Every year, millions of people are targeted by scammers. These criminals try to trick people into giving them money, personal information, or access to their bank accounts. Understanding common scams and knowing what to look out for can help you stay safe. Here’s how you can protect yourself from scams.
Phone scams
Scammers may call pretending to be someone they are not. Scammers will often say you owe money or have won a prize but need to send money to claim it. Some may even pretend to be a family member in trouble and ask for help.
Email and text scams
Scammers might send emails or texts pretending to be from your bank, a retailer, or even a friend. They will try to get you to click on a link or share personal information. These messages may look real, but they are often fake.
Fake charities
After a natural disaster or during a holiday season, scammers may pretend to be a charity asking for donations. They play on your kindness and hope you’ll send money without checking if the charity is real.
Health scams
Some scammers promise "miracle" cures or free health products, asking for your credit card or insurance information. They may offer fake medical products or say they have a cure that doesn’t really work.
Government, Medicare and company scams
Scammers may contact you saying there’s a problem with your account, you owe money or that you need a new card. They may pretend they are from a government agency, law enforcement, Medicare, the IRS, a charity, a well-known company, or even the Senior LinkAge Line. They may ask for your personal information, which they can use to steal your identity, or demand that you send them money or gift cards.
Pressure to act fast
Scammers want you to feel rushed. If someone demands immediate payment or personal information, it’s likely a scam. Take your time and don’t feel pressured.
Request for personal information
Legitimate companies, banks, and government agencies will never ask for your personal information (like your Social Security number, Medicare number or bank account details) over the phone, email, or text.
Unfamiliar phone numbers or email addresses
Check where the message is coming from. Scammers often use numbers or email addresses that look odd or unfamiliar.
Too good to be true offers
If something seems too good to be true, like winning a contest you didn’t enter or getting a deal that seems “amazing,” it might be a scam.
Hang up or don’t respond
If a caller or message seems suspicious, don’t feel bad about hanging up or not replying. Scammers count on people being polite, but it’s okay to protect yourself.
Ask questions
If someone says they’re calling from a company or organization, ask the caller for their name, the company they work for, and a callback number. Often, scammers will hang up when questioned.
Never send money or gift cards
Scammers may ask for money to be sent through gift cards or wire transfers. Legitimate businesses and government agencies don’t ask for payment this way.
Talk to someone you trust
If you’re not sure about a message or call, talk it over with a friend, family member, or someone you trust before you do anything.
Report the scam
Let authorities know. You can report scams to your local police, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), or your state’s consumer protection agency.
Protect your accounts
If you think a scammer has your personal information, contact your bank or credit card company. They can help you secure your accounts.
Share with others
By sharing your experience, you can help others avoid the same scam.
Scammers are always finding new ways to trick people. Staying informed and cautious can help keep you safe. Remember: if something doesn’t feel right, it’s okay to pause and ask questions. Protect yourself and help others stay safe from scams.
