Scam Detection Guide
Comprehensive guide to identifying and avoiding common online and offline scams.
Understanding Modern Scams
Americans lose over $10 billion annually to scams. Scammers use psychological manipulation, urgency, and fear to bypass critical thinking. Learn to recognize common patterns and protect yourself.
Universal Scam Warning Signs
Pressure to Act Immediately
"Act now or lose this opportunity!" Legitimate businesses don't pressure instant decisions.
Request for Unusual Payment
Gift cards, wire transfers, cryptocurrency, payment apps to strangers. Red flags for scams.
Too Good to Be True
Guaranteed returns, free money, prizes you didn't enter, jobs requiring no work.
Requests for Personal Information
SSN, bank details, passwords via email or unsolicited calls. Never provide without verification.
Common Scam Types
Romance Scams
Fake online relationships to steal money. $1.3B lost annually. Never send money to someone you haven't met.
Tech Support Scams
Fake Microsoft/Apple calls claiming computer problems. Legitimate companies never cold-call.
IRS/Government Impersonation
Threats of arrest or legal action. Government never demands immediate payment or threatens arrest.
Employment Scams
Work from home offers, pay-to-apply jobs, check cashing. Legitimate jobs never require payment.
Investment/Crypto Scams
Guaranteed returns, celebrity endorsements, "can't lose" opportunities. No investment is guaranteed.
Grandparent Scam
"It's your grandson, I'm in trouble!" Targets elderly. Always verify through known contacts.
Online Shopping Scams
- Fake websites mimicking legitimate retailers
- Social media ads for non-existent products
- Products never delivered or counterfeit
- Subscription traps in fine print
- Fake tracking numbers and shipping confirmations
Real Estate Scams
Rental Scams
Fake listings, requests for deposits before viewing, landlord "out of country". Always view property in person.
Wire Fraud
Hacked email changes wire instructions for down payment. Always verify changes by phone with known number.
Charity Scams
- Surge after disasters exploiting sympathy
- Similar names to legitimate charities
- High-pressure tactics and immediate payment demands
- Research at CharityNavigator.org before donating
- Never donate via gift cards or wire transfer
How Scammers Find Victims
Data Breaches
Personal info from breaches sold on dark web. Used for targeted scams.
Social Media
Public posts reveal interests, travel, family. Enables personalized scams.
Public Records
Property ownership, court records, voter registration. Combined to build profiles.
Data Brokers
Legal sale of personal information. Used to target vulnerable populations.
If You've Been Scammed
Stop Contact Immediately
Cease all communication with scammer. Block phone numbers and emails.
Contact Financial Institutions
Report fraudulent transactions. Freeze accounts if compromised. File chargebacks within 60 days.
Report to Authorities
FTC: ReportFraud.ftc.gov, FBI: IC3.gov, state attorney general, local police.
Document Everything
Save emails, texts, receipts, communications. Needed for investigations and recovery attempts.
Protect Your Identity
Credit freeze, fraud alerts, monitor credit reports. Check for identity theft if SSN compromised.
Prevention Strategies
- Verify before you trust - independently confirm identities and claims
- Slow down - scammers create urgency to prevent critical thinking
- Keep personal information private - limit what's publicly available
- Use secure payment methods - credit cards offer fraud protection
- Trust your instincts - if something feels wrong, it probably is
- Never act on unsolicited contact - initiate contact through verified channels
- Educate family members - especially elderly and teenagers
- Register for Do Not Call list at DoNotCall.gov