May 9, 2025

Recognizing & Avoiding Common Fraud Scams: A Cybersecurity Guide

 

In today’s digital world, scammers are more sophisticated than ever. Recognizing the warning signs of common fraud scams is one of the best ways to protect your identity and finances. Here’s a breakdown of prevalent scams and simple tips to stay safe: 

 

Anti-Virus Scams 

What: Fake virus alerts are used to gain access to your device. 
How: A pop-up urges you to call support or click a link. The “tech” installs spyware instead of helping. 
Quick Tip: Only trust well-known tech support services. If you’re unsure, loop in a trusted friend or family member — especially for older or less tech-savvy individuals. Never trust someone who tells you not to involve others. 

 

Caller ID Spoofing Scams 

What: Scammers use fake caller ID to impersonate trusted sources. 
How: They may pose as your bank or other institutions and request personal information. 
Quick Tip: Don’t respond to unknown numbers. If you’re suspicious, hang up and call the official number directly. Real institutions won’t ask for sensitive information you didn’t initiate. 

 

Card Cracking Scams 

What: Selling your banking info to scammers in exchange for a cut of stolen money. 
How: Scammers deposit fake checks and quickly withdraw the funds before they clear. 
Quick Tip: Sharing your card, card information, or PIN makes you responsible — and possibly liable. Warn teens and young adults about these risks. 

 

Job Offer Scams 

What: Fake job opportunities arecreated to steal your identity or money. 
How: Victims are asked to provide personal or banking info under the guise of “onboarding” for a job. 
Quick Tip: Research the company. Be suspicious of email-only communication, unrealistic pay, and vague job duties. 

 

Grandparent/Emergency Scams 

What: Fraudsters pose as family in distress. 
How: They use urgency to get victims — often grandparents — to wire money or send gift cards. 
Quick Tip: Ask specific questions only your loved one would know the answers to. Call them directly or verify with another family member. 

 

Investment Scams

What: Fraudsters promise quick, high returns. 
How: Victims are lured into giving money to fake “financial gurus” or Ponzi schemes. 
Quick Tip: Be cautious of anyone offering big returns with little explanation. Verify licenses and beware of influencers making wild claims. 

 

Loan Scams 

What: Too-good-to-be-true loan offers. 
How: Victims are asked to provide personal details to access fake loans. 
Quick Tip: Check the legitimacy of the lender and website URL before applying. 

 

Lottery Scams 

What: Claims you’ve won a lottery — if you pay upfront. 
How: Victims send money for "taxes" or "fees" and never receive winnings. 
Quick Tip: Real lotteries don’t ask for upfront payments. Never send money to claim a prize. 

 

Overpayment Scams 

What: Scammers overpay and ask for the difference back. 
How: Fake checks are used to manipulate victims into sending real money. 
Quick Tip: Never refund money from overpayments unless you're 100% sure the payment was legitimate. 

 

Phishing/Smishing Scams 

What: Emails or texts pretending to be from trusted sources. 
How: They prompt you to click links or provide sensitive information. 
Quick Tip: Hover over links before clicking and never confirm personal details through unsolicited messages. 

 

Tax Scams 

What: Fraudsters claim to be the IRS and demand payment. 
How: Victims receive threatening calls or fake letters. 
Quick Tip: The IRS will never demand payment over the phone. Verify through irs.gov. 

 

Extortion Scams 

What: Scammers claim to have embarrassing information and demand payment to keep it private. 
How: Threats are sent via email or letter — often vague but alarming. 
Quick Tip: Don’t engage. Report the threat to local authorities. 

 

Romance Scams 

What: Scammers build online relationships to steal money. 
How: Victims are asked for financial help once trust is established. 
Quick Tip: Be wary of anyone asking for money, especially if you’ve never met in person. Talk to a trusted friend or family member before sending funds. 

 

Peer-to-Peer (P2P) Payment Scams 

What: Fake sellers use apps like Zelle®, Venmo®, and Cash App to collect payment. 
How: Victims pay for goods that never arrive. 
Quick Tip: Never send money to someone you don’t know. Avoid off-platform transactions, especially for high-value items. 

 

Want more fraud protection tips? 
Explore the full Protecting Yourself from Fraud flipbook for more details.  

 

 

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