A scam is currently spreading on social media featuring the National Kidney Foundation (NKF) “Big Ask Big Give” program impersonating the NKF with a convincing copycat website with a similar URL. They are also posting on Facebook groups with fake accounts posing as a member. This fraudulent scheme is misleading patients into thinking they can obtain a kidney by sharing their insurance information and paying certain fees.
Do not become a victim of this deceitful operation that asks you to give your private information, insurance information, pay for fake lab fees and lead you to believe there is a kidney ready and waiting for you. We want to emphasize that the number of scams is increasing. Please refrain from clicking on any links in phishing emails or sharing personal information unless you are absolutely certain of the source.
If you are aware of any scams on any Facebook groups alert the admins so they can take appropriate action.
Ways to Protect Yourself from Online Scams:
In today’s digital landscape, online scams have become increasingly prevalent, targeting people of all ages with deceptive tactics. To help safeguard yourself from falling victim to these scams, consider these strategies:
Limit Personal Information Sharing: Be mindful of the information you post on social media and other online platforms. Scammers often create fake profiles to gather personal details. Adjust your privacy settings to restrict who can see your posts and profiles. Always hide your friend list on social media.
Recognize Suspicious Messages: Be alert for phishing emails or texts that appear legitimate but are designed to deceive you into sharing personal information. Watch out for poor grammar, generic greetings, or urgent requests. Always verify unusual requests through official channels.
Use Strong Passwords: Create strong, unique passwords for your accounts that combine letters, numbers, and symbols. Avoid obvious choices like birthdays or names. Implement two-factor authentication for added security whenever possible.
Stay Informed About Current Scams: Awareness is crucial in avoiding scams. Follow updates from reliable sources like the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) or the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to learn about the latest scams and how to protect yourself.
Trust Your Instincts: If an offer seems too good to be true, be skeptical. Offers promising easy money or unrealistically cheap products are often scams. Take the time to investigate before acting on any suspicious offers.
If you are unsure of a phone call, always ask who is calling and get contact info form the requester. Don’t call back that number, call the number on the back of your credit or insurance card and ask them if they sent you any corresponsive and what was the nature of their call.
By following these guidelines, you can navigate the online world more safely and protect yourself from the risks associated with online scams. Vigilance and awareness are your best defenses in this digital age.
If you have fallen victim to a Scam:
Stay Calm: I know it’s easier said than done but try not to panic. Take a deep breath.
Document Everything: Take screenshots or save any emails/messages you received. This will help if you need to report it later.
Change Your Passwords: If you shared any personal info or passwords, it’s time to secure your accounts. Update those passwords ASAP!
Report It: Don’t just brush it off. Report the scam to the platform where it happened (like Facebook, Google, etc.). Contact the Internet Crime Complaint Center www.ic3.gov/ to file a complaint.
Check Your Accounts: Keep an eye on your bank and credit card statements for any suspicious activity. If you see anything weird, contact your bank immediately.
Talk About It: Share your experience with friends, family and on social media. It can help others avoid the same trap!
Remember, you’re not alone in this, and it’s always okay to seek help.
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