A haunted house during the spooky season might make you feel uneasy, and fraud attempts can create a similar feeling! Whether it's a suspicious email, an unexpected text message, or a questionable phone call, recognizing warning signs of scams can help you navigate and avoid them.
Beware of These Frightening Warning Signs
👻 Ghosts in Your Inbox
- Phishing emails and texts
According to the Federal Trade Commission, phishing emails and texts may tell a story in order to trick you into clicking on a link or opening an attachment. Be cautious!
- Spoofed company communications
Sometimes phishing messages may look like they are from a company you know. They might even use the company’s logo! So how can you tell if it's a scam?
Watch out for:
- A generic greeting
- The message says that your account is on hold due to a billing issue
- The message asks you to click on a link to update payment details
🍬 No Treats, Only Tricks
- Malicious QR codes
QR codes seem to be everywhere these days, from advertisements to restaurant menus. Scammers use how common they are to their advantage. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau says to not click on links or scan QR codes from messages you don’t know or trust. Fake QR codes can take you to scammers’ websites or even give them access to your device.
- Fake giveaways
The FTC says there are 3 signs in particular to watch out for with giveaway scams: if you have to pay for the prize, if you have to pay to increase your odds, or if you have to give financial or personal information.
A true prize should be free and winning is by chance. There is no reason for bank account details, credit card numbers, or a Social Security number to be needed to claim a prize.
🕷️ Haunted Shopping Deals
- Payment method warning signs
The FTC says never buy anything from sellers asking for payment with gift cards or with cryptocurrency. Scammers tend to ask you to pay in a way that makes it hard for you to get your money back.
🕸️ The Web of Deception
- Emotional manipulation
According to the CFPB, artificial intelligence (AI) is making it easier for scammers to produce content that makes it seem like someone you know needs help. This could be done using voice cloning or altering images. This can be distressing and then cause you to act before thinking.
- Urgency tactics
Scammers may try to get you to act urgently before you've had time to think thoroughly about what is happening.
Your Fraud Prevention Tool Kit
- Stay alert to fraud and scams. Be cautious with unexpected or urgent messages.
- Safeguard personal information. Use strong, unique passwords and enable multi-factor authentication.
Keep the Scares Fun This Halloween
As you enjoy the costumes, candy, and festivities, remember that scammers are always looking for opportunities to catch people off guard. So, this Halloween, don't let fraudsters become part of your celebration! Stay alert and keep your holiday from turning into a horror story.