How to Spot a Scam: 9 Red Flags to Watch Out For

“It just seemed too good to be true.” How many times have you heard someone say that after falling for a scam? The truth is, scams are everywhere these days. They come in all shapes and sizes, and they can target anyone, regardless of age, income, or education level.

But there are some common red flags that can help you spot a scam before you become a victim. Here are nine things to watch out for:

Unsolicited contact. If you receive a phone call, email, or text message from someone you don’t know, and they’re offering you something that sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
High-pressure sales tactics. Scammers often use high-pressure sales tactics to get you to make a decision before you have time to think it over. They may tell you that you need to act now or you’ll miss out on a great opportunity.
Requests for personal information. Scammers often ask for personal information, such as your social security number, bank account number, or credit card number. Never give out this information to someone you don’t know.
Promises of easy money. If someone is promising you easy money, it’s probably a scam. There’s no such thing as easy money.
Investments that are too good to be true. If someone is offering you an investment that promises high returns with little risk, it’s probably a scam. All investments carry some risk, and there’s no such thing as a guaranteed return.
Phishing emails. Phishing emails are designed to look like they’re from a legitimate company, but they’re actually fake. They often contain links to websites that will steal your personal information.
Lottery scams. Lottery scams are a common way for scammers to trick people out of their money. They may send you a letter or email saying that you’ve won a lottery, but you need to pay a fee to claim your prize.
Charity scams. Charity scams are a way for scammers to take advantage of people’s generosity. They may call or email you pretending to be from a charity, and they’ll ask for donations.
Romance scams. Romance scams are a way for scammers to trick people into falling in love with them. They may create fake online profiles and pretend to be someone they’re not. Once they’ve gained your trust, they’ll start asking for money.

If you see any of these red flags, it’s important to be cautious. Don’t give out any personal information, and don’t send any money.
Report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission or the Better Business Bureau.

By being aware of the common red flags of scams, you can help protect yourself from becoming a victim. Remember, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.