Final answer:
Scammers typically use tactics such as phishing, social engineering, and malware, but not every interaction is a scam. Common non-scam actions include providing minimal information, questioning the need for such information, and taking measures to secure personal data. Individuals must stay vigilant and protective of their personal information to avoid falling victim to identity theft.
Step-by-step explanation:
Scammers use various tactics to steal personal information, but not all interactions should be considered potential threats. The following are NOT common scam tactics used by identity thieves:
- Ignoring requests for personal information.
- Only providing minimal information to sources and questioning why it is needed.
- Securing personal information with strong passwords and PINs.
Common tactics used by scammers include phishing, social engineering, and malware attacks. They often lure individuals with job offers or too-good-to-be-true deals, imitate trusted entities, or use deceptive links to extract sensitive personal information. Once stolen, this information can be used to commit various crimes like financial fraud or identity theft. To protect themselves, individuals should be vigilant, protect their credit information, use anti-virus software, and regularly monitor their credit history.
If personal information is compromised, it's crucial to act immediately by notifying banks and credit agencies, changing security credentials, and in some cases, involving law enforcement.