6 Common Scams to Look Out For

Have you, or someone close to you, ever been targeted by a scam? It is happening more than most people realize. The ingredients are usually the same: urgency, fear, confusion, and sometimes even hope. What has changed is how real these scams can look and sound with the addition of new technologies like AI. 

Scams are Getting Smarter
A phone number may appear familiar. A fake email or website may look polished. A voice or video may even seem believable. Deep stuff, and unfortunately, very real. 

The best first step is also one of the simplest. Pause. If someone is asking you to act immediately, move money, share personal information, click a link, buy gift cards, use cryptocurrency, or keep the conversation secret, that should get your attention as a red flag.

Scammers want speed. They want emotion. They want you to respond before you have time to think. So, slow it down. Talk to someone you trust. Call the company directly using a number you already know. Or call us. That one pause can make all the difference. 

And please remember, we will always call you for verbal confirmation of any transaction requests that come through email. This is intentional; it's part of how we help keep you safe. 

6 Types of Scams to Look Out For 

Imposter Scams
These scams work because they appear to come from someone trustworthy: a bank, government agency, delivery company, technology provider, or even a family member. If someone says there is a warrant, frozen account, suspicious purchase, or urgent legal issue, slow it down. Official agencies will not demand payment by wire, cryptocurrency, gift cards, or prepaid cards. Verify through a number you already know, not the one provided in the message, or contact us. 

Phishing Texts and Emails
Phishing messages are designed to look like normal account alerts. They may say your password expired, a payment failed, a package cannot be delivered, or your account is locked. The goal is to get you to click, open an attachment, or enter personal information. When in doubt, do not click. Go directly to the company’s website or app, or call using a number you already trust. 

Ransomware
Ransomware can lock you out of your computer, files, or network and demand payment to restore access. It may come through a suspicious link, attachment, pop-up, or download. Some ransom threats are fake and meant only to scare you. Do not click or pay. Disconnect from the internet if possible and contact a trusted technology professional. 

Employment, Relief, and Free Money Scams
These scams often show up as fake jobs, relief checks, grants, rebates, or assistance programs. They may ask for personal information, banking details, or an upfront fee. Be especially cautious if a job requires you to pay for training or equipment, deposit a check and send money elsewhere, or complete the entire process only by text. 

Recovery Scams
Unfortunately, people who have already been scammed may be contacted again by someone claiming they can recover the money. They may pose as law enforcement, an attorney, a government agency, or a consumer advocate. If they ask for an upfront fee, account access, secrecy, or more money, that is a major red flag. 

Romance, Friendship, and Investment Scams
These often begin with a relationship that comes on strong or the impersonation of someone you know. Over time, trust is built, and then comes a crisis - a health issue, a business opportunity, or an investment idea often involving cryptocurrency. Be cautious if someone you haven't met in person asks for money, wants to move the conversation elsewhere, discourages you from talking to family, or promises guaranteed returns.

Give Pause
The best protection is not living in fear of every message. It is building in a pause. Use multifactor authentication where possible, keep passwords unique, avoid public Wi-Fi for sensitive accounts, update devices regularly, and never feel embarrassed to ask a second person to review something that feels unusual. Scammers depend on speed and secrecy. Trusted conversations break that pattern. 

If you think you may be a victim of a scam, please do not hesitate to reach out to us. That is what we are here for. Especially if the situation involves urgency, money, information, or secrecy, pause and wait. Give us a call. We have seen a fair bit of this, and we want you to know you can come to us. No embarrassment, no judgment. Just a helpful conversation.

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