Scammers are creative, persistent, and increasingly sophisticated. They prey on trust, create urgency, and exploit emotions.
But here’s the good news: most scams follow predictable patterns. Once you learn to recognize those patterns, you become much harder to fool.
The Grandparent Scam
This heartless scam targets the love grandparents have for their grandchildren. You receive a call, often late at night, from someone claiming to be your grandchild. They’re in trouble—arrested, in an accident, stranded in another country—and need money immediately. They beg you not to tell their parents.
The caller might even sound like your grandchild, using information gathered from social media. But real emergencies don’t require secrecy from other family members. If you receive such a call, hang up and contact your grandchild or their parents directly using a number you know is correct.
Government Impersonation Scams
Scammers frequently pretend to be from the IRS, Social Security Administration, or Medicare. They might claim you owe back taxes, your Social Security number has been “suspended,” or you’re eligible for a special benefit. These calls often include threats of arrest or promises of large payments.
Remember: Government agencies typically communicate by mail first, not phone calls. They never demand immediate payment by gift card, wire transfer, or cryptocurrency. They won’t threaten arrest for unpaid taxes without first sending written notices. If you’re unsure, hang up and call the agency directly using the number on their official website.
Tech Support Scams
Your computer displays a frightening pop-up: “Your computer is infected! Call this number immediately!” Or you receive a call from someone claiming to be from Microsoft or Apple, saying they’ve detected a virus on your device.
These are scams. Legitimate tech companies don’t monitor your personal computer for viruses, and they don’t make unsolicited calls about problems. Never call numbers from pop-up warnings, and never give remote access to your computer to someone who contacted you unexpectedly. If you’re concerned about your computer’s security, contact a trusted local technician or take your device to a reputable repair shop.
Romance Scams
Romance scams are particularly cruel. A new friend on social media or a dating site seems wonderful—attentive, caring, and interested in you. The relationship develops over weeks or months. Then come the requests for money: a medical emergency, a business opportunity gone wrong, a need for travel funds to finally meet in person.
Be cautious of online relationships that develop quickly, especially with people who can never meet in person or video chat. Never send money to someone you haven’t met face-to-face, regardless of the reason. Discuss new online relationships with friends or family who can offer an outside perspective.
The Red Flags of Any Scam
Most scams share common warning signs.
Urgency is a major red flag—scammers don’t want you to have time to think or consult others.
Unusual payment methods are another warning: gift cards, wire transfers, and cryptocurrency are favorites because they’re hard to trace and impossible to reverse.
Secrecy is also suspicious. Why would a legitimate organization ask you not to discuss something with your family? And if an offer sounds too good to be true—a massive lottery win, an incredible investment return, a miracle product—it almost certainly is.
Your Best Defense
Pause before you act on a message or voicemail that you are unsure of. Scammers create pressure because they know that time works against them.
You should talk to a family member, friend, or trusted person if you need a second opinion on the contact you’ve received. Verify claims independently using contact information you find yourself, not numbers provided by the potential scammer.
By staying informed and trusting your instincts, you can protect yourself and help protect others.
