Scams are everywhere these days—emails, texts, phone calls, even pop-ups on your screen. Some are easy to spot, but others can be sneaky and convincing. If you’ve ever wondered, “Is this real?” you’re not alone. Here's how to tell when something’s fishy, and what to do if you think you’re being scammed.

They Want Urgent Action--Right Now
Scammers love pressure. If someone says you need to act immediately or something terrible will happen (like your account being shut down, or you’ll be arrested), take a breath. That’s a red flag. Real companies and government agencies don’t work like that.

They Ask for Personal Information
A bank will never call and ask for your Social Security number, password, or PIN. Neither will the IRS or Medicare. If someone’s asking for personal details out of the blue, it’s probably a scam.

The Message Is Full of Weird Grammar or Spelling Mistakes
A lot of scam messages are written quickly—or come from overseas. Look out for poor grammar, odd phrases, or strange-looking email addresses.

They Want Payment in Gift Cards, Crypto, or Wire Transfers
No real company will ever ask you to pay a bill in Amazon gift cards or Bitcoin. If someone says that’s the only way to pay, it’s a scam. Every time.

It Sounds Too Good to Be True
“You’ve won a prize!” “You’ve inherited a fortune!” If you didn’t enter a contest or have a rich uncle you’ve never heard of, don’t fall for it. Scammers bait people with fake windfalls, then ask for “fees” or “taxes” upfront.

Links or Attachments Look Suspicious
Never click a link or download an attachment from someone you don’t know—even if it looks official. Scammers often send fake messages that look like they’re from Amazon, your bank, or even a friend.

The Caller ID or Email Looks Official, But Something’s Off
Scammers can fake caller ID and email addresses to look like they’re from a real business or government agency. If you’re not sure, don’t respond—look up the company’s phone number or website yourself and contact them directly.

So, What Should You Do?

• Stop and think. Don’t let anyone rush you.
• Don’t share info. Hang up or delete the message.
• Ask someone. If you’re not sure, ask a friend, family member, or local librarian.
• Report it. You can report scams to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov.
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Scammers are clever, but you don’t have to fall for it. When in doubt, it’s totally okay to say, “I’m going to double-check this first.”

Heads Up! Scammers Exploit Disasters for Fake Charity Schemes

The FBI wants you to stay sharp—scammers are cashing in on tragedies to trick people into donating to fake charities. Whether it's the New Year’s Day attack in New Orleans or wildfires in LA, fraudsters are out there, posing as relief agencies, victims, or even celebrities, to steal your money or personal info.

Here’s what’s happening:

• Impersonation Tactics: Scammers might pretend to be disaster relief groups, victims, or influencers, using fake stories to tug at your heartstrings.
• Tech Trickery: Some are even using AI to make their scams look legit.
• Big Impact: In 2024, over 4,500 cases of charity fraud cost people around $96 million.

How to Protect Yourself

1. Research Before Donating: Look for reviews, news articles, and official registrations of charities.
2. Verify Crowdfunding: Double-check the campaign’s legitimacy—reverse search images and verify the stories.
3. Watch for Pressure: If someone says "act now," it could be a scam.
4. Avoid Unsolicited Requests: Don’t open links or messages from unknown sources.
5. Pay Safely: Skip debit, gift, or prepaid cards for donations.
   
   

Quick Tip: Legit charities don’t use free email services, and their official websites can be checked through tools like ICANN Lookup.

Think You’ve Been Scammed?

• File a report with the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3).
• Include all the details—names, emails, payment info, and interactions with the scammer.

Stay safe, stay skeptical, and let’s outsmart the scammers!

See the official warning here.