Fraud Protection

What Are the Signs of a Scam?

Scammers tell all kinds of stories to get your money or information!

They might call, pretend to be from a government agency, and say you owe a fine. Or they may pose as a friend or love interest online who supposedly needs money for an emergency. A scammer might offer you a (fake) job but say you must pay a fee before getting hired. Or they might tell a different lie.

Though the details might change, scams usually have some things in common. And knowing what they are can help you recognize — and then avoid — scams that come your way.

 Know this:

• Scammers contact you unexpectedly. Don't respond to unexpected calls, emails, texts, or social media messages that ask for money or personal information. If you're unsure if a call or message is genuine, reach out to the business, organization, or person - even if they're claiming to be a friend or relative - using contact information you looked up yourself and know to be true.
• Scammers tell you to hurry. They don't want you to have time to think or check out their story. Slow down and talk to someone you trust.
• Scammers tell you to pay - and HOW to pay. Don't pay anyone who contacts you out of the blue and insists you can only pay with cash, a gift card, a wire transfer, cryptocurrency, or a payment app. Scammers want you to pay these ways because once you do, it's hard to track and difficult to get your money back.

If you've lost money to a scam, contact the company you used to send the money immediately and see if you can get it back. Then, report the scammer at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. 

Learn more about protecting your money and personal information from scammers at https://consumer.gov/.