Nov 11, 2024 | posted by Lily Chavez
Scammers aren't just after your data but also your hard-earned money. Here are some common scams to watch out for:
Fake Fraud Alerts
Scammers may impersonate your bank or familiar companies, sending you messages about a suspicious transaction. If you respond, they will call and weave a convincing story about fraud involving your identity. They claim they can help, but they’ll steal your money by draining your account.
What to do: Never click on links in unexpected messages. If the message seems legitimate, contact the company directly through their official website, app, or customer service number. Avoid calling back any number from a voicemail or text message.
Fake Investment Opportunities
Scammers often reach out on social media with "exclusive" investment opportunities, usually in cryptocurrency, promising huge returns with minimal or no risk. If you take the bait, they’ll lead you to a fake website where you believe you’re investing. But it’s all a scam. Once they've scammed you out of enough money, they'll shut down the fake site and vanish.
What to do: Be cautious of anyone offering guaranteed returns with little or no risk. All investments carry some level of risk, so always research any opportunity thoroughly before committing your money.
Fake Invoices
Scammers may send you an email claiming you need to renew a subscription or membership that you never signed up for. For example, they may pretend to be from Geek Squad or another service, saying you owe hundreds of dollars for an automatic renewal. The email will pressure you to act quickly—often within 24 hours—or else face the charge. If you call the number they provide, they’ll ask for remote access to your computer, install spyware, and steal money from your bank account.
What to do: If you receive an email like this, don’t call the number provided. Instead, contact the company through their official website, app, or customer service line to verify the claim.
What to Do If You Encounter a Scam
If you encounter any of these scams—or any other type of fraud—report it to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
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