Common Scams — Do Any of These Sound Familiar?
Read through these. If something sounds like what's happening to you right now, stop and call us before doing anything else.
Tech Support Scam
You get a phone call, pop-up, or email saying your computer has a virus or has been hacked. They say they're from Microsoft, Apple, or your internet company. They want to connect to your computer remotely to "fix" it — and they may ask for payment.
The truth: Microsoft, Apple, and your internet company will never call you out of the blue about your computer.
- Your computer has been hacked and we need to fix it immediately.
- We've detected a virus on your device.
- This is Microsoft technical support calling.
- You need to let us access your computer to remove the threat.
- Your IP address has been compromised.
Government / IRS Scam
Someone calls claiming to be from the IRS, Social Security Administration, Medicare, or even local police. They say you owe money or your benefits are being suspended — and you'll be arrested if you don't pay immediately.
The truth: Government agencies do not call demanding immediate payment or threatening arrest. They communicate by mail first.
- This is the IRS. You owe back taxes and will be arrested today if you don't pay.
- Your Social Security number has been suspended due to suspicious activity.
- There is a warrant out for your arrest. Pay now to avoid going to jail.
- Do not hang up or you will be arrested immediately.
Grandparent / Family Emergency Scam
You get a call from someone pretending to be your grandchild, child, or a lawyer/police officer. They say a family member is in trouble — arrested, in an accident, or in the hospital — and needs money right away. They beg you not to tell anyone.
The truth: Hang up and call your family member directly on a number you already know. It is almost always a scam.
- Grandma, it's me — I'm in trouble and I need your help.
- Please don't tell Mom and Dad, they'll be so upset.
- I need bail money / I was in a car accident and need cash right away.
- A lawyer will call you to explain how to send the money.
Bank Impersonation Scam
Someone calls or texts pretending to be your bank, saying there's fraud on your account. They ask you to verify your account number, PIN, or transfer money to a "safe account" to protect it. They may even know part of your account information already.
The truth: Banks will never ask you to move money to protect it or ask for your full PIN or password over the phone.
- We've detected suspicious activity on your account.
- To protect your funds, we need you to transfer your money to a secure account.
- Can you confirm your account number and PIN so we can verify your identity?
- Do not tell anyone about this — this is a confidential fraud investigation.
Lottery / Prize Scam
You're told you've won a prize, lottery, or sweepstakes — but to collect your winnings, you need to pay a fee, taxes, or processing charge first. Once you pay, the prize never comes and the scammers disappear.
The truth: You cannot win a contest you didn't enter. Legitimate prizes never require you to pay to collect them.
- Congratulations! You've won $50,000 — you just need to pay the processing fee.
- You've been selected as our prize winner. Just pay the taxes upfront to release your winnings.
- This is a limited time offer — you must claim your prize today.
Romance / Online Friend Scam
Someone you met online — on Facebook, a dating site, or even through a game — has become a close friend or romantic interest. After weeks or months of building trust, they suddenly have an emergency and ask you for money. They may promise to pay you back or even visit, but something always comes up.
The truth: Scammers spend months building trust before asking. If someone you've never met in person asks for money, it is almost always a scam.
- I'm stuck overseas and my wallet was stolen — can you send me some money?
- I have a medical emergency and I don't have anyone else to turn to.
- I'll pay you back as soon as I'm home. I just need this one time.
- I've never felt this way about anyone. I can't wait to finally meet you.
Utility / Power Shutoff Scam
A caller says they're from your electric, gas, or water company and your service will be shut off in the next few hours unless you make an immediate payment. They pressure you to pay right now using a gift card or wire transfer.
The truth: Utility companies do not call demanding same-day payment with gift cards. If you're unsure, hang up and call the number on your bill.
- Your power will be shut off in 2 hours unless you pay immediately.
- We accept payment by Google Play, iTunes, or Walmart gift cards.
- This is your final notice before disconnection.
Universal Red Flags
No matter what the scam is, these warning signs almost always mean something is wrong.
- They want payment in gift cards. Google Play, iTunes, Amazon, Walmart — no legitimate company, government agency, or utility accepts gift cards as payment. Ever.
- They say "don't tell your family." Scammers know that a second opinion will expose them. If someone tells you to keep this secret, that is the scam.
- They create urgency. "Act now or you'll be arrested." "You have 2 hours." "This is your last chance." Real emergencies allow time to make one phone call to someone you trust.
- They ask for remote access to your computer. Once someone is connected to your computer, they can steal passwords, bank info, and personal files.
- They ask for your Social Security number, Medicare number, or bank account. No legitimate caller needs this information over the phone without you initiating the call.
- Something just feels wrong. Trust that feeling. You are allowed to hang up, and you are allowed to say "I need to call my family first."
What To Do Right Now
✓ Do This
- Hang up the phone — you can always call back
- Call a family member or someone you trust before doing anything
- Call us — we'll look at it with you for free
- If you already sent money, call your bank immediately
- Save any suspicious texts, emails, or numbers
✗ Don't Do This
- Don't send gift cards, wire transfers, or cash
- Don't give out your Social Security or Medicare number
- Don't let anyone access your computer remotely unless you called them first
- Don't click links in suspicious texts or emails
- Don't keep it secret — tell someone you trust
Other Places That Can Help
These are free, trusted resources specifically for scam victims and their families.
AARP Fraud Watch Network
Free helpline staffed by fraud specialists. Call anytime — no AARP membership required.
1-877-908-3360FTC Scam Reporting
Report a scam to the Federal Trade Commission. Your report helps protect others.
reportfraud.ftc.govFBI Internet Crime Center
Report online fraud and scams to the FBI, especially if money was lost.
ic3.govLocal Police Non-Emergency
If you've sent money or given personal information, file a police report. Ask for your local non-emergency number.
911 if in immediate dangerNot Sure? Just Call Us.
We'll look at whatever you've received — a text, an email, a phone call — and tell you honestly what we think. No charge. No pressure.
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