Scammers use different tactics to get victims to fall for their schemes. In some cases, they can be friendly, sympathetic and seem willing to help. In others, they use fear tactics to persuade a victim. Learn about the different scam tactics, and what to do if you suspect suspicious behavior.
Scams start with someone you don’t know. They often use fake emails, text messages, voice calls, letters or someone who shows up at your front door unexpectedly.
You’re asked to take immediate action. If you are pressured to send money quickly (like limited time offers) or threatened with law enforcement action, something is likely off.
Don’t agree to complicated payment methods. Examples include purchasing a gift card and giving the code or depositing a check and returning overpayment.
Be wary if you are urged to make a purchase with the promise of compensation, or if someone offers to make a payment for you, or provides you with bank account info with which to make a payment. If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is. If you use a payment method you are not familiar with, you run the risk of ultimately being held responsible for the amount paid.
Similarly, you may receive an overpayment for an item you’re selling, immediately followed by a request to deposit the check (which turns out to be a bad check) and then send the difference via a wire or gift card.
Read more:
Don’t Be a Money Mule
How to Avoid Peer-to-Peer (P2P) Scams
Scammers pose as a legitimate company like a bank or a utility company and request personal information or a payment transfer in order to make things “right” on your account. They might also use a fake caller ID that could show up as a legit company’s number and/or request remote access to your device. Scammers posing as a utility company might warn you to pay your balance within a limited time or else the utility will be shut off.
If you are asked for financial support from a new partner in a relationship that’s been exclusively online, you’re likely a target of this elaborate scheme.
Read more:
Online Dating Scams
Tech support claims your computer has malware and requests payment to fix the defects or access your computer. Social media posts claim to help users login to their online banking to trick you into sharing your Access ID and password or other personal information.
You receive a call or text message from someone claiming to be a grandchild or loved one asking for money to help with an emergency, plus instructions on where to send the funds.
You receive a request to donate to a charity that you’ve never heard of and for which you can’t find an official website. Use tools such as Charity Navigator to research organizations before making any donation.
You receive a request for payment in order to establish a service relationship to pay, settle or get rid of debt.
When responding to ads or interacting in marketplaces on social media, research sellers and products independently to ensure legitimacy. Notice the red flags like a high-ticket item for a price too-good-to-be-true or a buyer who “accidentally” overpaid you for an item or someone asking for personal information or redirecting to an unfamiliar/strange looking URL.
You receive a request to prepay fees or taxes in order to receive a large prize you supposedly won.
