Have you ever heard the saying, "If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is"? Well, New York Magazine's financial columnist, Charlotte Cowles, learned this the hard way when she got scammed out of $50,000! While some were sympathetic, others couldn't believe she fell for such an obvious con. But with scams on the rise and scammers getting smarter, it’s time to take a closer look at how we can protect ourselves.
Top 10 Scammer Phrases to Watch Out For
- "Act Now!"
Scammers create a sense of urgency to make you act fast. The FTC warns that any high-pressure tactic is a red flag. - "Only say what I tell you to say."
If someone instructs you to lie to anyone (like your bank or spouse), they're trying to isolate you. Don’t fall for it. - "Don't trust anyone — they're in on it."
Scammers often claim that everyone around you is part of the scam. This is a tactic to keep you from seeking help. - "Do [this] or you'll be arrested."
Any threat of arrest or deportation is a lie. Real authorities don't operate this way. - "Don't hang up."
Con artists may ask you to stay on the phone while you make a payment. Hang up immediately. - "Move your money to protect it."
Never transfer money based on instructions from a stranger on the phone. This is a scam. - "Withdraw money and buy gold bars."
The FBI warns against scams involving cashing out and buying precious metals. - "Withdraw cash and give it to [anyone]."
Handing over cash to anyone claiming to be a courier or agent is a surefire scam. - "Go to a Bitcoin ATM."
Cryptocurrency scams are rampant. Be wary if someone asks you to use Bitcoin ATMs. - "Buy gift cards."
Paying with gift cards is a common scam tactic. Once they have the card numbers, your money is gone.
What Should You Do?
- Hang up the phone.
Delete suspicious emails and texts. Block the number. Don't engage with scammers. - Report it.
Notify the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
A Little Laugh to Lighten the Mood
Why don’t scammers ever get a career in comedy? Because their punchlines are too obvious and desperate! 😉
Stay safe out there, and remember, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Keep an eye out for these red flags, and let’s outsmart these scammers together!
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