Understand how scams work
Online scams often rely on trust, fear, excitement or urgency. Someone may pretend to be a relative, employer, delivery service, bank, government office or online seller. Their aim is to make you act before you have time to check the story.
Be careful with unrealistic offers
Treat guaranteed profits, unexpected prizes, unusually cheap products and promises of easy income with caution. Real opportunities involve conditions and risks. A professional-looking website or positive testimonial does not prove that an offer is genuine.
Check jobs and shopping offers
Research a business independently before paying or sharing documents. Check its official website, contact details, return policies and independent reputation. Be cautious when a supposed employer asks for advance fees, unnecessary personal documents or payment to secure a job.
Recognize suspicious payment requests
Unexpected demands for gift cards, cryptocurrency, money transfers or advance fees deserve particular caution. Be careful when someone changes payment instructions at the last moment or asks you to keep a transaction secret.
Pause and verify
Do not let someone rush you into a financial decision. Contact the person or organization using details you find independently. Ask someone you trust to review an unusual request. If you have lost money or shared financial details, contact your bank or payment provider as soon as possible.