In an increasingly digital and complex financial world, frauds and scams have proliferated. Even the most savvy individual can be targeted by elaborate schemes to steal money or personal information. Financial literacy must therefore include awareness of common fraud tactics, red flags to watch for, and steps to protect oneself and one’s accounts. This chapter covers types of scams, warning signs, and how to vet financial institutions or offers to avoid fraud. Common Types of Scams: Scammers continuously innovate, but many schemes fall into these broad categories:
These involve fraudulent communications (emails, texts, calls) that impersonate legitimate institutions (banks, government agencies, popular companies) to trick you into providing sensitive information (login credentials, Social Security number) or clicking malicious links. For example, you might get an email that looks like it’s from your bank asking you to “verify your account” by entering your password on a site (which is actually a fake site capturing your data). Or a text says “Your delivery failed, click here to reschedule” leading to a fake site that asks for a credit card.
Someone pretends to be someone you trust or an authority. This includes IRS/government agent scams (claiming you owe taxes or have legal issues and must pay immediately), tech support scams (caller says they are Microsoft/Apple and need access to your computer to fix a virus), or family emergency scams (someone pretends a relative is in trouble and asks for money). The scammers often create a sense of urgency and fear to override your caution
These promise high returns or “guaranteed” profits to lure you into bogus investments. Examples are Ponzi schemes (paying returns to earlier investors with money from new investors, collapsing eventually), pump-and-dump stock schemes (hyping a penny stock then selling out), or cryptocurrency frauds (taking advantage of the crypto hype with fake coins or exchanges). A common theme is “too good to be true” offers – any claim of huge, safe returns is a red flag. Also prevalent are fraudulent “brokers” who contact you unsolicited with a hot tip or opportunity.
Target individuals on dating sites or social media, building a fake relationship and then eventually requesting money (for an emergency, travel to meet you, etc.). These play on emotions and trust.
If you’re buying goods online, scammers may create fake e-commerce sites or postings, take your payment and never deliver. If you’re selling, scammers might send a counterfeit payment (like a bogus PayPal email) or overpay with a fake check and ask you to refund the difference.
Rather than a single con, this is when someone steals your personal information to impersonate you or open accounts in your name. This can happen via data breaches or directly stealing documents. Good personal security practices (shredding sensitive papers, using strong passwords, freezing credit when not needed, etc.) help mitigate this.
This includes any unauthorized access to your bank or credit accounts. For example, card skimming devices at ATMs, or database hacks that leak card numbers, which criminals then use to make fraudulent charges. Monitoring statements and setting up fraud alerts can catch this early.
You are contacted out of the blue by someone offering something or asking for something. If you didn’t initiate the conversation, be cautious. Legitimate institutions do reach out sometimes, but if it’s unexpected, independently verify their identity (e.g., hang up and call the bank’s official number).
The person pushes you to act fast – “limited time offer,” “you must pay now or be arrested,” “immediate action required”. This is a tactic to prevent you from thinking it through or consulting others.
They ask you not to tell anyone or to keep it secret. For example, “don’t tell the bank teller this is for tech support” or “don’t inform family about this deal.” Real professionals don’t ask you to hide what you’re doing with your money from others.
If it promises extremely high returns, guaranteed profits, or winning a contest you never entered, it’s likely a scam. All investments carry risk, and no one can guarantee huge returns, certainly not without risk.
Be wary if someone asks for your passwords, PINs, one-time verification codes, or full SSN out of context – banks and government will never ask for your password over the phone, for instance. Also, scammers often ask for payment in unusual forms: wire transfers, gift cards, prepaid cards, or cryptocurrency. If someone insists you pay by buying gift cards and giving them the codes, or by wiring money (which is hard to trace/undo), it’s almost surely a scam. As FINRA warns, also be suspicious if asked to hand money to individuals or use non-standard platforms for investments
An email might have odd sender addresses (not matching the company’s domain) or links that, when hovered, show a different URL than the official site. If a “bank” emails you, instead of clicking links, go directly to the bank’s website or app to check messages. Similarly, phone numbers can be spoofed; don’t rely on caller ID. If a caller says they’re from X bank, it’s okay to say you will call back using the number on your card.
Many scam emails or texts have spelling and grammar mistakes or slightly off logos – a clue that it’s not official. However, some are extremely sophisticated, so not seeing errors doesn’t guarantee legitimacy.
Never grant remote control of your computer to unsolicited tech support, and never give a login 2-factor authentication code to someone who contacts you. For instance, if you get a text with a code and then a call from “the bank” asking for that code – it’s a scam (they likely are trying to log in as you and trigger a code, hoping you’ll divulge it)
Reputable financial professionals are registered with regulatory bodies. Unlicensed sellers or unregistered investment products are major red flags. If someone is offering an investment, ask which regulatory body oversees it; if they dodge, walk away.
Insurance: For banks or credit unions, ensure they are insured by the financil regulatory body in your country. Typically, legitimate banks clearly advertise this. You can also check on the regulator’s site. If a “bank” or app is offering abnormally high interest on deposits, confirm it’s not a fly-by-night operation or a Ponzi scheme. There are reputable online banks with high rates, but always verify the charter and insurance.
Reviews and Reputation
Do a web search for the company or person + “scam” or “complaint.” Sometimes, others have reported issues. But be careful: scammers also post fake positive reviews, so use trusted sources. The Better Business Bureau or consumer protection agencies might have records. For new fintech apps, see if they have credible press coverage or backing by known institutions.
Legitimate organizations will have official emails (e.g., @citi.com) and published phone numbers. If someone calls you, you can say you’ll call back on the official number. If it’s legit, they will not object. Scammers will often try to keep you from hanging up.
If donating or funding a cause, especially if solicited by phone or at your door, verify the organization’s legitimacy. Ask for literature, look up the charity on sites like GuideStar or Charity Navigator (in the U.S.), or donate through official websites. Scammers exploit generosity, especially after disasters, by creating fake charities. Also, real charities will provide receipts; scammers may evade that.
Shred or securely dispose of documents with personal data. Dumpster diving is still a thing. Be cautious on social media – scammers gather info from overshared details (like your pet’s name or mother’s maiden name, which often are security question answers). Use strong, unique passwords and enable 2-factor authentication on financial accounts. That way even if one password is stolen, others aren’t compromised. Consider a password manager to help.
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