Avoid These Common Scams and Stay Safe Online
In today’s digital world, scammers are constantly finding new ways to trick consumers into sharing personal information or sending money. From fake payment requests and tech support hoaxes to impersonation and online marketplace fraud, knowing what to look for can make all the difference. This guide covers the most common scams to avoid—how they work, warning signs to watch for, and what to do if you suspect a scam. Stay informed, stay cautious, and protect your finances from fraud.
Payment Scams
Be cautious if someone pressures you to make a purchase with a promise of reimbursement, offers to handle a payment on your behalf, or gives you bank details to complete a payment. If an offer sounds unrealistic, it likely is. Using an unfamiliar payment method can leave you personally responsible for any losses.
Tech Support Scams
Fraudsters may call or message claiming your computer is infected and demand payment to “repair” it or request remote access to your device.
Employment Scams
Verify all job offers, especially if they’re entirely online or remote. Red flags include claims of overpaying you, promising to refund equipment costs, or instructing you to ship equipment to an IT department. These items may never be returned and any reimbursements may be fraudulent, leaving you liable. Never give personal data to unverified sources.
Impersonation Scams
Scammers pretend to be trusted companies (like banks, credit card issuers, or utilities) and ask for personal details or payments to “fix” your account. They may spoof caller ID to look legitimate or request remote access to your device. For example, a fake utility caller might threaten disconnection unless you pay immediately.
Fake Rental Listings
A real property for sale may be falsely listed as a rental on a bogus website. You send a deposit thinking you’re dealing with the owner, but the money goes to a scammer.
QR Code Scams
Stick to your phone’s built-in camera app when scanning QR codes. Third-party scanning apps or ads within them can direct you to fraudulent sites designed to harvest your information.
Fake Websites
Scammers set up professional-looking sites and even list plausible phone numbers. When you call, they try to collect your login credentials or other sensitive data.
Overpayment Scams
A buyer “accidentally” overpays you with a fake check, then asks you to send back the difference via wire or gift card. Once the check bounces, you’re out the money.
Check-Cashing Requests
Someone outside a bank branch asks you to cash a check for them because they “forgot their ID” or “don’t have an account.” If the check is bad, your account takes the hit.
Romance Scams
If an online-only partner starts requesting financial help, it’s likely a scam designed to exploit your trust.
Charity Scams
Be wary of donation requests from organizations you’ve never heard of and can’t verify with an official website.
Debt-Relief Scams
You may be asked to pay upfront to establish a “service” to eliminate or settle your debt. These offers are often illegitimate.
FTC/IRS Scams
Fraudsters pretend to be tax officials, contacting you by phone, email, or text about “back taxes” or “problems” with your return. They spoof caller ID to look official and prey on your fears.
Investment Scams
Watch out for offers promising huge returns or a “guaranteed” way to get rich quickly.
Lottery Scams
A supposed prize notification arrives—but you’re told you must pay fees or taxes before collecting. Legitimate lotteries never require advance payment.
“Grandparent” Scams
You receive a panicked message from someone claiming to be a relative needing emergency funds, complete with instructions on how to send the money.
Puppy Scams
Fraudsters post fake ads for pets or impersonate real breeders to collect deposits without ever delivering an animal.
Online Marketplace Scams
Research sellers and products independently before buying on social media or online marketplaces. Be wary of expensive items at “too-good-to-be-true” prices, buyers who “overpay,” or anyone asking for personal details or directing you to suspicious URLs.
Mortgage Closing Fraud
Scammers send emails or texts mimicking your real estate agent’s contact details to announce “last-minute” changes to wiring instructions for your closing costs—diverting your money to their account.
Business Email Compromise
Fraudsters gain access to a vendor or supplier’s network and send you seemingly genuine instructions to send payments to a new account. Always verify through a trusted channel before acting.
Compromised Card Scam
You may get a call from someone pretending to be your bank, claiming your card is compromised. They might even offer to send someone to your home to “secure” your card. Once they have it, they can drain your account.
Stay Vigilant
Have you spotted a scam? Are you worried you might have fallen victim to a scam? No worries, we have you covered.
Follow these steps!
- Contact us at (513) 932-3221
- Report the incident to our customer service team
- Report the scam to the BBB Scam Tracker, FTC Report Fraud Site, and you might want to report the scam to the FBI as well.
If something feels off – pause. Don’t give out sensitive information or make payments until you’re sure it’s legitimate.