Grandma, it’s me. I need some help! You’ve just won $40,000! Dog for sale.

These are just a few of the latest scams that are flooding cell phones and the Internet daily.

KOTV reporter Lori Fulbright exposed many of the popular scams to the Friends of the Lake Eufaula Area Supporters (FLEAS) last Tuesday at the Eufaula VFW Post 8798.

Fulbright, a crime reporter for the News on 6, has covered many different scams over her past 31 years as a reporter.

It is now reported that seniors are no longer the number one target for scammers. Millennials (born in 19811996) are now the biggest affected, however when seniors are scammed, they are giving more money.

Oklahoma now has its first million-dollar scam victim.

“Scammers are getting professional,” Fulbright said.

The scammers now have programs that copy their loved ones voice and splice it together to appear like they are asking for help.

These schemers will also call you by name and ask if they have the right person. When you say yes, they will record it as an approval.

“Never say yes.” The main point that Fulbright wanted to drive home is that you should never order and give a gift card as payment for anything.

“The IRS will never call or email you asking for payment,” Fulbright said.

Two thirty-year-olds in Tulsa fell for the jury duty scam in which they were told there was a warrant out for their arrest. They were told that the fines could be paid by gift card.

She also warned the group that you should never have to pay one penny or more to win a prize. It is illegal for anyone to charge you to receive your prize. It is a scam.

Another way that these illegal bandits are trying to gain money is by locking up your keyboard and holding it hostage until you pay. They then install a program to see all of your passwords. Fulbright suggests that if that happens to you, to unplug your computer and to go to a local technical support business and have them wipe your computer clear. She says not to pay these people.

Sometimes the messages might look legitimate. It might appear on your computer like it is coming from Microsoft itself. Fulbright implored the group to never give out personal information, passwords or money if this is to happen. Take it to an expert to examine it.

Another way that scammers gain access is by trust. People on vacation have been known to receive a call straight to their room phone saying it is the front desk and that there was a problem with their credit card. They would then ask the person to confirm their card number. She says if this were to ever happen, tell them you will be right down and go straight to the front desk.

Don’t trust caller ID

“You can’t trust caller ID. Scammers can change their phone number and voice with these new programs,” Fulbright said.

Never give your bank or personal information over the phone. If you believe it might be a legitimate call, hang up and call the original bank number and ask for a representative.

Social media can be a source of information but it is a playground for scammers.

They steal pictures and names and pose as someone else, asking victims to send money.

Fulbright encourages all Facebook users to utilize the two-factor authentication today.

Amazon Prime

Victims might receive a message saying it is time to renew their Prime, which takes you to another screen.

“When in doubt, log in separately. Do not click the link, Fulbright said.

Secret Shopper

There is another scam where victims will be offered a job as a secret shopper. The catch is that you have to put money up front.

Online dating

Romance scams are one of the biggest for extracting money.

Christian Mingle and other dating websites are a big target for these criminals.

The scammer will work for months before asking for money or electronics.

“Don’t think that only uneducated people fall victim to this scam,” Fulbright said.

One was a banker who forked out $40,000 to someone whom she had formed an online relationship with.

If someone reaches out from Canada, London or Nigeria, it is highly likely a scam.

Young or older, scammers are no respecter of persons. She cited a 35 year old who formed a relationship for over eight months and was scammed for $385,000.

Threats

These criminals are now threatening to kidnap family members. She encourages people to not engage in those conversations but to hang up. Even better, don’t answer in the first place but let the unknown calls go to voicemail.

Some of the popular names used in scams – IRS – Department of Treasury – Courthouse – Jury Duty – Publisher’s Clearinghouse – Red Cross – Sheriff ’s Department – Microsoft – Amazon – U.S. Marshal – Pet Sales – Missionaries

At a glance

Never give out personal information online or to someone who calls you.

Never buy gift cards as a penalty or to pay a fee.

If you have to pay more than one cent to earn your prize, it’s a scam.

When in doubt, hang up and call the person or company directly.