8 Common Scams to Avoid
Learn how to discern a scam–and avoid it!
It’s easy to fall prey to scams if you’re unfamiliar with tricks the bad guys use. But when you know what to watch out for, you can just shrug off their lame attempts to steal your confidential information—like bank account numbers, Social Security numbers, credit card numbers, and passwords.
Here are 8 scams to watch out for that might come as a phone call, fax, or e-mail:
- A request for confidential information to supposedly help someone get government stimulus money.
- A request for information from someone who claims to be from a government agency such as the Social Security Administration, the IRS, or the FDIC.
- A “guaranteed” loan or debt settlement for someone with poor credit.
- An employment offer to work from home or do “mystery shopping.”
- An urgent need to “update,” “confirm,” or “resubmit” your personal information.
- A requirement to send money or provide your bank account number before you ever receive anything.
- A request to deposit money into your account and then have you wire any amount of that money back, perhaps to someone in another country.
- A bogus “discount program” that claims to reduce the cost of medical expenses for doctor’s office visits, hospitalizations, dental services, or prescription drugs.
Institutions like the government, your bank, or your credit card company would never contact you and ask for your personal information. Simply assume that any unsolicited, out-of-the-blue request is fraudulent and ignore it. Never, ever give up your personal information to anyone who you don’t know personally or trust 100%!
For more information check out the full episodes I’ve done to protect you from identity thieves, job scammers, and investing scams.
Image courtesy of Shutterstock
About the Author
Laura Adams received an MBA from the University of Florida. She’s an award-winning personal finance author, speaker, and consumer advocate who is a frequent, trusted source for the national media. Money-Smart Solopreneur: A Personal Finance System for Freelancers, Entrepreneurs, and Side-Hustlers is her newest title. Laura’s previous book, Debt-Free Blueprint: How to Get Out of Debt and Build a Financial Life You Love, was an Amazon #1 New Release. Do you have a money question? Call the Money Girl listener line at 302-364-0308. Your question could be featured on the show.
