Common Scams to Avoid

Learn to identify the most prevalent fraud tactics

🎣 Phishing Scams

What it is: Fraudulent emails or messages pretending to be from legitimate companies asking you to verify account information.

Red Flags:

  • Asks for passwords or personal information
  • Links to suspicious websites that look similar to real ones
  • Generic greetings ("Dear Customer")
  • Grammar and spelling errors

Protection: Never click links in unsolicited emails. Go directly to the official website instead.

💰 Romance Scams

What it is: Criminals create fake romantic connections to gain trust and extract money.

Red Flags:

  • Refuses to video chat
  • Quick declarations of love
  • Eventually asks for money (medical emergency, travel, etc.)
  • Victim from different country/military member

Protection: Be cautious of online relationships. Never send money to people you haven't met in person.

🏢 Job Offer Scams

What it is: Fake job postings that ask for personal information or upfront payment.

Red Flags:

  • High pay for minimal work
  • No formal interview process
  • Requests for sensitive personal information upfront
  • Asks for payment for training or equipment

Protection: Research companies before applying. Legitimate employers don't ask for money upfront.

🏆 Lottery/Prize Scams

What it is: Claims you've won a prize or lottery you didn't enter and asks for fees to claim it.

Red Flags:

  • You never entered the lottery
  • Asks for upfront payment or tax information
  • Pressure to act quickly
  • Spelling and grammar errors

Protection: You can't win lotteries you didn't enter. Real lotteries don't ask for upfront payment.

🔒 Tech Support Scams

What it is: Pop-ups or calls claiming your device has problems and asking you to call a number or visit a website.

Red Flags:

  • Unsolicited pop-ups about viruses
  • Calls claiming to be from Microsoft or Apple
  • Requests to remotely access your device
  • Demands for payment before help

Protection: Never call numbers from suspicious pop-ups. Contact official support directly.

💳 Advance Fee Scams

What it is: Promises of money or benefits in exchange for paying a fee upfront.

Red Flags:

  • Requests for upfront payment or banking details
  • Promises of guaranteed returns or money
  • Vague descriptions of the offer
  • Pressure to pay quickly

Protection: Legitimate services don't require upfront fees. If it sounds too good, it probably is.

📱 SMS/Text Scams

What it is: Text messages claiming urgent action is needed or offering prizes.

Red Flags:

  • Urgent messages about bank accounts or packages
  • Prize notifications you didn't enter
  • Links requesting account information
  • Requests to verify personal details

Protection: Don't click links in unsolicited texts. Contact organizations directly using official numbers.

🛒 Online Shopping Scams

What it is: Fake online stores or sellers that take payment but never deliver products.

Red Flags:

  • Prices significantly lower than competitors
  • New or poorly designed websites
  • No customer reviews or only fake reviews
  • Requests for wire transfer or gift cards

Protection: Shop from established retailers. Use credit cards for protection. Check reviews before purchasing.

General Prevention Tips

  • ✓ Keep software and antivirus programs up to date
  • ✓ Use strong, unique passwords for each account
  • ✓ Enable two-factor authentication when available
  • ✓ Be skeptical of unsolicited contact
  • ✓ Verify requests by contacting organizations directly
  • ✓ Never share personal information online
  • ✓ Monitor your bank and credit card statements
  • ✓ Use secure payment methods
  • ✓ Trust your instincts – when in doubt, don't proceed

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Important Summary
  • ScamAware is for education only.
  • We never recover funds or guarantee results.
  • We are not liable for financial or personal losses caused by scams.