So, you just opened an email that looked almost exactly like one that could have come from your credit union or maybe even the IRS. You were about to click the link before you stopped yourself, asking: “How do I really know what’s safe?”
It’s a good question. We live in a time when scammers have gotten all too clever. Their emails look legit. Their websites look polished. Their phone calls sound super convincing. But here’s the thing: Once you know the most common tricks, you’ll start spotting the red flags everywhere. Let’s walk through the basics together.
Phishing is basically fishing — but instead of wanting trout, the scammers are after your Social Security number, your bank login, or your credit card info. They cast a wide net with emails, texts, or calls designed to trick you into clicking links or spilling details.
Here’s what to know:
And while you’re at it, use strong, unique passwords for every site. That way, even if one account gets compromised, the rest stay locked up.
This one’s especially rotten. After hurricanes, wildfires, or global crises, scammers swoop in pretending to be charities. They might call you, text you, or slide into your DMs with a heart-tugging plea for donations.
A real charity can provide an Employer Identification Number (EIN) to prove legitimacy. You can double-check on IRS.gov or with Charity Navigator before you give a dime. If you can’t verify them, don’t donate.
Maybe the scariest scam of all: the phone call from “the IRS” telling you that you owe money and could face jail if you don’t pay immediately. Sometimes they’ll even demand payment via gift cards or wire transfer.
But know this: the IRS will NEVER call and demand money over the phone. They send letters by mail. Period. If someone calls claiming to be the IRS, hang up. Don’t even argue. Just hang up.
Social media is fun until a scammer uses it against you. Maybe you get a friend request from someone who looks like your old classmate. You accept, and suddenly they’re asking for personal info. Or worse, they use your birthdate, address, or photos to file a fake tax return in your name and grab your refund.
Protect yourself by doing the following:
Older adults are prime targets because scammers assume they’re less tech-savvy. The IRS has pointed out that fraud goes down significantly when seniors have a trusted friend or family member looking out for them. If you’ve got parents or grandparents, talk to them. Encourage them to let unknown calls go to voicemail. Help them set up a “refusal script” near the phone (something like: “I don’t do business over the phone.”) That may be all it takes to stop a scam in its tracks.
Believe it or not, not all tax preparers are legit. “Ghost” preparers lure people in with low fees or promises of giant refunds, then refuse to sign the tax returns they file — because they’re unlicensed and illegal.
The danger? If the return is fraudulent, you are still on the hook for penalties and interest. Always use a licensed professional. You can find guidelines for choosing a preparer at IRS.gov.
According to the Federal Trade Commission, imposter scams are the number-one fraud category, costing individuals hundreds of millions of dollars a year. These criminals pretend to be Amazon, your bank, your boss, or even your pastor.
Example: you get a text saying there’s a suspicious purchase on your Amazon account. You call back, and the scammer either steals your login, installs malware, or tricks you into handing over payment details.
Rule of thumb: if you didn’t initiate the contact, don’t trust it. Log into your account yourself or call the official number on the back of your card.
Here’s your stay-safe checklist:
Scams are everywhere, but you’re not powerless. By knowing the tricks — from phishing emails to fake family emergencies — you’ll be better equipped to spot them before they cost you money or peace of mind.
Think of it like this: scammers are professional liars. Their job is to trick you. Your job is to stay skeptical, take a breath, and verify before you act.
So the next time you get that weird email, suspicious call, or too-good-to-be-true offer, you’ll know what to do. Delete, hang up, or walk away — and keep your hard-earned money where it belongs.