PROTECT YOURSELF: 4 recent scams or data breaches

Arby’s is reportedly investigating a major data breach that could impact more than 350,000 credit and debit cards used at the chain restaurant’s locations. CONTRIBUTED

Arby’s is reportedly investigating a major data breach that could impact more than 350,000 credit and debit cards used at the chain restaurant’s locations. CONTRIBUTED

Unfortunately not everyone has your best interests at heart, no matter how convincing they may be. Scammers are always looking for ways to steal your hard-earned money.

Here are four recent stories that will help you avoid being the victim of a scam or alert you if your personal funds are being compromised.

1. Valentine’s Day scammers want to break your wallet

Scammers will do whatever they can to steal your personal information. There are several scams targeting those in love and looking for love, making you wish you had remained single.

Beware of bogus e-cards; phony package deliveries; phishing e-mails; and catfishing or fake online dating profiles. Unfortunately, these scams trick thousands of people annually, taking millions of dollars from unsuspecting victims.

Also, be wary of those who profess love within minutes or says they’re traveling overseas and are requesting money — they probably aren’t the type of people you want to bring around your mother.

RELATED: How to avoid a ‘sweetheart scam’

2. Tax scams lead list of schemes for your money

According to the Better Business Bureau, tax scams continue to lead the list of scams. Scammers take advantage of tax season, with some posing as IRS agents to instill fear in their victims, demanding money or threatening jail time.

Others pose as reputable tax preparers who may guarantee big refunds before completing returns, skim portions of your refund for themselves or overcharge for services.

RELATED: How to avoid falling victim to a tax scammer

3. ‘Can you hear me now?’

The "Can you hear me?" scam has picked up steam across the country in the last few weeks, according to the Better Business Bureau.

A scammer will call and ask the person, “Can you hear me?” When the consumer says “yes,” the scammer makes a recording of it and then later edits it to make it sound like the person has authorized a major purchase.

RELATED: 5 things to know about new ID scams

4. Arby's looking into possible data breach

The worldwide restaurant chain is reportedly investigating a major data breach that could impact more than 350,000 credit and debit cards used at the chain restaurant’s locations.

Arby’s discovered in mid-January that it suffered a data breach that impacted about 1,000 corporate restaurants, according to a report from cyber-security reporter Brian Krebs. Both Visa and Mastercard users were impacted.

It’s unknown if any Ohio locations were effected by the breach.

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