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Recognize a Scam

Keep these indicators of a scam in mind. They could save you from becoming a victim.

These seem simple when you're reading them now, but the key is to think about them during your interactions.  When you are caught up in a moment of panic or excitement, you can easily become reactive instead of protective.  Slow down and consider these points.

Pressure to Act Quickly

Solve a Problem or Claim a Prize

Posing as Someone you Trust

They will pressure you to make a fast decision so you don't have time to think, allowing them to control the situation and trick you into making a mistake.

Posing as Someone you Trust

Solve a Problem or Claim a Prize

Posing as Someone you Trust

They will pose as a familiar company, a law enforcement agency, a government agency, or even a friend or relative.  Do not take their word for it.

Solve a Problem or Claim a Prize

Solve a Problem or Claim a Prize

Solve a Problem or Claim a Prize

They will have an important problem to solve, an enticing opportunity or a prize to claim that requires some action on your part.

Requesting Personal Information

Requesting Personal Information

Solve a Problem or Claim a Prize

Reputable businesses will not call or message you and request financial information, passwords or other such information.

Offers and Opportunities

Requesting Personal Information

Offers and Opportunities

Offers of big discounts, incredible job opportunities, easy money, or anything that makes you think "Wow, that's amazing!".

Threats and Hostility

Requesting Personal Information

Offers and Opportunities

They may use threats of financial penalties, legal action or computer problems to create urgency and try to cause you to panic and make a mistake..

Positive or Negative Pressure

Odd Payments or Fund Transfers

Odd Payments or Fund Transfers

They may use positive or negative pressure, but they can be very convincing.  Threats of repercussions or promises of rewards.

Odd Payments or Fund Transfers

Odd Payments or Fund Transfers

Odd Payments or Fund Transfers

Use of unconventional payment methods, such as gift cards, cryptocurrency, cash transactions and bank drafts are common with scams.

Requesting Access to Devices

Odd Payments or Fund Transfers

Requesting Access to Devices

Scammers will often request access to a computer or other device to "help" with something, but they are up to no-good.

Awareness is Empowering!

Learn More about Scams

A New Era of Scamming Tools

Artificial Intelligence has given scammers new set of tools, but their tactics remain the same.

Scammers use AI to create convincing fake identities, crafting emails or messages that look eerily legit, like they're from your bank or a long-lost Nigerian prince who's suddenly very interested in your wellbeing.  Then, there's voice cloning, where AI mimics someone's voice to trick you into thinking your friend or family member is calling for help. Plus, AI can analyze how you type or what you click on to tailor scams just for you, making them super hard to resist. It's like having a scam tailored by your own personal, evil fairy godmother. So, be wary, stay sharp, and remember, if an offer seems too good (or too personal), it's probably AI helping a scammer try to trick you.

Don't let aggressive scammers manipulate you.

Be prepared for foul language, threats and vile behaviour.  Scammers will often lash out in anger when they feel like they might have lost you as a victim.  The best way to deal with it is to simply hang up the phone or delete the message and forget about it.  Don't let them manipulate you .  Think of their aggression as confirmation that you were correct in believing that you were being scammed.

Protect Yourself
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