To spot a fraud scam, look for common warning signs such as unexpected contact, requests for upfront payments, pressure to act quickly, and demands for personal or financial information.

Key Scam Warning Signs

• Unsolicited Contact: Scammers often reach out unexpectedly by phone, email, message, or even in person, pretending to represent a business, government agency, or someone familiar.
• Bait Offers: Promises of money, prizes, debt relief, or easy earnings that require no effort or are too good to be true should always be viewed with skepticism.
• Pressure and Urgency: Fraudsters may create a sense of emergency or insist that action must be taken immediately to pressure individuals into making decisions without proper verification.
• Upfront Fees: Requests to pay before receiving a prize, job, or service—especially through wire transfers, gift cards, or cryptocurrency—are almost always scams.
• Requests for Sensitive Info: Any demand for Social Security numbers, banking information, logins, or passwords should be a major red flag.
• Payment Methods: Scams routinely require payment by untraceable methods, including gift cards, wire transfers, or prepaid debit cards.
• Fake Documents: Counterfeit checks, invoices, or offers with dubious company names, mismatched fonts, or suspicious addresses often signal fraud, especially if overpayments or unusual requests are involved.

How to Protect Yourself

• Slow Down: Take time to verify any unsolicited offers or urgent requests for money.
• Hang Up or Delete: If anything seems suspicious, end the conversation and avoid further contact.
• Research the Source: Use official channels to research the individual or company contacting you, and look for reviews or scam reports online.
• Consult Others: Ask friends, family, or trusted professionals for their opinion if something feels off.

Recognizing these red flags and following careful practices can greatly reduce the risk of falling victim to scams and fraud.

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