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
📞 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
🛡️ 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
📌 What to Do If You Fell for a Scam
- Change passwords immediately
- Contact your bank to freeze accounts
- File a report with authorities
🔗 Share this guide to help others stay safe!
