What are some classic warning signs of possible fraud and scams?

Watch out if someone:

• Claims to be from the government, a financial institution, a business, or someone you know and asks you to send them money.
• Asks you to pay money or taxes upfront to receive a prize or a gift.
• Tells you to send money using methods like wire transfers, cryptocurrency, payment apps, prepaid cards, or gift cards.
• Asks for access to your money or financial information, such as your ATM cards, bank accounts, credit cards, cryptocurrency wallet or access codes, or investment accounts.
• Pressures you to act right away by telling you the deal won’t last, or doesn’t give you time to ask questions.

Creates a sense of urgency or emergency to play on your emotions to get you to act quickly.

Guard your personal information

• Don’t share numbers or passwords for accounts, credit cards, or Social Security.
• Don’t click on links or scan QR codes from messages you don’t recognize or trust. These can be faked to look like they’re from a trusted source, but instead take you to scammers’ malicious websites or give them access to your device.
• Call the financial institution, company, organization, or government agency using their official phone number or website to confirm if there is a real problem.
• Put your number on the National Do Not Call Registry. Go to www.donotcall.gov  or call (888) 382-1222.

Slow down and verify

• Never pay up front for a prize or offer. It’s a scam if you are told that you must pay fees or taxes first.
• If something feels like “a great deal,” pause and take a moment before acting. Scammers often use attractive offers to get your attention before asking for money or information.
• Watch out for deals that are only “good today” or pressure you to act quickly. Walk away if you don’t have time to read the details, ask questions, or get advice before agreeing. Being told to pay right away is a warning sign.
• Ask for information in writing and read it carefully.

Verify urgent or emotional requests

Beware when someone plays on your emotions or claims there’s an urgent situation. Advances in artificial intelligence (AI) make it easier for scammers to clone voices and alter images to make it seem like someone you know needs help.

• Contact the person yourself to verify the story. Use contact information you know is theirs.

If you can’t reach them, try to get in touch with them through another trusted person, like a family member or their friends.

• Use permanent black marker or black gel ink when writing a check, to make it hard for fraudsters to change the amount or payee.
• When you mail the check, drop your mail directly at the post office.

If you’re waiting for a check to be delivered to you, check your mail often and don’t leave any mail in your mailbox overnight.