1. Tech Support Scams

How it works:

• You get a phone call, email, or pop-up message saying your computer has a virus.
• The scammer pretends to be from “Microsoft” or a tech company and asks for remote access to your computer.
• Once inside, they pretend to “fix” the issue but may install harmful programs or demand payment for fake repairs.

How to avoid it:

• Real companies like Microsoft or Apple will never call you about viruses.
• Never let someone you don’t trust control your computer remotely.
• If in doubt, call someone you know or a trusted IT professional.

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2. Phishing Emails and Texts

How it works:

• You receive an email or text pretending to be from your bank, Medicare, Social Security, or a trusted company.
• They ask you to “click a link” to confirm personal information or login details.
• The link takes you to a fake website that steals your information.

How to avoid it:

• Never click links or download files from emails/texts you weren’t expecting.
• Call the company directly using a trusted phone number to check if the message is real.

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3. Grandparent Scams (Emergency Calls)

How it works:

• Someone calls pretending to be your grandchild or a lawyer/police officer on their behalf.
• They claim your grandchild is in trouble (arrested, in a car accident) and needs money urgently.
• You’re pressured to send cash, gift cards, or wire money.

How to avoid it:

• Always confirm the situation by calling your grandchild directly or speaking to another family member.
• Scammers rely on you acting quickly—pause and verify before sending money.

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4. Lottery or Prize Scams

How it works:

• You’re told you’ve won a lottery, sweepstakes, or prize (even if you didn’t enter).
• To “claim” your prize, you’re asked to pay taxes, shipping fees, or handling costs upfront.
• The prize doesn’t exist.

How to avoid it:

• If you didn’t enter a contest, you didn’t win.
• Real lotteries or prizes never ask for money upfront.

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5. IRS or Government Impersonation Scams

How it works:

• You receive a call, email, or letter claiming to be from the IRS, Social Security, or law enforcement.
• They say you owe money or your benefits are at risk and demand immediate payment.
• Scammers may threaten arrest or legal action if you don’t pay.

How to avoid it:

• The IRS never calls or emails to demand immediate payment.
• Government agencies don’t accept gift cards, prepaid cards, or wire transfers.
• Hang up and call the official number of the agency to verify.

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6. Fake Online Shopping Sites

How it works:

• Scammers create fake websites or ads that look like real stores.
• You order a product and pay, but the item never arrives.
• Sometimes, they steal your credit card details too.

How to avoid it:

• Shop on trusted websites you know, like Amazon or Walmart.
• Look for “https://” in the website address—this means it’s secure.
• Avoid deals that seem “too good to be true.”

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7. Romance Scams

How it works:

• Scammers create fake profiles on dating websites or social media.
• They build trust over time, then claim they need money for an emergency, travel, or a business opportunity.
• Once you send money, they disappear.

How to avoid it:

• Never send money to someone you haven’t met in person.
• Be cautious of anyone who gets overly romantic or requests financial help quickly.

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8. Medicare and Healthcare Scams

How it works:

• Scammers call pretending to be from Medicare or an insurance company.
• They ask for your Medicare number or other personal details.
• They may offer fake services or bill Medicare for things you never received.

How to avoid it:

• Medicare will not call you asking for personal details or payment.
• Protect your Medicare card like a credit card.

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9. Fake Charity Scams

How it works:

• Scammers pretend to represent charities, especially after disasters or during the holidays.
• They ask for donations over the phone, email, or in person.
• The “charity” is fake, and your money doesn’t go to a good cause.

How to avoid it:

• Donate only to charities you know and trust.
• Use websites like CharityNavigator.org to check if a charity is real.

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10. Utility Company Scams

How it works:

• You get a call saying your electricity, gas, or water will be shut off unless you pay immediately.
• Scammers demand payment via gift cards, prepaid cards, or wire transfer.

How to avoid it:

• Utility companies will never demand immediate payment over the phone.
• Hang up and call the company directly using their official phone number.

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11. Fake Antivirus Software Scams

How it works:

• A pop-up on your computer says your computer is infected and you need to download software to fix it.
• The download is fake and installs harmful software (malware) that steals your information.

How to avoid it:

• Close pop-ups and don’t click on suspicious ads.
• Use trusted antivirus software from reputable companies like Norton, McAfee, or Malwarebytes.

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12. Investment and “Get Rich Quick” Scams

How it works:

• Scammers offer fake investment opportunities, promising huge profits with no risk.
• You’re pressured to send money quickly.
• The investment is a scam, and you lose your money.

How to avoid it:

• If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
• Always talk to a trusted financial advisor before investing.

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13. “Overpayment” or Fake Check Scams

How it works:

• Someone sends you a fake check for more than you’re owed (like for a product or service).
• They ask you to “refund” the extra money.
• The check bounces, and you lose the money you sent back.

How to avoid it:

• Be suspicious of overpayments or anyone who asks you to refund part of a check.
• Wait until a check fully clears before taking any action.

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Final Tips to Stay Safe:

1. Trust your instincts – If something feels “off,” stop and check.
2. Slow down – Scammers want you to act quickly. Pause and think first.
3. Never give out personal information like Social Security numbers, bank details, or passwords to strangers.
4. Ask someone you trust – If you’re unsure, ask a family member or friend for advice.
5. Hang up or delete – It’s okay to end a call or ignore a suspicious message.

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