Don't fall for fake settlement sites that steal your data

Scammers are creating fake settlement claim websites and sending out misleading emails, capitalizing on recent large payouts from companies like Facebook and AT&T. These fraudulent sites are designed to look official and trick people into revealing sensitive personal information, including bank details and Social Security numbers. The article warns consumers to be vigilant and offers guidance on how to identify and avoid these scams. Key red flags for fake settlement sites include requests for excessive personal data, promises of upfront payout estimates, odd or misspelled URLs, urgent language or countdown timers, processing fee checkboxes, fake security seals, generic contact information, and grammatical errors. Consumers should be wary of settlement notices received through random text messages or social media DMs. To safely navigate settlement claims, individuals are advised to start by checking official Federal Trade Commission (FTC) links at ftc.gov/enforcement/refunds, as legitimate sites will have a .gov domain. Cross-referencing with trusted news outlets or class-action settlement websites can also help verify legitimacy. If possible, using mailed claim forms rather than clicking links from emails is a safer alternative. Additionally, maintaining strong antivirus software is crucial for blocking malicious links and websites. Using data removal services can also help by scrubbing personal information f... download the app to read more