Scammers are constantly evolving their tactics to trick you into revealing personal information or sending money. Here are the most prevalent scams circulating today and how to protect yourself.

📧 Top Email Scams

1. Phishing Emails

• How it works: Fake emails pretending to be from banks, Amazon, PayPal, etc.
• Goal: Steal login credentials or install malware
• Red flags:
• Urgent language (“Your account will be closed!”)
• Suspicious sender (e.g., “service@paypa1.com”)
• Requests for personal info

How to avoid:
✔ Never click links—log in directly through official websites
✔ Hover over links to check the real URL

2. Fake Invoices/Receipts

• How it works: Email claims you purchased something (often with a malicious attachment)
• Example: “Your Apple receipt for $599.99” (for a purchase you didn’t make)

How to avoid:
✔ Check your actual account before opening attachments
✔ Report fake invoices to the real company

3. “You’ve Won a Prize!” Scams

• How it works: Email claims you won a lottery, gift card, or free product
• Goal: Get you to pay “shipping fees” or share personal details

How to avoid:
✔ If you didn’t enter a contest, you didn’t win
✔ Never pay to receive a “free” prize

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📞 Top Phone Scams

1. “Your Social Security Number Is Suspended”

• How it works: Caller claims your SSN is linked to criminal activity
• Goal: Scare you into revealing personal info or paying a “fine”

How to avoid:
✔ The SSA never calls unexpectedly
✔ Hang up and call the official SSA number

2. Fake Tech Support Scams

• How it works: Caller claims your computer has a virus and demands remote access
• Goal: Install malware or charge for fake “services”

How to avoid:
✔ Microsoft/Apple never call unsolicited
✔ Never give remote access to strangers

3. “Hi Mom/Dad” AI Voice Scam

• How it works: Scammers use AI to clone a family member’s voice
• Script: “I’m in jail—send bail money!”

How to avoid:
✔ Verify by calling back on a known number
✔ Set a family code word

4. One-Ring Phone Scams

• How it works: Missed call from an unknown international number
• Goal: Trick you into calling back (running up huge charges)

How to avoid:
✔ Never call back unknown numbers
✔ Block suspicious calls

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🛡️ How to Protect Yourself

For Emails:

✔ Use spam filters (Gmail, Outlook)
✔ Enable two-factor authentication (2FA)
✔ Never download unexpected attachments

For Phone Calls:

✔ Let unknown calls go to voicemail
✔ Use call-blocking apps (Hiya, Truecaller)
✔ Register with the National Do Not Call Registry (US)

General Safety Tips:

✔ Never share passwords/PINs
✔ Monitor bank statements for fraud
✔ Report scams to:

• FTC (U.S.) – ReportFraud.ftc.gov
• Action Fraud (UK) – actionfraud.police.uk

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📌 What to Do If You Fell for a Scam

1. Change passwords immediately
2. Contact your bank to freeze accounts
3. File a report with authorities

🔗 Share this guide to help others stay safe!

ScamAlert #Phishing #CyberSecurity #FraudPrevention