Scam Alerts
Scammers target people under money stress. Learn the red flags, check a suspicious offer, and know what to do if it already happened.
Hard times bring out the best in people — and the worst in scammers. Fake jobs, fake grants, fake debt relief and fake “government agents” are common when money is tight.
Here’s the simple rule: anyone who pressures you to pay fast, in an unusual way, or keep it secret is almost certainly a scammer.
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Scams that target people in hard times
Fake job offers
Hired without an interview, asked to buy equipment, or sent a check to deposit and send back. Real employers don’t make you pay to work.
Government impostors
Calls or texts “from” the IRS, Social Security or Medicare threatening arrest or demanding payment. Agencies don’t threaten you or demand gift cards.
Free grant scams
“You qualify for a government grant — just pay a processing fee.” Real grants don’t charge fees and rarely go to individuals out of the blue.
Debt relief & credit repair
Upfront fees and promises to erase debt or remove accurate negative info. Debt relief companies generally can’t charge until they actually settle a debt.
Utility shutoff threats
Callers say your power will be cut in an hour unless you pay by prepaid card. Hang up and call the number on your real bill.
Rental listing scams
A great apartment at a low price, but you can’t see it and must wire a deposit. Never pay before you’ve seen it and verified the owner.
Package & toll texts
Texts about a missed delivery or unpaid toll with a link. Don’t click — go to the official site or app yourself.
Romance & “investment” scams
An online friend who can’t meet but has a great crypto or trading opportunity. Anyone you haven’t met asking for money is a red flag.
Loan fee scams
Guaranteed loans “regardless of credit” that require a fee first. Legit lenders don’t guarantee approval or ask for gift cards.
Red flags — if you see one, stop
- They want payment by gift card, wire transfer, crypto, a payment app or cash by courier.
- They say it’s urgent: act now or you’ll be arrested, lose your benefits or miss out.
- They tell you to keep it secret — even from family or your bank.
- They contacted you first, out of the blue, by phone, text, email or social media.
- They ask for your Social Security number, bank login or a one-time verification code.
- The offer requires you to pay money to receive money.
- They send you a check and ask you to send part of it back.