Stay Safe from Scammers: Essential Tips to Avoid Fraud

Scammers are becoming more sophisticated, using a wide range of tactics to trick and exploit people. It’s important to stay informed and take proactive steps to protect yourself and our community from fraud.

Phishing Scams: Be cautious of suspicious emails or texts claiming to be from banks, credit card companies, or well-known organizations. These messages often ask for personal or financial information. Never click on links or respond to requests from unfamiliar sources. Always verify the sender by checking the email address or phone number, and look for misspellings or unusual formatting. Remember—legitimate companies will never ask for sensitive information over email or text.

Phone Scams: Be alert to unsolicited calls from people claiming to represent government agencies, tech support, or charities. They may try to pressure you into giving out personal details or making payments. Hang up immediately if something feels off, and never share sensitive information over the phone. To reduce unwanted calls, consider registering your number with the National Do Not Call Registry.

Online Scams: Research before making purchases, especially on unfamiliar websites or when faced with deals that seem too good to be true. Look for verified reviews, ratings, and a real business address. Use secure payment platforms like PayPal or credit cards, which provide some protection. Avoid entering personal details when connected to public Wi-Fi, as these networks are often insecure.

Investment Scams: Be cautious of offers that promise guaranteed or unusually high returns. Always research companies by checking licenses, registrations, and reviews. Confirm physical addresses and contact details. To minimize risk, diversify your investments instead of relying on one source.

Protect Yourself: Monitor your bank and credit card accounts regularly to spot suspicious activity. Use strong, unique passwords for each account, and avoid reusing the same one across multiple sites. Stay updated on the latest scams through trusted sources such as the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) or local authorities.

By being aware of common scams and taking steps to protect yourself, you can greatly reduce the risk of becoming a victim. If something feels “too good to be true,” it probably is. Stay vigilant, and help create a safer community. If you believe you’ve been targeted, report the scam to the FTC and your local authorities right away.