In today’s digital world, scammers are more sophisticated than ever. Recognizing the warning signs of common fraud scams is one of the best ways to protect your identity and finances. Here’s a breakdown of prevalent scams and simple tips to stay safe:
Anti-Virus Scams
What: Fake virus alerts are used to gain access to your device.
How: A pop-up urges you to call support or click a link. The “tech” installs spyware instead of helping.
Quick Tip: Only trust well-known tech support services. If you’re unsure, loop in a trusted friend or family member — especially for older or less tech-savvy individuals. Never trust someone who tells you not to involve others.
Caller ID Spoofing Scams
What: Scammers use fake caller ID to impersonate trusted sources.
How: They may pose as your bank or other institutions and request personal information.
Quick Tip: Don’t respond to unknown numbers. If you’re suspicious, hang up and call the official number directly. Real institutions won’t ask for sensitive information you didn’t initiate.
Card Cracking Scams
What: Selling your banking info to scammers in exchange for a cut of stolen money.
How: Scammers deposit fake checks and quickly withdraw the funds before they clear.
Quick Tip: Sharing your card, card information, or PIN makes you responsible — and possibly liable. Warn teens and young adults about these risks.
Job Offer Scams
What: Fake job opportunities arecreated to steal your identity or money.
How: Victims are asked to provide personal or banking info under the guise of “onboarding” for a job.
Quick Tip: Research the company. Be suspicious of email-only communication, unrealistic pay, and vague job duties.
Grandparent/Emergency Scams
What: Fraudsters pose as family in distress.
How: They use urgency to get victims — often grandparents — to wire money or send gift cards.
Quick Tip: Ask specific questions only your loved one would know the answers to. Call them directly or verify with another family member.
Investment Scams
What: Fraudsters promise quick, high returns.
How: Victims are lured into giving money to fake “financial gurus” or Ponzi schemes.
Quick Tip: Be cautious of anyone offering big returns with little explanation. Verify licenses and beware of influencers making wild claims.
Loan Scams
What: Too-good-to-be-true loan offers.
How: Victims are asked to provide personal details to access fake loans.
Quick Tip: Check the legitimacy of the lender and website URL before applying.
Lottery Scams
What: Claims you’ve won a lottery — if you pay upfront.
How: Victims send money for "taxes" or "fees" and never receive winnings.
Quick Tip: Real lotteries don’t ask for upfront payments. Never send money to claim a prize.
Overpayment Scams
What: Scammers overpay and ask for the difference back.
How: Fake checks are used to manipulate victims into sending real money.
Quick Tip: Never refund money from overpayments unless you're 100% sure the payment was legitimate.
Phishing/Smishing Scams
What: Emails or texts pretending to be from trusted sources.
How: They prompt you to click links or provide sensitive information.
Quick Tip: Hover over links before clicking and never confirm personal details through unsolicited messages.
Tax Scams
What: Fraudsters claim to be the IRS and demand payment.
How: Victims receive threatening calls or fake letters.
Quick Tip: The IRS will never demand payment over the phone. Verify through irs.gov.
Extortion Scams
What: Scammers claim to have embarrassing information and demand payment to keep it private.
How: Threats are sent via email or letter — often vague but alarming.
Quick Tip: Don’t engage. Report the threat to local authorities.
Romance Scams
What: Scammers build online relationships to steal money.
How: Victims are asked for financial help once trust is established.
Quick Tip: Be wary of anyone asking for money, especially if you’ve never met in person. Talk to a trusted friend or family member before sending funds.
Peer-to-Peer (P2P) Payment Scams
What: Fake sellers use apps like Zelle®, Venmo®, and Cash App to collect payment.
How: Victims pay for goods that never arrive.
Quick Tip: Never send money to someone you don’t know. Avoid off-platform transactions, especially for high-value items.
Want more fraud protection tips?
Explore the full Protecting Yourself from Fraud flipbook for more details.
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