A WOMAN who received a text about a “safe driver refund” uncovered it as a scam meant to trick drivers into clicking a harmful link.
Sonnie Hernandez, from Dearborn, Michigan, received such a text – but quickly recognized it as suspicious.
As reported by WXYZ, the unsolicited message displays common hallmarks of a scam, such as offers that appear too good to be true and an urgent call to action.
The message read: “Hey Sonia, your safe driver refund is ready. Click to view details.” But, she knew it was fishy.
“I kind of messed up my cousin’s car just last summer, so how am I getting a good-driver refund?”
Hernandez’s advice to others is “absolutely do not click on it.”
Experts are clear on this; insurance companies and government agencies simply do not notify about refunds via text messages.
Indeed, if you suspect you are owed a refund, then it’s worth contacting an insurance company directly.
Furthermore, avoid clicking on links in unsolicited messages to prevent malware infections, and report the scam to the Better Business Bureau’s Scam Tracker.
And delete the text immediately.
Sadly, the scam is emerging in Michigan, but has also been reported in other states like Florida.
NOT FINE
This comes as another woman was recently hit with over $450 in fines in just two weeks, all for parking near her driveway.
A controversial AI parking system and the new “daylighting” law caused issues for Angela Calderaro, from Sacramento, California, whose car was repeatedly flagged by an AI camera near a city bus stop.
It means parking anywhere near her home has now become a daily gamble, as the city prohibits any cars being parked 60 feet before and 30 feet after a bus stop.
On top of that, California’s “daylighting” law bans cars from being parked 20 feet from any curb at intersections to improve visibility.
The system is able to capture violations as buses pass by, and then automatically generate citations – but Calderaro says the system lacks context and human judgment.
She told NBC affiliate KCRA: “Because with the new daylight law, it’s 20 feet from the curb. So I have 20 feet, then I have 60 feet, and then I have 30 feet.
“I can’t even park, blocking my own driveway the way that it’s set up.”
How to avoid a contractor scam
Tips to avoid being scammed into a driveway, sidewalk, or walkway job:
Just because someone shows up at your door wearing a reflective vest, a hard hat, and work boots does not mean they come from a reputable contracting company.
A scammer may tell you they could do a driveway, walkway, or sidewalk repaving for much cheaper than the previous contractor told you, appealing to homeowners looking to save thousands on home repairs.
Before writing a check or paying cash for what seems like an offer that’s too good to be true, here are some tips to ensure it’s not a scam.
Get three quotes from three different companies to see the variation in pricing. Never pay in advance. A reputable company will not take money upfront, as prices vary by the job, and complications can raise the price. Ask for a contractor license. In many states, if you ask to see their license, contractors are legally obligated to present it. Avoid door-to-door salesmen who say they’re in the area doing work. Many times, they’ll take a deposit and never show. Avoid paying by cashier’s check, cash, or via wire transfer. Paying with a credit card is the easiest way to dispute it if it is a scam. Keep communication in writing, such as email or text, to help protect you if things need to be handled legally and a police report is needed. Don’t feel pressured to make an immediate decision. Sometimes scammers will create a sense of urgency, but it’s important to take a step back and do some research.Read more here.
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