Many people lose a lot of money to scams. Sometimes their entire life savings disappear.
A scammer may seem very friendly and helpful, or they may threaten you and try to scare you. Since a scammer usually follows similar patterns, it is important to familiarize yourself with the major trends.
The Scammer Tells You That You Have Won a Prize
A scammer may say that you have been selected for an offer or that you have won a lottery. They may ask you for personal information to claim your prize. Do not give it out. And if you have to pay for a prize, it’s not a prize!
The Scammer Pressures You to Respond Quickly
Most legitimate companies will give you time to think about their offer and do their due diligence. Fraudsters will tell you that it’s urgent and that you need to act quickly. Take time to think before you make your decision.
The Scammer Tells You That You Will Be Arrested
Scammers often pose as law enforcement officers or government agencies. They usually say you will be arrested, deported or fined if you do not pay your taxes or other debt immediately. Real law enforcement or government agencies will not call you to threaten you.
The Scammer Orders You to Pay a Fee by Transfer or Gift Card
Scammers want you to pay in a way that will make it difficult to recover your money. They will often tell you to make a wire transfer, put money on a gift card or a prepaid credit card.
The Scammer Asks You to Confirm Your Personal Information
Never give your personal information, such as your social insurance number or account details, to someone who calls you out of the blue.
Be vigilant! All fraud has a price. Protect your savings!
Antoine Tine
Regulatory compliance Advisor – Fraud
Antoine.a.tine@acpol.com