The Russia-Ukraine conflict is nearly 6,000 miles from our border, but it’s probably already affecting you here at home.
You probably see a hit to your 401(k) and financial portfolio. As those go down, gas prices are going up. Tap or click here for simple ways to find the best gas prices in your area.
Whenever there’s an event of mass impact, hackers, scammers and thieves take advantage of the situation.
Note that scammers will contact you via calls, text, email or social media. If you have anyone older in your family, they are very susceptible to falling for these scams. Share this post with them on your social media or email this post with a link.
Here’s a list of scams we can expect to see as the Russia-Ukraine war heats up:
1. Help, help, I’m stuck here
Here’s an all-too-common trope: A scammer pretends to a family member or friend, claiming to be stuck somewhere and in need of money. One of the most common examples of this is the “grandparent scam,” in which a thief impersonates an older person’s grandchild and claims to be saddled with an expensive repair bill or even stuck in jail.
In this case, you may hear from a close contact who says they are stuck in Ukraine or Russia. Maybe they need money for a plane ticket out or claim to have lost their passport. They’ll raise the stakes, too, telling you they got robbed or all the banks are closed.
The scariest part is how easy it is to manipulate photos to back this up. A clever criminal can easily show your loved one in the Ukraine or Russia to make you believe it. Always check in with your loved one through another means of communication. For example, if they are texting, send an email or, better yet, give them a call.
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2. We need your support now more than ever
In times of crisis, we turn to others for help or step up to assist. You need to be extra-vigilant about donating money to GoFundMe pages or other relief efforts right now. Scammers use our kindest instincts against us to steal money through fake aid campaigns.
If you are donating money through an organization like the American Red Cross, for example, be sure you’re on the actual Red Cross site and not a cleverly disguised phishing site. It’s easy to copy the look of a website and steal official logos. The real tipoff is the URL. Don’t rely on a link you received from someone or clicked on social media; navigate to the official website yourself.
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3. But it looks and sounds SO real
Today’s deepfake technology makes it easier than you’d believe in producing high-quality videos or audio clips of a public figure saying or doing something that never happened in real life.
As you encounter videos of Russian President Vladimir Putin and other political figures on social media or YouTube, keep your guard up. If the video is designed to make you angry or act in some way, it very well may be a disinformation campaign at work.
Remember, disinformation videos are designed to look natural. It’s not uncommon for these videos to use computer-generated image technology and paid actors.
Tap or click here to listen to my podcast on how the lies that spread on social media can change history.
4. I have money, lots of money
This one is a twist on the old Nigerian Prince scams. Someone with a lot of money needs to move that money to leave the country – but they can’t do it without your help. Of course, you’ll need to pay transfer fees. If you receive such a message, report it as spam and delete it.
Scam texts aren’t just annoying. They’re one more way for tricky scammers to trick you into giving up your information or your money. Tap or click for tricks to spot scam texts and your best defense against them.
5. I can show you how to time the market
In times of strife, there’s always someone looking to make a buck. The stock market and cryptocurrency are down, and that presents an opportunity – at least that’s what a crook wants you to believe. The same goes for pitches you get to invest in stocks from cybersecurity companies to ammunition.
Here’s the truth: Anyone that who reaches out to you unsolicited with financial advice is in it to make money themselves.
6. If I could just give my loved one a proper burial
The funeral scam surfaces during national tragedies, natural disasters and wartime: Pleas for money to bury deceased family members or money for plane tickets to attend a funeral. It’s easy to see why people fall for this ploy.
Emotions take over, and you want to help. Treat emails or other communications with caution, and don’t send money directly to someone you don’t know through a payment app or website.
7. I’m defending your freedom
Fraudsters won’t just play on your emotions to help others. They will appeal to your sense of patriotism too. Think twice if you hear from someone claiming to be an American soldier stuck in Ukraine.
The American service personnel con may ask you for money, help get a message to their family, or supplies. Similarly, these requests can come from someone claiming to be a Ukrainian or Russian soldier too.
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8. Do as I say or else
Cybercriminals often use urgency to push us to make bad decisions. When you’re feeling flustered, you may do things you wouldn’t in a calmer state. That’s why phony calls threatening jail time from the IRS work so well.
That’s also why fake emails or calls from your boss or a higher-up at your company work too. They almost always have an urgent tone, asking you to send money or information right now.
If you receive an unusual request, contact this person in another way to verify the request.
9. It looks so legit
Gas prices are going up, and you can bet fake sites and apps that tell you where the lowest gas prices are in your area will be coming out of the woodwork. Don’t trust anything new that pops up.
Instead, go with an established option you can trust. I like Waze and GasBuddy for this purpose. Tap or click here for a direct download link for GasBuddy and steps on how to use it.
10. I will love you until the end of time
Romance scams are incredibly effective. The FBI says victims of romance fraud lost $1 billion in 2021 – and that’s just what was reported. Why do they work so well?
When we’re falling in love or just attracted to someone, our defenses are down. We don’t want to believe that a beautiful woman or charming man isn’t who they say they are.
Be on the watch for anyone who tells you they need to leave Ukraine or Russia immediately because of the war, and they want to build a new life with you. This scammer will send you photos, videos and even start sexting with you. Then, the money requests start for food, rent, and airline tickets to come to see you. Spoiler: You’ll never meet them in person.
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BONUS TIP: How to boost your tax refund this year
The IRS has new changes including the $600 rule, Working from home deductions, child tax credits and more. In this episode, tax accountant Rachel Cheek and I dive into the many ways deductions, forms, social media and rules will impact your 2021 tax return.
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Learn about all the latest technology on the Kim Komando Show, the nation’s largest weekend radio talk show. Kim takes calls and dispenses advice on today’s digital lifestyle, from smartphones and tablets to online privacy and data hacks. For her daily tips, free newsletters and more, visit her website at Komando.com.
The views and opinions expressed in this column are the author’s and do not necessarily reflect those of USA TODAY.
