Classic Warning Signs of Possible Fraud or Scams

As a non-profit credit counseling agency, we often hear from people who have been scammed by unscrupulous entities seeking to make quick money. Below we have listed some common warning signs of fraud or of a scam to help others avoid the same negative impact to their finances. These tips are brought to us by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. 

• Calling or emailing you, claiming to be from the government and asking you to pay money.
• Asking you to pay money or taxes upfront to receive a loan, prize or gift. 
• Asking you to wire them money, send money by courier, or put money on a prepaid card or gift card and send it to them. 
• Asking for access to your money - such as your ATM cards, bank accounts, credit cards, or investment accounts.
• Pressuring you to “act now” or else the deal will go away. Or someone who seems to be trying hard to give you a “great deal” without time to answer your questions. 

To report a possible scam contact the Federal Trade Commission, your local police or sheriff’s office or your state attorney general’s office. 

Published Feb 11, 2020.