Wes Jennings, chair and professor of criminal justice and legal studies at the University of Mississippi.
University of Mississippi criminology professor shares ways to recognize, thwart con artists
Scammers took more than $10 billion from Americans last year, according to data compiled by the Federal Trade Commission. That amount is growing, so everyone should learn to recognize and avoid the latest cons, a University of Mississippi criminologist says.
Mississippi ranks No. 29 among states most affected by fraud and identity theft, and No. 5 in states most touched by tax scams. The most common scams are phishing emails that attempt to steal personal information. Other common scams include fake calls or text messages claiming to be the IRS, a car warranty provider or a bank wanting to give a loan.
Tax season, holidays, and emergencies or disasters are times when people are particularly vulnerable to scams, said Wes Jennings, chair and professor of criminal justice and legal studies.
“Older adults, particularly those over 65, are often targeted for scams,” Jennings said. “Young people ages 18 to 24 are also vulnerable to scams related to fraudulent job offers and online shopping scams.”
One of the first warning signs of a scam is an offer that seems to be too good to be true, Jennings said. Other signs include requests for urgent action, payment or unprofessional communications.
“Scams can be effective as they exploit human emotions such as fear, urgency or the desire to be helpful,” the Ole Miss professor said. “Awareness is the first line of defense against fraud. Recognizing these warning signs can help individuals quickly spot and avoid potential scams.”
Demographically, scammers come from diverse backgrounds, but most scammers are male, Jennings said. Many organized scams are run by groups, not individuals, and they are frequently based in geographic regions with weaker legal systems to avoid detection and prosecution, he said.
Jennings offers several suggestions for anyone who suspects they are being presented a scam:
- Do not provide any personal or financial information.
- Verify the identity of the person or organization by contacting them directly.
- Consult a friend, family member or local law enforcement.
- Regularly update software and antivirus programs on electronic devices.
- Be cautious about sharing personal information online.
- Educate yourself on the various types of scams.
Anyone who thinks they have been scammed should contact local law enforcement, he said. If they have lost money or their accounts are compromised, victims should also contact their bank to report the fraud.
“Contacting the authorities promptly is essential because it enables a faster response to mitigate the damage and possibly recover lost assets from scammers,” Jennings said. “Authorities can track and potentially apprehend the scammers, especially in cases where organized groups are involved.
“Additionally, a quick report increases the likelihood of limiting the scammer’s access to further information and resources, potentially preventing future fraud targeting other victims. Immediate action also facilitates investigations, allowing law enforcement to trace cyber trails or transaction records before they are erased.”
By Edwin Smith
