One of the best ways to avoid scams is to familiarize yourself with different types of scams. Of course, this concept can only go so far; every type of scam has nearly endless ways of metamorphizing, which means that you always need to be aware of the different methods that scams can use to pull you in. However, these common types of scams tend to be methods that scammers will play off. If you know these common types of scams, you can also avoid other scams that utilize some element of them.
1. Neighbor Call Scams
This type of scam gets its name from the fact that the scammer will spoof their number to appear as though it’s coming from your area code. For example, if you have a 404 area code, the caller will appear as a 404 area code. Thinking it’s from your local area, you pick it up, which means the scammer has an easy in.
2. Suspicious Activity Credit Card Scams
Any time you get a call from your credit card company, it’s important that you maintain a healthy level of suspicion. Sure, it’s completely possible to get a call from your credit card company notifying you of suspicious activity, but make sure they give you certain pieces of information before you give them any sensitive bank account information. If you’re unsure, just hang up and call the number.
3. Sweepstakes Scams
If you get a call saying that you’ve been selected to win a prize, you should regard that call with heavy suspicion. To claim your prize, they’ll likely say that you have to give them some amount of money or your bank account information. Recall whether you’ve entered any sweepstakes recently; if you haven’t, there’s no way for you to have won.
4. Law Enforcement or Debt Scams
This is one of the more deep-rooted types of scams. A scammer will pretend to be a debt collector, police officer, or local sheriff, then call you insisting that you owe them some money. They’ll try to intimidate you into handing over the money, claiming that if you don’t pay right now over the phone, you’re at risk of going to jail. They’ll try to intimidate you into handing over the money, claiming that if you don’t pay right now over the phone, you’re at risk of going to jail.
5. Social Security and IRS Scams
As a very common phishing scam, Social Security and IRS scams tend to prey on elderly people, who may be receiving Social Security checks, and working-age individuals, who will almost certainly have to file taxes. These people will call, then pretend to be from the government, requesting private information that’s supposedly to deposit a refund or keep your social security payments. These people will call, then pretend to be from the government, requesting private information that’s supposedly to deposit a refund or keep your social security payments.
Conclusion
This, of course, isn’t an exhaustive list of all the different types of scams out there. However, it is a list of many common types of scams. If you’re trying to avoid getting scammed, one of the best things you can do is know the most common types of scams, as it will help you avoid them overall. This list can be helpful for anyone to avoid scams.
