17 Common Scams You Need to Avoid

Scammers are always coming up with new ways to trick people out of their hard-earned money. It’s important to stay informed about the latest scams so you don’t fall victim to them. In this article, we’ll go over 17 common scams that you need to watch out for. By knowing what to look for, you can protect yourself and your finances from these sneaky schemes.

Phishing Emails

Phishing emails are designed to look like they’re from a legitimate company or organization, but they’re actually from scammers trying to steal your personal information. They might ask you to click on a link or download an attachment that installs malware on your computer. If you get an email that seems suspicious, don’t click on anything and delete it right away.

Fake Online Shopping Deals

We all love a good deal, but sometimes online shopping deals are too good to be true. Scammers will create fake websites that look like legitimate retailers and offer products at unbelievably low prices. When you try to make a purchase, they’ll take your money and run. Stick to well-known, reputable retailers and be wary of deals that seem too good to pass up.

Romance Scams

Romance scams prey on people looking for love online. Scammers will create fake profiles on dating sites and social media, often using stolen photos and made-up stories to seem more appealing. They’ll spend weeks or even months building a relationship with their victim before asking for money, usually for an emergency or to come visit. If someone you’ve never met in person starts asking for money, it’s probably a scam.

IRS Impersonation Scams

Scammers will call or email people pretending to be from the IRS, claiming that they owe back taxes and need to pay up immediately or face serious consequences. They might even threaten arrest or legal action if you don’t comply. The real IRS will never call you out of the blue demanding payment, so if you get one of these calls, just hang up.

Fake Charity Scams

After a natural disaster or tragic event, scammers will often set up fake charities to try to take advantage of people’s generosity. They’ll create websites and social media accounts that look legitimate, but the money donated never actually goes to the cause. Before donating to a charity, do your research to make sure it’s legitimate and your money will actually be used to help those in need.

Tech Support Scams

Tech support scams involve scammers calling or emailing people claiming to be from a well-known tech company like Microsoft or Apple. They’ll say there’s a problem with your computer and offer to fix it remotely if you give them access. Once they have access, they can steal your personal information or install malware on your computer. Legitimate tech companies will never call you out of the blue offering unsolicited support.

Grandparent Scams

Grandparent scams target elderly people by having someone call pretending to be their grandchild in trouble. They might say they’ve been arrested, hospitalized, or stranded somewhere and need money right away. The scammer will often beg the grandparent not to tell their parents and to send money immediately. If you get a call like this, hang up and contact your grandchild or their parents directly to verify the story.

Lottery and Sweepstakes Scams

Lottery and sweepstakes scams involve scammers contacting people claiming they’ve won a prize, but need to pay fees or taxes upfront to claim it. They might send a check that looks real, but it will eventually bounce after the victim has already sent money. Remember, if you have to pay money to claim a prize, it’s not a legitimate win.

Employment Scams

Employment scams often target people who are out of work and looking for a job. Scammers will post fake job listings online or contact people directly with an offer that seems too good to be true. They might ask for personal information or for the victim to pay for training or supplies upfront. If a job offer seems suspicious or requires you to pay money before starting work, it’s likely a scam.

Debt Relief Scams

Debt relief scams prey on people who are struggling with debt by offering to negotiate with creditors or settle debts for a fraction of what’s owed. They often charge high upfront fees and then fail to deliver on their promises. In some cases, they might even take your money and disappear. If you’re struggling with debt, contact a reputable credit counseling agency for help instead.

Pyramid Schemes

Pyramid schemes promise easy money by recruiting other people to join the scheme. They often require participants to pay a fee to join and then earn commissions by recruiting others. The problem is that the money runs out quickly and most people end up losing their investment. If a money-making opportunity seems too good to be true, it probably is.

Fake Check Scams

Fake check scams involve someone sending you a check and asking you to deposit it and then wire a portion of the money back to them or to someone else. The check will eventually bounce, leaving you on the hook for the money you sent. If someone sends you a check and asks you to send money back, it’s almost always a scam.

Phony Job Interviews

Phony job interviews are similar to employment scams, but take it a step further by actually conducting an interview with the victim. The scammer might pose as a recruiter or HR representative and conduct the interview over the phone or online. They’ll often ask for personal information or for the victim to complete tasks that are actually just a way to get free work out of them. If a job interview seems suspicious or unprofessional, trust your gut and walk away.

Social Security Scams

Social Security scams involve scammers calling people and claiming to be from the Social Security Administration. They might say there’s a problem with your account or that your Social Security number has been suspended. They’ll often ask for personal information or payment to resolve the issue. The real Social Security Administration will never call you unexpectedly and ask for payment or personal information over the phone.

Gift Card Scams

Gift card scams usually involve someone claiming to be from a government agency, utility company, or other legitimate organization and demanding payment in the form of gift cards. They might say you owe money or that your service will be shut off if you don’t comply. Legitimate companies and agencies will never demand payment in gift cards, so if someone asks for this, it’s definitely a scam.

Home Improvement Scams

Home improvement scams often target elderly or vulnerable homeowners. Scammers will show up at their door offering to do repairs or renovations for a low price. They might ask for payment upfront and then do shoddy work or disappear altogether. If someone shows up at your door unsolicited offering home improvement services, be very cautious and do your research before agreeing to anything.

Advance Fee Loans

Advance fee loan scams promise people loans regardless of their credit history, but require an upfront fee to process the application. After the fee is paid, the victim never receives the loan and the scammer disappears with their money. Legitimate lenders will never ask for an upfront fee before approving a loan, so if someone demands this, it’s a red flag that it’s a scam.

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