BBB's top 10 scams/ NCPW 2015

The Better Business Bureau hears from thousands of consumers and business owners every year about a variety of scams and frauds. Many are new twists on existing scams, but scammers get more sophisticated every year in how they spoof trusted names and fool consumers.

Two of the top scams we hear about on a regular basis are discussed below. Take the subsequent tips to heart to avoid falling victim to clever con artists.

1. Arrest scam: You receive an ominous phone call from someone claiming to be a police officer or government agent (often the IRS). They are coming to arrest you for overdue taxes or for skipping out on jury duty, but you can avoid it by sending them money via a prepaid debit card or wire transfer. Another variation on this is that you’ll be arrested for an overdue payday loan. Whatever the “violation,” it’s scary to be threatened with arrest, and many people pay out of fear.

How to avoid the scam:

Scammers might have your information. It’s not unusual for scammers to be able to recite the last four digits of your Social Security Number or your address. Be vigilant and remain aware that government agencies do not initiate contact with consumers over the telephone or via email.

Look out for “spoofing.” Part of scammers’ sophisticated tactics include “spoofing,” which happens when the caller masks their own number and causes the number of a well-known service, like the IRS, to appear on caller ID.

Don’t be bullied. Never trust callers who use threats and hostility to bully their targets into doing what they want. Scams prey on your emotions, so don’t let fear get the best of you. Hang up the phone if a scammer gets hostile with you.

Keep your PIN. Legitimate businesses or government agencies will never ask for a PIN, password or similar confidential access information for credit cards or bank accounts. If a caller asks, don’t give it out.

Call the authorities. If you’re solicited by someone suspicious claiming to be from a government agency, contact law enforcement immediately, then report it to your BBB to help other consumers stay safe.

2. Tech support scam: You get a call or a pop-up on your computer claiming to be from Microsoft (or Norton or Apple) about a problem on your computer. They say if you give “tech support” access to your hard drive, they can fix it. Instead, they install malware on your computer and start stealing your personal information.

How to avoid the scam:

Never grant remote access to your computer to unknown parties. Scammers will ask you to go to your computer in order to access the problem and grant them access. Ignore their instructions. In order to get access they may ask you to enter in codes, instruct you to enter connection data into a form, request that you remove firewalls and other security measures, or ask you for other computer locating information.

Install a firewall and antivirus program. This software will protect your computer and personal information. Update these programs frequently.

Protect your passwords by keeping them in a safe place. Create different passwords for each online account that you have.

Contact your service provider. If you are concerned you may be exposed to viruses or other security threats, contact your internet or computer customer service providers.

Do not open or respond to emails or click links from unknown senders. This might infect your computer with malware, or confirm that a spammer has reached a valid address.

For more tips and scam alerts, check out BBB on Facebook and Twitter.