Scams are everywhere, and they can happen to anyone. Don’t let scammers take advantage of you. Always stay vigilant and protect yourself by being cautious of unsolicited calls, emails or texts. Remember, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
It’s important to know that scams are constantly evolving. The ones listed below are some of the more prevalent scams that are reported to us and hope that these examples will help you recognize signs of a scam. Although scams have been around for decades, the internet has greatly increased their prevalence and scammers access to vulnerable populations.
Common Types of Scams
Grandparent Scam
Computer Tech Scam
Home Improvement Scam
Arrest Warrant Scam
Charity Scam
Romance Scam
Real Estate Scam
IRS/Government Scam
Identity Theft
Image-Based Abuse (“Revenge Porn”)
If you think you might be a victim of a scam, here are some actions to take:
- Check your credit report to ensure no one is trying to open credit using your credentials. The three major credit reporting companies are Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion.
Put an initial fraud alert on your credit report. This alert makes it harder for someone to open an account in your name because a business must verify your identity before it can issue credit. The alert stays valid for 90 days. - Check your bank account and credit card statements for any unusual activity.
- Contact a financial institution directly if you think an account there may have been breached.
- Report it to your local police, the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center, and the Federal Trade Commission Fraud Report Center