Scam awareness is your most powerful tool against fraud. By understanding how scammers operate and recognizing their tactics, you can protect yourself and your loved ones from falling victim to their schemes.
Scammers exploit basic human emotions and cognitive biases to manipulate their victims:
A caller pretends to be a grandchild in trouble, often claiming to be in jail or involved in an accident. They urgently request money and beg the grandparent not to tell anyone. Always verify by calling the grandchild directly at their known number.
Scammers call claiming to be from your utility company, threatening immediate service disconnection unless you make a payment over the phone. Legitimate utility companies provide written notice before disconnection and never demand payment via gift cards.
You receive a check for more than the expected amount and are asked to deposit it and wire back the difference. The check eventually bounces, and you lose the money you sent. Banks may make funds available before fully verifying a check, creating a window for this scam to work.
Fake job postings promise high pay for minimal work. They may ask for personal information for a fake background check, request payment for training materials, or send you fraudulent checks as part of a reshipment scheme.
Share your knowledge with vulnerable populations, particularly elderly family members, teens new to online interactions, and recent immigrants who may be unfamiliar with local scam tactics. Open conversations about scams reduce shame and make it easier for people to ask for help when targeted.
Remember: legitimate organizations will never pressure you for immediate payment, request unusual payment methods, or ask you to keep the transaction a secret. When in doubt, hang up, step back, and verify independently.