How to Spot Common Scams

Phishing emails pretend to be from trusted organizations like your bank, the IRS, or a delivery service. They create a sense of urgency to trick you into clicking a link, downloading an attachment, or entering personal information on a fake website.

These emails have become increasingly sophisticated. Modern phishing attacks often copy a company's branding pixel-for-pixel and use domain names that look nearly identical to the real thing.

Smishing uses text messages to lure victims. Common themes include fake package delivery notifications, bank alerts, toll payments, and messages claiming you've won a prize. The short links in texts are especially dangerous because it's harder to verify where they lead on a mobile device.

These scams start with a pop-up alert, a phone call, or an email claiming your computer is infected or your account has been compromised. The scammer offers to "fix" the problem remotely, then charges hundreds of dollars for fake services or installs malware to steal your data.

Scammers impersonate the IRS, Social Security Administration, law enforcement, or other government agencies. They claim you owe money, your Social Security number has been compromised, or there's a warrant for your arrest. These scams rely on fear and authority to override your better judgment.

Social media scams target younger users through fake account suspension notices, fraudulent job offers, crypto giveaway scams, and phishing DMs. These scams exploit the platforms where younger people spend the most time and often impersonate influencers, brands, or the platforms themselves.

These scams exploit love and family bonds. Romance scammers build fake relationships online then ask for money. Grandchild scams involve a caller pretending to be a grandchild in an emergency who needs money right away. Both types target emotions to override critical thinking.