Scams to Watch Out For
Scams to Watch Out For
Embedded Files
Phone Scams
Phone Scams
What they look like
What they look like
Scammers call pretending to be the IRS, police, Amazon, banks, or even a family member in danger. They try to scare you into acting fast.
Red Flags
Red Flags
“You owe money right now.”
“Your account is locked.”
“Your family member is in trouble.”
Asking for gift cards or money transfers.
What to Do Instead
What to Do Instead
Hang up immediately — don’t engage
Call the real organization using the number on their official website
Block the number on your phone
Report it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov
Text Message Scams (Smishing)
Text Message Scams (Smishing)
What they look like
What they look like
Fake delivery updates, bank alerts, “click to verify,” or “your package is delayed.”
Red Flags
Red Flags
“Links from unknown numbers
Messages with spelling errors
“Click here to fix your account”
What to Do Instead
What to Do Instead
Do NOT click any links
Delete the message
Contact your bank or delivery service directly if you’re unsure
Forward scam texts to 7726 (SPAM)
Email Scams (Phishing)
Email Scams (Phishing)
What they look like
What they look like
Emails pretending to be from companies like Netflix, Apple, PayPal, or your school.
Red Flags
Red Flags
“Your account will be closed.”
Fake login pages
Attachments you didn’t expect
What to Do Instead
What to Do Instead
Don’t open attachments or links
Check the sender’s email address carefully
Log in through the official website, not the email link
Mark the email as spam or phishing
Social Media Scams
Social Media Scams
What they look like
What they look like
Fake giveaways, hacked accounts sending “Is this you?” links, or fake investment pages promising fast money.
Red Flags
Red Flags
“I doubled my money!”
“Send me your code.”
Accounts with no real posts or followers
What to Do Instead
What to Do Instead
Ignore messages asking for money or codes
Verify with the person through another method (call/text)
Don’t share personal info in DMs
Report fake accounts to the platform
Job & Money‑Making Scams
Job & Money‑Making Scams
What they look like
What they look like
“Easy money,” fake check scams, or jobs that ask for your ID, SSN, or bank info before hiring.
Red Flags
Red Flags
“We’ll send you a check — deposit it and send some back.”
Jobs that pay too much for too little work
Asking for personal info immediately
What to Do Instead
What to Do Instead
Research the company before applying
Never send your SSN, ID, or bank info before you’re officially hired
Don’t cash checks from strangers
If it sounds too good to be true, it is
Online Shopping Scams
Online Shopping Scams
What they look like
What they look like
Fake websites selling items for super cheap, or sellers who take your money and disappear.
Red Flags
Red Flags
No reviews
No return policy
Prices that seem too good to be true
What to Do Instead
What to Do Instead
Check reviews and return policies
Only buy from secure sites (look for https://)
Avoid deals that seem unrealistically cheap
Use payment methods with buyer protection (PayPal, credit card)
Romance Scams
Romance Scams
What they look like
What they look like
Someone online builds trust, then asks for money, gift cards, or help with “emergencies.”
Red Flags
Red Flags
They never video call
They always have an excuse not to meet
They ask for money or financial help
What to Do Instead
What to Do Instead
Stop messaging if they ask for money
Never send gift cards, crypto, or wire transfers
Video chat to confirm identity
Talk to a trusted friend or adult if something feels off
Student‑Targeted Scams
Student‑Targeted Scams
What they look like
What they look like
Fake scholarships, fake internships, or “urgent” school‑related messages.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Paying to apply
Requests for SSN or bank info
Emails that don’t come from official school domains
What to Do Instead
What to Do Instead
Only apply for scholarships from official school or government sites
Never pay to apply
Verify internship emails with your counselor or teacher
Check the sender’s domain (school emails end in .edu)
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