Spotting Scammers: Stay Alert and Safe
A scam is a scheme that tricks people into giving away money or personal information. Scammers often use deception and fear to manipulate people into acting against their own best interests.
Scammers may contact potential victims by phone, text, email, social media, or through e-commerce. They may offer an attractive deal or false information while pretending to be a trusted person or organization.
Here are a few ways to spot scammers:
They Pretend to Be Someone You Know
Scammers love to disguise themselves as trusted organizations like the IRS, Medicare, or even well-known charities. They might claim to be calling on behalf of the government or a company you recognize. With clever tech tricks, they can even fake the caller ID to make it look legitimate. Always question unexpected calls, no matter how real they seem. Scammers also disguise email to appear like it is coming from someone you know and trust.
They Create a Crisis or a Dream
It’s either panic or excitement—they’ll say you’re in legal trouble, owe money, or that a loved one is in danger. On the flip side, they might dangle an irresistible prize, like a lottery win or sweepstakes, but ask for a “small fee” to claim it. Remember: real organizations don’t operate this way.
They Push You to Act Immediately
“Don’t hang up!” they’ll say, hoping to keep you from thinking it through. Scammers might threaten arrest, lawsuits, or even deportation. They might claim your computer is about to crash or your bank account is at risk. Always take a moment to pause—legitimate entities won’t rush you into action.
They Demand a Specific Payment
Look out for demands to pay through cryptocurrency, wire transfers, payment apps, or gift cards. Scammers may even send a fake check, asking you to deposit it and forward them money. These methods make it almost impossible to recover your funds, so never comply without double-checking first. I have been involved in actual cases where gifts cards were purchased, and funds were wired to scammers who sent fake requests. It’s a good idea to confirm these requests verbally if you have even the slightest sense of uncertainty.
Stay one step ahead of scammers: Be cautious, verify their claims, and never let pressure force your hand.
Scott Thorson