4 minute read
How to spot a scam
Almost every scam has the same three parts: pressure to act right now, a request for money or a code in a way that cannot be undone (gift cards, crypto, wire transfer, Zelle, or a login code), and a reason to keep it secret. AI now writes scam messages with perfect spelling, so bad grammar no longer gives them away. If you see pressure plus payment plus secrecy, stop and check another way.
The three signs
- Pressure. “Your account will be closed today.” “Your grandson is in jail.” “Your computer is infected.” Real organizations give you time.
- A payment that cannot be undone. Gift cards, crypto, wire transfers, Zelle, or “move your money to a safe account”. No real bank, government office or tech company asks for these.
- Secrecy. “Don’t tell your bank, they are involved.” “Don’t tell your family.” Scammers isolate you because a second person spots the scam right away.
Old advice that no longer works
- “Look for spelling mistakes.” AI writes flawless scam emails and texts now.
- “Check for the lock icon.” Scam sites have the lock too. It only means the connection is encrypted, not that the site is honest.
- “Caller ID shows it’s my bank.” Caller ID is easy to fake.
What to do instead
- Hang up and call back using the number on your card, statement or the official website you type yourself.
- Never use a link or phone number from the message itself.
- Never read out a code that was texted to you. That code is the key to your account.
- Talk to someone before sending money. Scams fall apart when you say them out loud.
The most common scams right now
- Fake package delivery texts asking you to “update your address”.
- Toll road and parking fine texts with a payment link.
- “Wrong number” texts that turn into friendship, then a crypto investment.
- Tech support popups with a phone number to call.
- Job offers that pay for “simple tasks”, then ask you to deposit money.
Not sure about a link or message? Run it through the scam checker.