Email and Phishing Scams:

• Emails from "banks" asking for sensitive information:

  • Example: An email from "your bank" asking you to confirm account details or provide a PIN or password.

  • Tip to recognize: Real banks never ask for personal or account details through email. Check for poor grammar or spelling, which can indicate a scam. Look closely at the sender's email address.

  • Response advice: Never reply or provide the information. Contact your bank directly through known channels.

• Unexpected money transfer or payment emails:

• Example: An email claiming you've received a payment or that a transfer from your account has occurred.

• Tip to recognize: If you weren't expecting a payment or don't recognize the transaction, be suspicious.

• Response advice: Don't click any links in the email. Instead, log into your bank account or payment service normally to check for transactions.

• Emails from "IRS" or other government entities demanding immediate action:

• Example: An email claims to be from the IRS, demanding immediate payment of taxes.

• Tip to recognize: The IRS never initiates contact via email. They also don't demand immediate payment without an appeal process.

• Response advice: Don't respond or click on any links. If you're unsure, contact the IRS or other relevant government entity directly.

• Phishing emails pretending to be from reputable companies:

• Example: An email appearing to be from a service you use (like a social media platform or an email provider) asking you to confirm your password or account details.

• Tip to recognize: Look for strange or misspelled email addresses, and hover over any links to see where they lead before clicking.

• Response advice: Don't click any links or provide information. Contact the company directly through known channels if you're unsure.

• Lottery or sweepstakes winning notifications:

• Example: An email claiming you've won a lottery or sweepstakes that you never entered.

• Tip to recognize: You can't win a contest you didn't enter. Often, these scams will ask for payment to cover "taxes" or "fees."

• Response advice: Don't respond or provide any payment or personal information.

• Resources for Reporting and Recovery:

• If you suspect you've received a phishing email, forward it to the Anti-Phishing Working Group at reportphishing@apwg.org.

• For phishing scams related to a particular company, often you can report directly to them. For example, for Google, you would forward the email to phishing@google.com.

• If you've fallen for an email scam, change any compromised passwords immediately. Contact your bank if financial information was shared. You can also report the crime to your local law enforcement and to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov.

• You might consider enrolling in an identity protection service if you've been a victim of a phishing scam.

Remember, the key to dealing with scams is vigilance and prevention. Never share sensitive information unless you're absolutely sure who you're dealing with. Always verify through official channels if you're uncertain.

Social Media Scams:

• Fake friend requests or messages from known contacts (account takeovers):

• Example: You receive a friend request from someone you're already friends with, or a message from a friend asking for money or sharing links.

• Tip to recognize: If you're already friends with this person, another friend request may indicate a fake account. Messages that don't sound like your friend, or are out of character, can also be a sign.

• Response advice: Contact your friend through another channel to verify the request or message. Report the fake account to the social media platform.

• "Disaster relief" or fake charity accounts asking for donations:

• Example: An account claiming to represent a charity or disaster relief fund asks you to donate money.

• Tip to recognize: If you've never heard of the charity, or if the account seems new or lacks a history of posts, it may be a scam.

• Response advice: Never donate money directly through social media. Always donate through the official website or a trusted donation platform. Report the account to the social media platform.

• Clickbait scams, promising sensational content or news:

• Example: Posts promising shocking news or exclusive content if you click a link.

• Tip to recognize: Sensational headlines or vague descriptions that require a click to see more are often a sign of clickbait.

• Response advice: Avoid clicking on suspicious or sensationalized posts. Report these posts to the social media platform.

• Online quizzes that gather personal information:

• Example: A fun quiz that asks for your personal information or uses your social media account to play.

• Tip to recognize: If a quiz is asking for permissions to access your social media account or personal information, it may be trying to gather data about you.

• Response advice: Avoid online quizzes that ask for unnecessary permissions or data. Never give out personal information unless necessary and safe.

• Fraudulent investment opportunities or business ventures:

• Example: A post or message promising high returns on an investment or business opportunity.

• Tip to recognize: Promises of high returns with low risk or pressure to invest quickly are often signs of a scam.

• Response advice: Be skeptical of investment opportunities found on social media. Always research opportunities thoroughly and consult with a financial advisor. Report these posts or messages to the social media platform.

• Resources for Reporting and Recovery:

• Report suspicious activity or accounts to the social media platform. Most platforms have a "Report" feature for this purpose.

• If you've fallen for a scam, contact your bank if you shared financial information.

• Report the scam to your local law enforcement and to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov.

• Consider changing your passwords and tightening your privacy settings on social media platforms.

As with any online activity, exercise caution and do not share sensitive information. When in doubt, consult with someone you trust or reach out to the appropriate authorities.

Shopping and Auction Scams:

• Non-delivery of goods purchased online:

• Example: You pay for an item on an online marketplace, but it never arrives.

• Tip to recognize: Extremely low prices, no seller reviews or a new account may indicate a scam.

• Response advice: Always research the seller, use secure payment methods and avoid wire transfers. If the item doesn't arrive, report it to the platform and your credit card company.

• Counterfeit product scams:

• Example: You buy a brand-name item online, but receive a counterfeit.

• Tip to recognize: Very low prices for usually expensive items, blurry or stock product photos, and poor seller reviews can indicate a counterfeit product scam.

• Response advice: Research the seller, avoid deals that seem too good to be true. If you receive a counterfeit item, report it to the platform, your credit card company and potentially the official brand.

• Overpayment scams:

• Example: A buyer sends you a check for more than the purchase price and asks you to wire back the difference.

• Tip to recognize: Overpayment with a request for a refund, especially if done through a different payment method, is usually a scam.

• Response advice: Never accept overpayments or wire money back. If this happens, report it to the platform and your bank.

• Second chance auction scams:

• Example: After missing out on an auction, the "seller" contacts you offering a second chance to purchase the item.

• Tip to recognize: Genuine second chance offers are made through the auction site itself. If the offer comes directly from the seller, be suspicious.

• Response advice: Always make transactions through the official auction site. Report any suspicious contact to the auction platform.

• Resources for Reporting and Recovery:

• If you've fallen victim to a scam, report it to the selling platform and your credit card company immediately.

• Depending on the severity, you might also report it to your local law enforcement.

• You can also report it to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov.

• For recovery, contact your credit card company to dispute the charges.

• Remember to change your account passwords if you think your account might have been compromised.

Keep in mind that if something seems too good to be true, it likely is. Always research sellers and products thoroughly before making a purchase online.

Tech Support Scams: Beware of Fake Apple or Microsoft Representatives

• Calls or pop-ups claiming your computer is infected:

• Example: You receive a call or a pop-up warning appears on your computer, claiming that it's infected with a virus and that you need immediate tech support.

• Tip to recognize: Legitimate tech companies will never contact users unsolicited to inform them of an infection.

• Response advice: Never give control of your computer to a third party unless you can confirm it's a representative of a company you are a customer of. Hang up on calls, and do not click on pop-ups. Run a security scan using trusted software.

• Unsolicited tech support offers:

• Example: You receive a call or email from someone claiming to be a tech support specialist who noticed a problem with your computer.

• Tip to recognize: Real tech companies will not reach out to offer unsolicited help. Be suspicious of high-pressure tactics or demands for payment in gift cards or wire transfers.

• Response advice: Do not give out personal information or allow remote access to your computer. Hang up on calls, and do not reply to emails. Report the contact to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).

• Scams involving remote access to your computer:

• Example: A caller convinces you to grant them remote access to your computer, supposedly to fix an issue or install software. They then install malware or steal information.

• Tip to recognize: Any request for remote access from an unsolicited contact is likely a scam.

• Response advice: Never allow remote access to your computer unless you're absolutely sure who you're dealing with. Hang up on calls. If you've fallen for this scam, disconnect your computer from the internet, remove any new software, and have a trusted technician check your computer.

• Resources for Reporting and Recovery:

• Report tech support scams to the Federal Trade Commission at www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov.

• If you shared financial information or made a payment, contact your bank or credit card company to report the fraud and discuss potential steps for protecting your account.

• If you granted remote access to your computer, disconnect from the internet and have it examined by a trusted technician. You should also change all your passwords, starting with your most sensitive accounts (like email and banking).

Remember, always be skeptical of unsolicited calls or emails offering tech support, and never allow remote access to your computer from an unverified source.

Romance Scams:

• Requests for money from a romantic interest met online:

• Example: After building a relationship with someone online, they start asking for money due to a variety of reasons like travel expenses, medical emergencies, or visas.

• Tip to recognize: Be suspicious if your new romantic interest is always finding reasons that prevent you from meeting in person, and they always have a crisis that requires money.

• Response advice: Never send money to someone you've never met in person. Report suspicious behavior to the dating website or social media platform.

• Catfishing and impersonation:

• Example: Someone creates a fake profile on a dating site or social media, often using stolen photos and pretending to be someone else.

• Tip to recognize: If the person is reluctant to meet in person, or if their photos seem too polished or are found on multiple different profiles, they might be a catfish.

• Response advice: Use reverse image search to check profile photos, and be wary of sharing too much personal information. Report suspicious accounts to the platform.

• Advanced Fee Fraud:

• Example: A romantic interest claims they want to come visit or move to your country but they need money for travel expenses, visa fees, or other related costs.

• Tip to recognize: If they request payment via unconventional methods (like gift cards, money orders, or wire transfers), or if they claim they'll pay you back when they meet you, it's likely a scam.

• Response advice: As a rule, don't send money to people you haven't met in person. Report suspicious behavior to the dating or social media platform.

• Resources for Reporting and Recovery:

• If you suspect you've fallen for a romance scam, report it to the website or social media platform where you met the person.

• You should also file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov.

• Contact your bank immediately if you have sent money to a scammer.

• If you've given out your personal information, consider identity protection services and watch your accounts for signs of identity theft.

When engaging with people online, particularly with online dating, always be cautious of those who are too eager or willing to profess their love quickly, are never available to meet in person, or who frequently ask for money.

Identity Theft:

• Use of personal information to open new accounts or loans:

• Example: Someone acquires your personal information, such as your social security number and date of birth, and uses it to open new bank accounts, credit cards, or apply for loans in your name.

• Tip to recognize: Unusual or unrecognized activity on your credit report, bills or statements for accounts you didn't open, or being contacted by debt collectors about debts you didn't incur.

• Response advice: If you suspect identity theft, immediately contact the financial institution where the fraudulent account was opened and ask them to close the account. Also, place a fraud alert on your credit report and file a report with your local law enforcement agency.

• Use of health insurance information:

• Example: Someone steals your health insurance information and uses it to receive medical care, prescription drugs, or make false insurance claims.

• Tip to recognize: You might receive bills for medical services you didn't use, or your insurance provider might contact you regarding suspicious activity.

• Response advice: Contact your insurance company immediately to report the fraudulent activity. Monitor your medical records and insurance statements regularly for any services you didn't use.

• IRS impersonation phone scams:

• Example: Scammers pretend to be IRS officials and demand immediate payment of alleged taxes owed, often threatening arrest, deportation, or license revocation.

• Tip to recognize: The IRS never demands immediate payment over the phone or threatens taxpayers with law enforcement action. Any phone call claiming to be the IRS with such behavior is likely a scam.

• Response advice: Do not give any information or money over the phone. Hang up immediately, and report the call to the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA) and the Federal Trade Commission.

• Resources for Reporting and Recovery:

• For identity theft related to credit, bank accounts, or loans, contact the credit reporting agencies and place a fraud alert on your credit report.

• Report identity theft to the Federal Trade Commission at www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov. They provide a recovery plan and help you track your progress.

• If your Social Security number is compromised, contact the Social Security Administration.

• For tax-related identity theft, contact the Internal Revenue Service.

• Monitor your credit report and financial accounts regularly for suspicious activity.

• If your health insurance information has been misused, check your medical records for accuracy and report errors to your health insurer and medical providers.

Remember to never share personal data, like your social security number or bank account details, unless you're absolutely sure of who you're dealing with and why they need it. Regularly monitor your financial accounts and credit report for any suspicious activities or discrepancies. Use strong, unique passwords for online accounts and change them regularly. And remember, in the digital world, your personal information is as valuable as cash. Treat it with the same level of care.

Investment and Financial Scams:

• Pyramid schemes and Ponzi schemes:

• Example: A program where the earnings of initial promoters are obtained by the capital or labor of new participants. These schemes often collapse leaving newer participants at a loss.

• Tip to recognize: Look out for promised returns that seem too good to be true, and a focus on recruiting new participants instead of selling a product or providing a service.

• Response advice: Avoid any plan where the return on investment is dependent primarily on the number of new recruits. Report suspected pyramid schemes to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).

• Unsolicited investment opportunities:

• Example: Someone contacts you unexpectedly offering an investment opportunity with high returns. These could be fake stocks, bonds, or other investment vehicles.

• Tip to recognize: Be wary of unsolicited offers, high-pressure sales tactics, and promises of unrealistically high returns.

• Response advice: Always do your own research or seek independent financial advice before investing. Report suspected scams to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

• Pension advances or pension poaching:

• Example: Companies or individuals offer to give you a lump sum payment in return for a portion, or all, of your future pension payments.

• Tip to recognize: Be cautious of anyone who offers you quick access to your pension funds, particularly if they charge hefty fees or encourage you to take on a large loan.

• Response advice: Consult with a trusted financial advisor before making decisions about your pension. Report pension poaching to your local authorities and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB).

• Gold and precious metals scams:

• Example: Scammers convince you to put your money into precious metals offering high returns and low risks.

• Tip to recognize: Be skeptical of anyone who pushes you to buy into a limited-time offer, or who promises that you can make a lot of money with little risk.

• Response advice: Do your own research before investing and understand the market. Report scams to the FTC.

• Cryptocurrency scams:

• Example: Scammers convince you to invest in a new cryptocurrency or in digital tokens, often associated with an Initial Coin Offering (ICO), promising high returns.

• Tip to recognize: Be wary of unsolicited offers, high-pressure sales tactics, and promises of guaranteed returns.

• Response advice: Always do your own research or consult with a financial advisor before investing in cryptocurrencies. Report suspected scams to the SEC.

• Resources for Reporting and Recovery:

• Federal Trade Commission (FTC): www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov

• Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC): www.sec.gov/tcr

• Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB): www.consumerfinance.gov/complaint/

• Local law enforcement and your state’s Attorney General.

• Regularly monitor your financial accounts for any unauthorized transactions.

Always do thorough research before making any investments. If an opportunity sounds too good to be true, it often is. Be wary of unsolicited investment opportunities, particularly those promising high returns with little to no risk. Legitimate investment professionals and companies should be registered with financial regulatory authorities. Don't rush into making any decisions, and if in doubt, consult with an independent financial advisor or legal professional. Remember, it's not rude to ask for more information or say no to an investment opportunity.

Health and Medical Scams:

• Miracle cure products or too-good-to-be-true health treatments:

• Example: Advertisements or salespeople promise a "miracle cure" for a wide range of health conditions, often requiring you to pay a hefty price for these supposed treatments.

• Tip to recognize: Be skeptical of any product that promises a quick or painless cure-all for various ailments. Remember that if it seems too good to be true, it probably is.

• Response advice: Always consult with a healthcare professional before trying a new treatment or health product. Report suspected scams to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Federal Trade Commission (FTC).

• Fake online pharmacies:

• Example: Websites appear to be legitimate online pharmacies, offering medicines at very low prices. However, the products they sell may be counterfeit, expired, or unsafe.

• Tip to recognize: Beware of online pharmacies that offer prices significantly lower than the competition, don’t require a prescription, or aren't licensed by a health authority.

• Response advice: Only purchase medications from licensed pharmacies and healthcare providers. Report suspected scams to the FDA and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).

• Resources for Reporting and Recovery:

• Food and Drug Administration (FDA): www.fda.gov/consumers/reporting-unlawful-sales-drugs-internet

• Federal Trade Commission (FTC): www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov

• Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA): www.dea.gov/reporting-crime

• Report any financial losses to your bank or credit card company as soon as possible.

• Regularly monitor your financial accounts for any unauthorized transactions. 

Always consult with your healthcare professional before buying any new medical products or treatments, particularly those advertised as 'miracle cures' or 'quick fixes'. Trusted medical professionals have the training and knowledge to help you make informed decisions about your health. It's important to remember that if a product or treatment sounds too good to be true, it usually is. Be wary of unregulated online pharmacies, always check their credentials, and buy from reputable sources.

Grandparent Scams:

• Calls or emails claiming a grandchild is in trouble and needs money:

• Example: You receive a call or email from someone who claims to be your grandchild. This person may claim they're in dire circumstances such as being in jail or hospitalized and require you to send money immediately.

• Tip to recognize: These callers often insist on the urgency and secrecy of the situation, asking you not to tell any other family members. They may also be aware of some details about your grandchild, which can be obtained from social media or breached databases, to make their story more convincing.

• Response advice: Resist the urge to act immediately, no matter how dramatic the story. Verify the person's identity by asking questions that a stranger couldn't possibly answer. Reach out to your grandchild or their parents directly to confirm their safety.

• Resources for Reporting and Recovery:

• Federal Trade Commission (FTC): www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov

• Your local law enforcement agency, particularly if the scammer has posed a threat to you.

• Contact your bank immediately if you've transferred money to the scammer.

• Regularly monitor your financial accounts and credit report for any unauthorized transactions or changes.

Remember, stay vigilant and trust your instincts. If something doesn't feel right, it probably isn't. Scammers often prey on your emotions, pushing you to act quickly and secretly. In these situations, it's important to take a step back, slow down, and verify the information with trusted sources before taking any action. It's always better to be safe than sorry, especially when it comes to protecting your personal information and financial resources.

Utility Scams:

• Threats to disconnect utility services:

• Example: You receive a call from someone claiming to be from your utility company, saying your account is past due and services will be disconnected unless a payment is made immediately.

• Tip to recognize: Utility companies usually send multiple notices by mail before disconnecting services, and they don't demand immediate payment or specific payment methods.

• Response advice: Do not provide any payment or personal information over the phone. Hang up and call your utility company directly using the phone number provided on your bill or their official website.

• Overpayment tactics:

• Example: A person claiming to be from your utility company calls to say you have overpaid your bill. The scammer says they need your bank account or credit card number to make a refund.

• Tip to recognize: Authentic utility companies would either credit the overpayment to your account or check with you on how you prefer the amount to be returned.

• Response advice: Never give your personal or financial information based on an unsolicited call. Hang up and call your utility company directly to verify the situation.

• Impersonating a utility worker at your home:

• Example: A person comes to your door claiming to be a utility worker, saying they need to inspect your equipment or system. They may use this as a chance to steal or gain private information.

• Tip to recognize: Utility workers should always be able to show you an official identification badge. Also, most utility companies will schedule appointments before visiting your property.

• Response advice: Always ask for identification and don't let the person into your home until you've confirmed with the utility company.

• Resources for Reporting and Recovery:

• Federal Trade Commission (FTC): www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov

• Your local law enforcement agency.

• Your state’s Attorney General's office.

• Report any financial losses to your bank or credit card company as soon as possible.

• Regularly monitor your financial accounts for any unauthorized transactions.

Always be cautious of unsolicited calls, emails, or visits on utility-related matters. Legitimate utility companies typically don't initiate contact out of the blue to demand immediate payments or personal information. If you receive a call threatening disconnection or requesting sensitive details, take a moment to verify the legitimacy of the situation. Hang up and reach out to your utility company directly using the contact information provided on your bill or their official website. Remember, it's better to be safe and double-check than to provide information to potential scammers.