Protect Yourself from Scammers

• Scammers are affixing fake barcode stickers on gift cards in stores, causing the money to be directed into their gift card account.
• Consumers can protect themselves by checking that the number of the barcode matches the number on the packaging, feeling or gently scratching the barcode, and avoiding purchasing if the barcode is on a sticker or if the package looks tampered with.
• Fake "refund and recovery" companies might contact those who lost money in a cryptocurrency scam, asking for personal ID information and an advance fee payable by gift card, cryptocurrency, or wire transfer.
• Crypto investments aren't insured by the government, and funds lost to crypto scammers are usually gone.
• Consumers should not trust anyone who contacts them saying they can get their money back.
• Criminals steal money in an investment or sweepstakes scheme and ask victims to make a testimonial video in exchange for returning their cash or giving back control of their social media account.
• The video is posted on the victim's account to scam others, and the victim gets nothing that was promised.
• Consumers should refuse demands to make a video to avoid furthering the scam with their friends.
• The Better Business Bureau recommends avoiding purchasing gift cards with ripped, wrinkled, bent, or tampered packaging.
• Eva Velasquez, CEO of the Identity Theft Resource Center, warns against making testimonial videos and says victims won't get their account or money back.

Test your knowledge on common scams and how to protect yourself from falling victim to them. This quiz covers topics such as fake gift card barcodes, cryptocurrency scams, sweepstakes schemes, and more. Learn how to recognize red flags and avoid being scammed by taking this quiz. Keywords: scams, protection, gift cards, cryptocurrency, sweepstakes, red flags.