Scams are everywhere, and they’re getting more sophisticated. But don’t worry—you’re not alone! This guide will help you recognize scams, protect yourself, and take action if you ever become a target.
Why This Guide Matters
Scammers are criminals who steal money and personal information. Each year, millions of Americans lose their hard-earned money to fraud.
But here’s the good news: knowing how scams work can stop scammers in their tracks! The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is working hard to fight fraud with other agencies. You can help by staying informed and reporting scams.
How to Stay Safe in 3 Simple Steps
Scammers use urgency and fear to trick you into acting quickly. Protect yourself by remembering these three key steps:
🔴 STOP – Never give money or personal information if something feels off. Scammers often pretend to be trusted organizations like banks, law enforcement, or even family members.
🟡 CHECK – Ask yourself: Could this be a scam? Never click on links in messages. Instead, contact the company or person directly using a verified website or app.
🟢 PROTECT – If you’ve been scammed, act fast! Contact your bank right away and report the scam to the FTC or the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3).
Common Scam Tactics
Scammers are sneaky, but most of their tricks fall into these categories:
🚨 Too Good to Be True Offers
👉 Investment schemes promising “guaranteed” high returns
👉 Massive discounts on expensive products
👉 Fake lottery or prize winnings
How to avoid: If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is!
😢 Emotional Manipulation
👉 Messages from “family” or “friends” in distress asking for money
👉 Heartbreaking stories designed to gain your sympathy
👉 Fake romantic partners who quickly ask for financial help
How to avoid: Verify before sending money. Call the person using a known number.
🔗 Suspicious Links & Attachments
👉 Fake emails from banks or government agencies
👉 Messages with “urgent” security alerts or delivery notices
👉 Pop-ups warning that your computer is infected
How to avoid: Never click unknown links. Visit the official website or app instead.
⌛ Pressure to Act Fast
👉 “Limited-time offers” urging immediate payment
👉 Threats of account closures, fines, or legal trouble
👉 Calls claiming you owe taxes or are facing arrest
How to avoid: Take a deep breath. Government agencies don’t function this way.
💰 Unusual Payment Requests
👉 Requests for payment via gift cards, cryptocurrency, or wire transfers
👉 Requests to set up new bank accounts or payment apps
👉 Fake refunds that require you to send money first
How to avoid: Stick to secure, traceable payment methods. Always verify requests.
Types of Scams & How to Spot Them
📱 Text & SMS Scams
Scammers send fake messages pretending to be from banks, government agencies, or even family members. These messages may claim your bank account is locked or your package delivery is delayed and contain a dangerous link.
How to protect yourself:
✅ Never click links in text messages
✅ Verify messages by calling the company directly
✅ If a friend or family member texts about a new number, call them on their old one to check
📩 Email Scams
Scammers send fake emails pretending to be from real companies. They might claim to represent government agencies like the IRS, Social Security Administration, or your bank. They may contain fake invoices, requests for personal information, or malware attachments.
How to protect yourself:
✅ Check for spelling errors and generic greetings
✅ Hover over links before clicking—real websites won’t have strange URLs
✅ If unsure, contact the company through their official website
📞 Phone Scams
Scammers spoof phone numbers. They make it look like they’re calling from the IRS, FBI, Social Security Administration, or even your own bank. They may claim you owe money, your account has been hacked, or you’re about to be arrested.
How to protect yourself:
✅ Hang up and call the organization back using their official number
✅ Never give out personal or financial information over the phone
✅ Ignore calls from unknown numbers
🌐 Website Scams
Scammers create fake websites that look identical to real ones. They sell counterfeit products, steal credit card details, or install malware.
How to protect yourself:
✅ Compare prices—if it’s too cheap, it’s probably a scam
✅ Check for customer reviews (but be aware of fake ones!)
✅ Look for HTTPS in the address bar for secure sites
💬 Social Media & Messaging Scams
Scammers set up fake profiles on Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and dating apps. They might pretend to be a celebrity, business, or even someone you know.
How to protect yourself:
✅ Be skeptical of friend requests from strangers
✅ Never send money to someone you met online
✅ Report suspicious accounts to the platform
💼 Job & Investment Scams
Scammers promise easy jobs with high pay but first ask for an upfront fee or personal details.
How to protect yourself:
✅ Research the company before applying
✅ Never pay to get a job
✅ Verify investment opportunities with licensed financial professionals
❤️ Romance Scams
Scammers fake romantic relationships to gain your trust before asking for money. They often claim to be overseas and have an “emergency” requiring financial help.
How to protect yourself:
✅ Never send money to someone you haven’t met in person
✅ Be cautious of online relationships that progress too quickly
✅ Reverse-search profile photos to check for stolen images
What to Do If You’re Scammed
1️⃣ Act Fast – If you sent money, contact your bank immediately.
2️⃣ Change Your Passwords – If you gave away sensitive info, update your logins.
3️⃣ Report the Scam – Help protect others by reporting to the FTC or FBI IC3.
4️⃣ Seek Support – Scams can be stressful—don’t be afraid to talk to someone.
Where to Report Scams (U.S. Resources)
📌 Federal Trade Commission (FTC) – Report fraud: www.reportfraud.ftc.gov
📌 FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) – Report cybercrime: www.ic3.gov
📌 Social Security Administration Fraud Hotline – 1-800-269-0271
📌 IRS Scam Reporting – www.irs.gov
💡 Need emotional support?
📞 National Suicide Prevention Lifeline – 988 | 988lifeline.org
📞 National Foundation for Credit Counseling – 1-800-388-2227
Final Thought: Stay Scam-Smart!
Scammers are always coming up with new tricks, but you have the power to protect yourself. By staying informed, questioning suspicious messages, and reporting scams, you can help stop these criminals.