Identifying Scams
You could be dealing with a scammer if they:
- Contact you out of nowhere. If you get an unexpected email, text, call, or social media message asking for money or information, it is most likely a scam.
- Pose as someone you trust. Scammers pretend to be figures like government officials, companies, or even friends and family. Don’t trust names in emails that don’t match the email address or caller ID to verify their identity.
- Pressure you to act fast. Scammers often use limited-time offers, threats, or emergencies to rush you into making quick decisions.
- Try to manipulate your emotions. If you feel like someone is playing on emotions like fear, sympathy, or excitement to influence your decisions, it might be a scam.
- Request specific forms of payment. Scammers usually insist that you pay using cryptocurrency, wire transfers, payment apps, or gift cards.
The STOP method can help protect you.
- Stay cautious. Always be on alert when someone asks for information or money.
- Take your time. Scammers want to rush you. Slow down and think before you act.
- Only trust verified sources. Double-check information through trusted channels.
- Protect your info. Never share personal or financial details unless you’re sure who you’re dealing with.
Get to know common scams:
- Business and job opportunity scams: You may come across an enticing job opportunity online. But the company asks you for upfront payments or sends you fake reimbursement checks. A legitimate employer will never ask you to pay upfront or deposit a check and return money.
- Imposter scams: Scammers are posing as Banks and other companies you may know. They use official-looking phone numbers, emails, or texts to trick you into handing over sensitive information. Be cautious if they’re claiming there’s an issue with your account. Don’t provide any information or click any links — just delete these messages.
- Investment scams: Scammers build trust over time, creating friendly relationships before convincing you to invest — whether in cryptocurrency, real estate, or stocks. Once you’re fully invested, they vanish with your money.
- Romance scams: Imposters create fake profiles and use emotional manipulation to build trust. They may message you daily on social media or dating sites. After you’re deeply involved in the relationship, they start asking for money.
- Tech support scams: While you’re browsing online, a pop-up may suddenly appear on your screen or they may call you. These scammers pretend your computer is infected and offer to “fix” it. After you give them access, they may install harmful software, steal your information, or charge you for services you don’t need.
- Family member scams: Scammers can call pretending to be family members in danger or claim your loved one is in trouble. They use emotional manipulation and threats to make you act quickly. Consider setting up a “code word” with your family members.
- Lottery or sweepstakes scams: Scammers convince you that you’ve won a big prize. But they demand fees, taxes, or personal details to claim it. Then the prize never shows up. Never send money or provide personal details to claim a prize. Legitimate lotteries never ask for upfront fees or taxes.
- Pet scams: You see photos of cute pets for sale online, and the seller asks for money upfront for things like shipping or vaccinations. Then the pet never shows up, and the scammer disappears. Always insist on seeing the pet in person or through a live video call before making any payments.
- Make sure it’s really who they say they are: Scammers are impersonating any person of authority, entity, financial institution, or even a family member.
- Phone calls and texts: Never respond to phone calls or texts from someone you cannot immediately identify as who they say they are. Hang up, and call the person, entity, or financial institution directly to verify the claims.
- Emails from anyone you don’t immediately identify: Compare names with domains.
- Any Mobile App: Any apps reporting viruses on a cell phone and requiring cleaning are scams.