Trending Scams
Fraud scams are continually evolving. Here’s an overview of the latest scams and how to protect yourself.
Phishing Scams
Scammers send emails, texts, or messages pretending to be from reputable companies to steal personal information.
How to Protect Yourself:
- Verify the sender’s email address and be wary of unexpected messages.
- Do not click on links or download attachments from unknown sources.
- Always enter URLs directly into your browser rather than clicking on links.
Tech Support Scams
Scammers pose as tech support from well-known companies, claiming your device is infected and offering to fix it for a fee.
How to Protect Yourself:
- Do not give remote access to your computer to unsolicited tech support.
- Hang up on unsolicited tech support calls.
- Use official support channels for tech help.
Online Shopping Scams
Fraudulent websites or ads offer too-good-to-be-true deals on popular items, taking money without delivering the goods.
How to Protect Yourself:
- Shop from reputable websites.
- Look for customer reviews and verify the site’s legitimacy.
- Use credit cards for online purchases for better fraud protection.
Imposter Scams
Scammers pretend to be someone you know or an authority figure (like IRS agents) to trick you into sending money or sharing personal information.
How to Protect Yourself:
- Verify the identity of the person contacting you through another communication method.
- Do not send money or give out personal information without verification.
- Be cautious of urgent requests for money or information.
Romance Scams
Scammers create fake profiles on dating sites or social media to form relationships and eventually ask for money.
How to Protect Yourself:
- Be cautious of people who profess love quickly.
- Never send money to someone you haven’t met in person.
- Report suspicious profiles to the platform administrators.
Investment Scams
Scammers promise high returns with little risk through fake investment opportunities, often using social media to reach victims.
How to Protect Yourself:
- Research investment opportunities thoroughly.
- Be skeptical of unsolicited investment offers.
- Consult with a financial advisor before making investments.
Charity Scams
Scammers pose as charitable organizations, especially after natural disasters or tragedies, to steal donations.
How to Protect Yourself:
- Verify the charity’s legitimacy through websites like Charity Navigator or GuideStar.
- Donate directly through the charity’s official website.
- Be wary of high-pressure donation requests.
Know the Red Flags that Signal a Scam
- Were you expecting that call, text, or email? If you’re contacted unexpectedly and asked for personal information, that’s a red flag.
- Were you pressured to act immediately? If the request seems urgent and a consequence is noted for not acting immediately, that’s a red flag.
- Does it seem too good to be true? That’s a red flag.
- Were you asked to pay in an unusual way? If you were asked to pay with bitcoin, gift cards, or another form of digital currency, that’s a red flag.
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