Don’t Get Hooked: The Four Biggest Scam Threats and How to Avoid Them
If you own a smartphone, tablet, or computer, then you probably already know that scams are everywhere. They evolve constantly, making it tough to keep up. But by understanding the common tricks scammers use, you can become your own best defense. Here are four of the biggest scam threats circulating right now, and simple ways to protect yourself:
1. The Imposter Playbook: They Pretend to Be Someone You Trust
This is a classic for a reason – it works. Scammers will pose as people or organizations you recognize:
Government Agencies: Think the IRS, Social Security Administration, or even your local police. They’ll call, text, or email, often threatening arrest, fines, or other dire consequences if you don’t act immediately.
Banks or Companies: You might get a message that looks like it’s from your bank, Amazon, or a tech company like Microsoft. They’ll claim there’s a problem with your account, a suspicious transaction, or a virus on your computer, trying to get you to click a link, give them your login details, or even send money.
Friends or Family in Distress: The “grandparent scam” is a prime example. You get a panicked call or text from someone claiming to be a grandchild (or other relative) who’s in trouble (arrested, in an accident, etc.) and needs money fast, often asking you to keep it a secret.
How to Avoid Them:
Verify, Verify, Verify: If someone contacts you out of the blue, especially if they’re asking for money or personal information, hang up. Please don’t use the phone number or links they provide. Instead, find the official number for the organization (such as your bank or the IRS) on its official website or a trusted source, and call them directly.
Resist Pressure: Scammers thrive on urgency. If they’re pressuring you to act immediately, it’s a huge red flag. Legitimate organizations will give you time.
Be Skeptical of “Secret” Requests: If a “family member” asks you to keep their predicament a secret, it’s almost certainly a scam.
Never Pay with Gift Cards or Wire Transfers: No legitimate entity will demand payment in gift cards, cryptocurrency, or wire transfers. These are untraceable and a favored method for scammers.
2. The “Too Good to Be True” Investment & Job Scams
These scams prey on hopes for quick wealth or easy employment, often involving new and exciting trends like cryptocurrency.
Fake Investments: Scammers will pitch incredible investment opportunities, promising sky-high returns with little to no risk. This often involves cryptocurrency, where they might guide you to a fake trading platform that shows your “investment” growing, only to disappear with your money when you attempt to withdraw it.
Phony Job Offers: You might see enticing “work-from-home” opportunities with amazing pay for simple tasks. These can involve “task scams” where you perform small duties and are then asked to pay a fee to continue or to “unlock” your earnings, which never materialize. Others might send you a fake check for “supplies” and ask you to send back an “overpayment.”
How to Avoid Them:
If It Sounds Too Good to Be True, It Probably Is: High returns with no risk are a fantasy. Always be suspicious of guaranteed profits.
Do your research: Before investing or accepting a job offer, thoroughly research the company or individual. Check reviews, look for their official website, and verify their legitimacy.
Never Pay to Get a Job: Legitimate employers won’t ask you to pay for training, equipment, or background checks as a condition of employment.
Be Wary of “Wrong Number” Intros: Some investment scams start with a seemingly innocent “wrong number” text that turns into a friendly conversation, eventually leading to a pitch for a “secret” investment opportunity.
3. Package Delivery & Unpaid Toll Scams: The Everyday Imposters
These scams tap into common everyday experiences, making them feel highly believable.
Fake Package Delivery Alerts: You get a text or email claiming there’s a problem with a package delivery (unpaid fee, missed delivery, incorrect address). The message often includes a link to a fake website that looks like a legitimate shipping company (like USPS or FedEx). If you click, they’ll try to steal your personal or financial information.
Bogus Unpaid Toll Notices: Similar to package scams, these messages claim you have an outstanding toll payment and direct you to a fake website to pay, again aiming to steal your information.
How to Avoid Them:
Don’t Click Unsolicited Links: This is the golden rule. If you receive an unexpected message about a package or a toll, do not click any links.
Go Directly to the Source: If you’re genuinely expecting a package, go directly to the shipping company’s official website (type the address yourself, don’t use a link) and track your package using a legitimate tracking number.
Check Official Records: For tolls, check your official toll authority website or app.
4. Tech Support Scams: “Your Computer Has a Virus!” An oldie but still going strong.
This scam preys on fear and a lack of technical knowledge.
Pop-up Warnings and Calls: You might see a pop-up on your computer screen claiming a serious virus or problem has been detected, often with a phone number to call for “tech support.”
Or, you might receive an unexpected call from someone claiming to be from a well-known tech company (like Microsoft), saying they’ve detected issues with your computer.
Remote Access and Payment: Once they have you on the line, they’ll try to convince you to give them remote access to your computer and/or pay for unnecessary “repairs” or “software.” They might even install actual malware or steal your personal information.
How to Avoid Them:
Legitimate Tech Support Doesn’t Call You Out of the Blue: Microsoft, Apple, and other reputable tech companies will never call you unsolicited to tell you your computer has a virus.
Don’t Believe Pop-ups: If you see a warning pop-up that locks your screen or urges you to call a number, it’s a scam. Close your browser (you might need to use Task Manager on Windows: Ctrl+Shift+Esc, then find your browser and end the task).
Never Give Remote Access to Strangers: Only allow trusted, known professionals to access your computer remotely.
Hang Up: If you receive an unsolicited tech support call, just hang up.
By staying alert and remembering these simple rules, you can reduce your risk of falling victim to these pervasive scams. When in doubt, always stop, think, and verify!