Scams
Education is key to identifying, avoiding, and reporting scams.
Types of Scams
It's sad to say, but scams are becoming increasingly more common. Education is key to be able to identify, avoid, and report scams that are presented to you, a loved one, friend, or neighbor. Below is a list of the most common scams at this moment in time, but the list is ever evolving.
A scammer posing as a legitimate charity attempts to obtain your donated money. These scams become more prevalent during the holiday season and during times of crisis.
This scam involves a fake debt collector trying to collect money on a debt that you have already paid or never owed to begin with.
Displaying the FDIC logo to assure someone that their money is insured and safe when it is not.
This scam involves a senior citizen receiving a phone call from someone who pretends to be a grandchild or relative. The scammer pretending to be a loved one usually asks for money to be wired or gift cards purchased, to get out of trouble.
The scammer convinces you to send money by pretending to be someone you know or an authority figure (sheriff, government employee, etc.).
Though this scam does not involve money being taken from you, it does involve you moving/transporting stolen money from other scam victims.
This scam involves a scammer calling to inform you that you have won prize or lottery money. The scammer then requests a payment be made to cover fees and taxes on prize/lottery money that you have not won.
Phishing scams involve the sending of fraudulent emails or other forms of messages, that appear legitimate, with the intent of stealing your personal information (usernames, passwords, credit card numbers, etc.).
The scammer plays with your emotions by tricking you into falling in one-sided love. The scammer then asks for financial assistance from you through a loan, a gift of money, or by some other means.
The scammer uses your identity (SSN or TIN) to file a fraudulent tax return or claim your tax benefits. Oftentimes, the victim does not know that fraud has been committed until it's too late.
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