There really are liars on the loose who tirelessly attempt to steal money.

“Senders—many of them con artists—spend about $438 million per year on robocalls. Those calls generate more than 20 times that amount in income, almost $10 billion a year.”[i]

So many scams. So many lies.

It’s no wonder truth isn’t always easy to discern. Deception runs rampant in our culture. Those who participate do so at the expense of others in hopes of making a quick buck. I find myself a sought-after target and assume you do, too. The perpetrators prey upon human vulnerability, poor memory, and individual fears.

How it works

I encounter this nonsense several times a week. A liar on the loose wants to dupe me into believing his or her scheme. The subject varies but the conversation goes something like this.

“Hello.” Sometimes there’s a few-second-delay before a voice is heard. Then the attempt to gain my trust begins. “Good morning Maxine. My name is Ben, Lisa, John … (whatever). I’m pleased to inform you the device you inquired about for chronic pain is ready to be shipped. All we need to finalize that shipment is a credit card and an address.” How they got my name and phone number is irrelevant. I’ll never know. What matters is that I am not in chronic pain, never inquired about a device, didn’t contact these people, and am being lied to by an unscrupulous ring of money hungry impostors. My red flags are flying high. I hang up. Fast! If a day comes when I really am in pain, I will see my doctor and discuss treatment options.

What we can do to avoid falling prey

I often use a blue tooth device for my I-phone. That means I won’t always see the number before answering a call. However, if the number is seen and isn’t familiar, I let it go to voice mail. By not answering immediately, there’s time to screen incoming calls. Nine times out of ten there’ll be no message.

An offensive strategy provides the best safety net for automated telemarketing calls. When we answer out of habit and discover the one attempting to talk with us is a liar on the loose, hang up. Then block the caller’s number. They will likely try again using another phone number. Repeat the same strategy.

Together let’s do what we can to thwart these repetitious, diabolical thugs; let’s not fall victim by being in-the-know. A few ways to stay abreast of the schemes: listen to news daily, read articles, apply an app from your phone company, filter spam in emails and on Facebook, and watch your credit report like a hawk. Caution: don’t be fooled by look-alike credit report sites. www.annualcreditreport.com is the only site authorized by Federal Law. Yes, dishonesty invades credit reports, too.

Be cautious—be suspicious

When it comes to money and identity, we must be cautious and suspicious. Don’t live naïve or blinders-on vulnerable—liars are on the prowl earnestly looking for their next target. We are all in their scope’s cross-hairs.

Ephesians 5:15 Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise.

[i] Your Money Scam Alert, by Sid Kirchheimer, AARP Bulletin, October 2018