What are some typical scammer behaviors?

Scammers use a variety of tactics to defraud and steal from unsuspecting victims. Being aware of their common behaviors and techniques is crucial to avoid falling prey to scams.

Warning Signs of a Scam

Here are some typical red flags that indicate a scam:

• They contact you first out of the blue via email, phone call, text message, or social media.
• They seem too good to be true, offering something for nothing or for very little money.
• They try to induce urgency or pressure you to act quickly before you have time to think.
• What they are offering involves money transfers, donations, free money, prizes, jobs, or jobs requiring payments upfront.
• Spelling and grammar mistakes are present.
• They ask you to pay via wire transfer, gift cards, cryptocurrency, or other unusual methods.
• They ask you for banking information, Social Security number, or other personal details.

Common Scam Tactics

If you encounter any of these tactics, exercise extreme caution as you are likely dealing with a scammer:

• Phishing – Fraudulent emails or texts pretending to be from trusted sources to trick you into revealing personal data like passwords or credit card numbers.
• Romance scam – Developing a relationship and trust to eventually ask for money.
• Tech support scam – Receiving a call claiming you have a computer virus and asking for remote access or direct payment to fix it.
• Grandparent scam – A call pretending to be from a relative in need of immediate financial assistance.
• IRS scam – A call threatening arrest for tax evasion if immediate payment is not made.
• Sweepstakes/lottery scam – Notification that you’ve won money in a contest you never entered, requiring upfront taxes/fees to claim it.
• Work from home scam – Ad for a job that requires payment or personal information upfront.
• Home rental scam – Fraudulent listing on sites like Craigslist demanding payment before viewing the property.
• Fake invoices – Bills for products/services you never ordered or received.
• Fake charities – Requests for donations that don’t really go to the listed cause.

Behaviors of Common Scam Artists

Here are some typical behaviors displayed by scammers carrying out popular scams:

Type of Scammer	Common Behaviors
Romance Scammer	Develops a fast, serious relationship and professes love quickly. Claims to be from the U.S. but is traveling/working abroad. Makes plans to visit but cancels last minute due to an emergency. Asks for increasing amounts of money for various reasons. Avoids video chats and questions about inconsistencies.
Tech Support Scammer	Contends your computer has viruses, malware, or other problems. Directs you to a screen showing false diagnostics results. Asks for remote access to your computer to “fix” it. Makes errors seem urgent and serious. Requests payment information to charge for supposed services.
Fake Invoice Scammer	Sends invoices for products/services you never requested. Uses official-looking business names and logos. Lists small amounts to seem more credible. Provides details that seem legitimate but are fabricated. Threatens additional fees, penalties, or collection for nonpayment.

General Scammer Characteristics

While scammer tactics may differ, most fraudsters share these common characteristics:

• They are highly manipulative.
• They are persistent about receiving money.
• They provide vague details about themselves or avoid questions.
• They refuse other forms of communication besides their preferred method.
• They convey a sense of urgency about taking action.
• They make financial transactions complex and confusing.
• They will not meet with you in person.
• Their phone numbers, addresses, or other details don’t check out.
• They fail to abide by normal business practices and policies.
• They show no interest in you as a person, only your money or data.

Avoiding Scams

Here are some tips to protect yourself from scams:

• Never send money to someone you don’t know and trust.
• Don’t click links or open attachments from unknown senders.
• Use strong, unique passwords for all accounts.
• Don’t share personal or banking details with unsolicited contacts.
• Beware offers that seem too good to be true.
• Search online for the company name + words like “scam” or “reviews.”
• Don’t pay upfront for loans, jobs, or prizes.
• Consider using a call blocking app and an email spam filter.
• Monitor credit reports and account statements for signs of fraud.

Reporting Scams

If you encounter a scam, be sure to report it:

• Report to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) online or by calling 1-877-FTC-HELP.
• Notify your bank if your financial information was compromised.
• File a complaint with the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center.
• Warn others about the scam on sites like Better Business Bureau and social media.
• Report fake websites, emails, or social media accounts to the platforms’ security teams.

Conclusion

Scammers may operate in different ways, but their goals are the same – to steal money and personal details from unsuspecting victims. Safeguard yourself by learning to recognize typical scam warning signs, understanding scammer psychology and tactics, and implementing best practices. Being an informed consumer is your best defense against fraud.