Scammers seem to never rest, targeting consumers through phone calls, emails, or suspicious websites in attempts to make easy money or steal identities.

Kansas State University family finance specialist Elizabeth Kiss advises that understanding common scam tactics can help consumers stay safe. She highlights that the Federal Trade Commission provides valuable information about fraud and identifies common scam indicators.

Consumers should be aware of these red flags:

• Familiar Organizations: Scammers often pose as representatives from well-known organizations, such as the Social Security Administration, the IRS, Medicare, utility companies, or charities. They may use technology to alter their caller ID to appear legitimate.
• Urgent Issues: Scammers may claim you owe money, that there’s an emergency involving a family member, or that your computer is infected with a virus. They might also inform you that you’ve won a prize and need to act quickly to claim it.
• Pressure to Act Immediately: Scammers create a sense of urgency to prevent you from thinking clearly. They want an immediate response, whether through a phone call or a computer message.
• Single Payment Method: If a scammer insists that you pay immediately and only through a specific method, such as cryptocurrency, wire transfer, or gift cards, this is a warning sign. Scammers often use these methods to avoid detection.

Kiss advises against making quick decisions. Instead, investigate any unexpected claims thoroughly. Avoid engaging with unsolicited communications by blocking unwanted numbers or filtering texts. Do not provide personal or financial information in response to unexpected requests.

If contacted by phone, hang up and verify the claim independently. For emails, take your time to research and confirm the legitimacy of the message. In addition, protect your personal information by securing your devices and regularly updating your software to ensure you have the latest security protections.