How to Recognize Scams: Security Considerations

November 21, 2025

Scammers are evolving quickly, and their tactics are getting more believable. But with knowledge and caution, you can stay a step ahead. Here are common scam types, warning signs, and safety practices to help you protect your finances and personal information.

1. Common Scam Scenarios & How They Work

A. Too-Good-to-Be-True Deals on Social Media

Fraudsters often run fake online storefronts or ads for big-name brands at steep discounts. These look very real — but the checkout process may only let you pay using peer-to-peer payment apps, such as Zelle®. Once you pay, you might never receive what you ordered, and because you used a less-protected payment method, getting your money back is hard.

How to protect yourself:

●     Manually type a brand’s official website into your browser to verify any “sale” claims.

●     When buying, use a credit or debit card, which usually has stronger fraud protection than P2P apps.

B. Tech Support & Virus Alert Scams

Scammers may pretend to be IT or support professionals, claiming there's a virus or problem with your computer. They’ll urge you to click a link or grant remote access — then exploit that to steal passwords or bank into your accounts.

Be cautious:

●     Never grant remote access to your device unless you confirm the person is legitimate.

●     If you suspect an issue, reach out to a trusted professional—not to someone who called you out of the blue.

C. Check Fraud

Scammers can tamper with paper checks by erasing and changing the payee or amount. They may also send counterfeit checks — which look real — then pressure you to send money back or forward extra funds before the bank catches on.

Safe check practices:

●     Use indelible ink.

●     Avoid leaving blank spaces in the payee or amount lines.

●     Make sure you sign checks consistently.

●     When mailing, drop checks off inside a post office.

●     Monitor your statements and payee info carefully.

●     Consider using digital payment programs like bill pay or Zelle instead of checks.

If you get a check from someone you don’t know, be careful. This could happen with a “job” or “mystery shopping” offer. They might ask you to send back extra money or buy gift cards. When the bank finds out the check is fake, you will have to pay the money back.

D. Gift Card Scams

If someone insists you pay them using gift cards, it’s almost certainly a scam. Scammers love this method because once they have the card number or PIN, there's no reversing the transaction.

Warning signs:

●     You’re told to buy a gift card as “payment” to solve a problem or claim a prize.

●     They ask you to give them the card’s security code or take pictures of the card.

●     Never share gift card details over phone or text.

E. Charity Scams

Fraudsters sometimes masquerade as nonprofits, especially after natural disasters or during holidays. They use emotional stories, professional-looking sites, or phony crowdfunding campaigns to steal.

How to verify:

●     Confirm the organization’s legitimacy via CharityWatch or the BBB Wise Giving Alliance.

●     If someone calls you or texts asking for donations, don’t give immediate payment — pause, verify, and donate only through verified channels.

F. Authority / Government Scams

Scammers may pretend to be government officials (IRS, law enforcement, etc.) or even your bank. They pressure you to act fast, suggesting there will be severe consequences if you don’t. Often, they request that you send money via wire transfers or give sensitive personal info.

Key protections:

●     Do not rush. Always take time to think and independently verify the person’s identity.

●     If they want you to transfer money, especially to someone claiming to “reverse fraud,” double-check with your financial institution using a trusted number.

2. Phishing & Spoofing: How Attackers Hide

Spoofing

Scammers can fake their phone number or email address to look like they’re calling or emailing from a legitimate company — even your bank.

Tip: If something seems wrong, disconnect and call the number on your card or statement to verify.

Phishing (Emails / Texts)

These messages may seem official, but they often contain typos, poor grammar, or odd email addresses. They ask you to click links or share login info.

What to do:

●     Don’t click on links or attachments unless you’re certain they are real.

●     To verify, navigate directly to the website (don’t use email links).

●     Forward suspicious emails to your bank’s security team (for Chase, that’s phishing@chase.com).

●     Report phishing attempts to the FTC (via ReportFraud.ftc.gov).

3. Identity Theft & Impersonation Scams

Scammers may call, text, or email pretending to be a trusted organization. They often use urgency or fear to trick you into disclosing critical information.

Safety reminder:

●     Never share your full password, Social Security number, or other sensitive data over unsolicited calls or texts.

●     If you’re not sure who you’re talking to, hang up and dial the verified number on your account statement or card.

4. What to Do If You Think You’re Being Targeted

●     Stop communication immediately if you feel pressured or unsure.

●     Report suspicious behavior to your financial institution.

●     Consider placing a fraud alert or credit freeze with major credit bureaus (Experian, TransUnion, Equifax).

●     Report identity theft and phishing attempts to the Federal Trade Commission.

5. Additional Protection Tips

●     Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) for your online banking and critical accounts.

●     Install reputable antivirus or anti-malware software and keep it up to date.

●     Be cautious with public Wi-Fi — it's often insecure and easy for hackers to intercept your data.

●     Always double-check URLs, and make sure sites use HTTPS.

●     If you're unsure about an email, type the institution’s official website directly into your browser instead of using links.

6. Reporting Fraud

If you believe you’ve been scammed or someone has accessed your account without permission:

1.    Contact your bank immediately using a trusted phone number.

2.    Ask your credit bureaus to place a fraud alert or a credit freeze on your file.

3.    Report fraud to law enforcement and the FTC with as much detail as possible — dates, names, and account numbers can help.

Bottom line

Scammers are clever, but you can outsmart them with vigilance, smart habits, and by always verifying who you're communicating with. Use these tips to stay protected — and don’t hesitate to report anything that seems off.

Sources:

https://www.chase.com/digital/resources/privacy-security/security/how-to-spot-scams

Disclosure:

This information is an overview and should not be considered as specific guidance or recommendations for any individual or business.

This material is provided as a courtesy and for educational purposes only.

These are the views of the author, not the named Representative or Advisory Services Network, LLC, and should not be construed as investment advice. Neither the named Representative nor Advisory Services Network, LLC gives tax or legal advice. All information is believed to be from reliable sources; however, we make no representation as to its completeness or accuracy. Please consult your Financial Advisor for further information.