Authority figures
Scammers can pose as authority figures, like government agencies or your financial institution, in hopes that you’ll trust them and follow their directions. Always do your research and make sure someone is legitimate before sending money.
Urgency
An urgent request that pressures you to send money to someone quickly is a red flag of a scam. Take a moment to evaluate the request, do your research, or discuss the situation with a friend or family member.
Upfront payments
Have you ever been told to pay for something before you’ve seen or received the product or service? Having to make up-front payments is a red flag. Always do more research before handing over your money to someone else.
Too good to be true
Surprisingly good online offers like low prices and high-wage jobs with few required skills are often red flags for digital payment scams. If it sounds too good to be true, it might be a scam.
According to BBB research, knowing about scams and scammer tactics can help you keep your money and/or personal information safe if you’re targeted. Below are four red flags that can help you spot a con.
RED FLAG #1
Too-good-to-be-true offers
Scammers make offers that are hard to refuse, such as low prices and high-wage jobs with few required skills. But if an offer seems too good to be true, it might be a scam.
RED FLAG #2
You're pressured to act quickly
Scammers pressure you to respond quickly so you don’t have second thoughts or take time to discuss the situation with your friends or family. If you’re feeling pressured to act quickly, it might be a scam.
RED FLAG #3
An authority figure reaches out unsolicited
Impersonation is one of the most common tactics scammers use to perpetrate scams. These bad actors will pretend to be well-known authority figures or organizations (such as a representative from your bank or someone from your utility company) to get you to send a payment or reveal sensitive information. If somebody reaches out unsolicited claiming to be an authority figure, do your research and make sure they’re legitimate. It might be a scam.
RED FLAG #4
Up-front payments
Scammers may ask you to make up-front payments for things you shouldn’t need to pay for or before you’ve seen or received the product or service. This can include fees for government grants or training/equipment for a new job. If you are asked to make an up-front payment, stop and do more research about the demand. It might be a scam.
Learn how to protect yourself from scams
BBB resources
General tips:
10 general scam tips
How to spot a scam
Too good to be true:
How to spot a job scam – no matter how sophisticated
Investment scams
Up-front payments:
Puppy scams: How to protect yourself from fake online pet sellers
Rental cons cash in on stressed-out movers
An authority figure reaches out unsolicited:
Ignore phony banking texts and phone calls
Tech support scams
You are pressured to act quickly:
Home improvement scammers take your money, don’t complete work
Romance scams
