Bad news out of the blue? News too good to be true? No matter the scheme, we can apply the three golden rules to spot the scam.

Tech Support Scams

Magnifying glass spots a miniature scammer jumping out of an envelope with cash, credit card and emergency signs.

Tech support scammers will try to convince you there is a problem with your device, asking you to pay for services you don't need to fix a problem that doesn't exist.

Slow down

Be Skeptical of Urgent Pop-ups

Pop-up messages can seem urgent. However, real security warnings and messages will never ask you to call a phone number. If you think there is an issue with your device, update your security software and run a virus scan.

Spot check

Investigate the company

Search for the company name or phone number along with words like "scam" or "complaint". if you're looking for tech support, do your own research to find a reputable company you know and trust.

Stop! Don’t send

Avoid Unusual Payment Methods

Legitimate tech support companies won't ask for payment in the form of gift cards, wire transfers, money transfer apps, or Bitcoin. These types of payment methods should only be used with family and friends.

Romance scams

Romance scammers may have a silver tongue, but they’re going for your gold. In 2023, reported losses to the FTC due to romance scams reached $1.1 billion.

Slow down

Watch out for sudden urgency

Even if the romance has built slowly over time, a scammer’s request for money can come on quite urgently.

Spot check

Do a search of your admirer

Often scammers will set up accounts using stolen photos from the internet. Search for their name or their photo to verify that they are who they say they are.

Stop! Don’t send

Say no to gift cards

In extraordinary situations, you might offer to buy your suitor a physical item. If they insist on a gift card or wire transfer instead, it’s a scam.

Bad news scams

Concerned woman looking at an emergency symbol flashing on her phone with rain clouds overhead.

Many scammers hunt for victims with calls or emails claiming to be from a government agency or bank. You’re wise to be skeptical of anyone who demands payment out of the blue.

Slow down

Ask clarifying questions

Government employees aren’t paid on commission. If a scammer gets irritated when you try to slow it down, they’re probably a fraud.

Spot check

Check with the organization directly

Don’t use contact details provided by the caller. Do your own research to find an official number or website.

Stop! Don’t send

Don’t agree to odd payments

You should never pay a bill with a gift card, wire transfer or Bitcoin. Any reputable organization will ask for credit card or check.

Good news scams

Woman is surprised to see hands with cash, a lei, and a tropical postcard emerging from her phone.

Scammers may call out of the blue to say that you are owed lottery winnings, a vacation, prize, or rebate—but must make a payment to claim it. Never pay upfront to receive winnings later.

Slow down

Ask a trusted advisor for help

Seek advice from a family member or friend, lawyer, accountant, or financial planner if you aren’t sure whether this good news is real.

Spot check

Get more info about the prize

A quick search on the internet should help you see if such a contest or sweepstakes actually exists. If there’s no evidence, it’s likely a scam.

Stop! Don’t send

Don’t pay for a prize

Processing fees or taxes may seem small relative to the promised sum, but once they get some money from you, the payout never arrives.

A wise man looks closer at his giant phone as he debates whether the conversation is safe or a scam.

Now test your knowledge with real-life examples to see if you can tell who’s behind the screen.

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