Scams generally fall into four broad categories:
1. Impostor scams – Someone pretends to be a trusted person or organization (for example, a well-known company, a government agency, or a family member or friend).
2. Fraudulent goods and services – You’re asked to pay for a product or service that is never delivered, is never paid for, or turns out to be fake or defective.
3. Too good to be true opportunities – You’re drawn in by the promise of something desirable, such as a prize, a special investment, or a job offer.
4. Threat-based scams – You’re pressured to pay money because of a threat, such as arrest, legal trouble, or the release of private or intimate photos.
There are a few simple habits that act like antidotes to most scams:
1. Before any financial transaction, pause and verify—there is rarely a true emergency.
2. Build trust using solid, independent information; when in doubt, stick to well-known, mainstream channels.
3. Be wary of “quick wins” or easy money—if it sounds too good to be true, it usually is.
4. Don’t let fear or shame stop you from getting help—you are not alone.
What kinds of scams have you or your loved ones run into, and how did you handle them?
