Feb 15, 2024 · When encountering a scammer online, the best method is to block, report, and move on. Let the law take charge of handing out consequences to scammers, and you can focus on stopping scammers in their tracks.

Dec 11, 2024 · To scare a scammer, you could waste their time with silly responses, pretend to be an automated messenger, or resend them the messages they sent you. Report all text scams to the Federal Trade Commission’s Report Fraud site, filter messages from unknown numbers, and avoid opting in on company sites.

Dec 30, 2024 · With scammers targeting our entire life savings with their schemes, we all need to be alert and know how to detect their latest tricks. Something as simple as talking about scams you know about is a great way to help you and your community stay protected. And being part of this solution doesn’t require training or a lot of time!

But recent scams are costing people their life savings, so here are some sure ways to spot the scammer. Scammers say and do things that can tell us they’re lying — and they’re not who they pretend to be.

Scammers gain your trust over time . Scammers build trust through friendship, romance, or an offer to help achieve financial goals, typically over a period of weeks or months – known as a “long con.” They may suggest meeting in person but then come up with excuses so it never happens. In romance scams, they’ll often pledge their love ...

5 days ago · Scammers may promise a massive return for a small investment and disappear when it's time to pay up. Do not ever give strangers money online. Do not ever give strangers money online. 7.

Jul 6, 2023 · Instead of a prize, you could find unauthorized charges on your credit card or worse: Sixty percent of scam texts are designed to transmit “malware,” says Michael Bruemmer, head of global data...

Learn about some of the most common frauds and scams that the FBI encounters—as well as tips to help you stay safe and what to do if you're a victim. If you or someone you know has been a...

From phony text messages to suspicious social media accounts, learn how to identify a scammer's handiwork⁠—no matter the form it takes. Read our tips for spotting scams, so you'll never...

Recognizing these common signs of a scam could help you avoid one. The FTC will never threaten you, say you must transfer your money to “protect it,” or tell you to withdraw cash or buy gold and give it to someone. That’s a scam. Report it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. 1. Scammers PRETEND to be from an organization you know.