Protect Yourself from Common Scams:

A Practical Guide

Falling victim to a scam can happen to anyone — no matter how smart or careful they are. Scammers are skilled manipulators who use fear, urgency, and trust to trick people into giving away money or personal information.

Here’s what you need to know to protect yourself:

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🔎 Common Types of Scams

1. Romance and Relationship Scams
Scammers build online relationships through social media, dating apps, or email. They gain your trust, then ask for money for “emergencies,” travel expenses, or business opportunities.

2. Debt Collection & Government Imposter Scams
You receive calls or emails claiming to be from the IRS, police, or debt collectors threatening arrest, lawsuits, or license suspension unless you pay immediately.

3. Tech Support Scams
Pop-up messages or phone calls claim your computer has a virus. The scammer asks for remote access to “fix” it, then installs malware or charges high fees.

4. Investment & Cryptocurrency Scams
Promises of guaranteed returns, secret trading methods, or get-rich-quick opportunities are usually frauds designed to take your money and disappear.

5. Charity or Disaster Relief Scams
Fraudsters pretend to represent legitimate charities after disasters, asking for donations that never reach the victims.

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🤔 Why People Fall for Scams

• Emotional Manipulation: Scammers prey on loneliness, fear, or urgency.

• Authority Pressure: They impersonate banks, government agencies, or law enforcement to intimidate victims.

• Professional Appearance: Fake websites, official-looking emails, and spoofed phone numbers create a false sense of security.

• Promise of Reward: “Too good to be true” offers tap into hope for quick financial relief.

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🛡 How to Avoid Becoming a Victim

✅ Slow Down: Scammers create false urgency. Take a moment before acting.
✅ Verify the Source: Contact companies, agencies, or charities directly using official phone numbers or websites.
✅ Never Pay with Gift Cards, Wire Transfers, or Crypto: Legitimate businesses and agencies do not ask for payment this way.
✅ Protect Personal Information: Don’t give out Social Security numbers, bank details, or passwords unless you are sure who you’re talking to.
✅ Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Extra security helps protect email, bank, and social accounts.
✅ Report Suspicious Activity: File complaints with the FTC (reportfraud.ftc.gov) or your state attorney general.

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📌 If You’ve Been Scammed

• Stop sending money immediately.

• Contact your bank or credit card company to block future charges and request a reversal if possible.

• Gather all communications and receipts — they may be needed for police reports or bankruptcy filings.

• Speak with a consumer protection attorney if you’re now facing unmanageable debt because of the scam.

 

🛑 Scam Protection Checklist: 10 Quick Steps to Stay Safe

✅ Stop & Think: If you feel pressured to act fast — pause. Scammers thrive on urgency.

✅ Verify Who’s Contacting You: Use official websites or phone numbers to confirm if a call, email, or message is real.

✅ Never Pay with Gift Cards or Crypto: Legitimate companies and government agencies don’t ask for these payment methods.

✅ Hang Up & Call Back: If someone claims to be from your bank, utility company, or the IRS — hang up and call the official number.

✅ Protect Personal Info: Never give out Social Security numbers, account logins, or PINs to unsolicited callers or messages.

✅ Check Website URLs: Look for spelling errors or strange domain names. Real sites use secure links (https://).

✅ Trust Your Gut: If an offer sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

✅ Use Security Tools: Turn on two-factor authentication (2FA) and install reputable antivirus software.

✅ Check Your Credit Report: Review your credit regularly to catch suspicious activity early.

✅ Report Scams: File a complaint with the FTC (reportfraud.ftc.gov) and notify your state attorney general.