fraud shouldn’t differ from investigating rank-and-file employees. In reality, an executive can slow, even shut down, a fraud investigation. Your company needs a plan to prevent interference and facilitate the collection of evidence. This starts by working with HR and legal advisors to brief the suspect’s superior. If employees are involved in the investigation, make sure they can be trusted not to discuss the process. However, even trusted employees won’t have the experience or impartiality of a professional fraud expert. If you suspect a member of management of fraud, contact us.

Happy Easter Everyone! Stay strong, we will get through this.

When customers hand over personal and financial data to your business, they expect you to do everything in your power to protect it from hackers, as well as non-criminal third parties. Consumers don’t need to understand the inner workings of your fraud prevention efforts. However, they must trust that you have an effective program in place. So provide notices on your website and train customer service reps to answer questions. Also familiarize yourself with any applicable laws and clearly explain your policies for sharing customer data with third parties at the time you request the data.