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.

 

The Classic: Phishing for Personal Info

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:

• The IRS will NEVER contact you via email about a bill, refund, or stimulus check. If you see an “IRS” message in your inbox, delete it.
• Scammers are masters at latching onto big news — stimulus checks, student loan forgiveness, and natural disasters. If it’s in the headlines, then there’s a guarantee that someone’s building a fake website or email to match it.
• The golden rule: never click on links in suspicious emails or texts. Instead, visit the official site directly.

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.

 

Bogus Charities

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.

 

The Phone Call Threats

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 Traps

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:

• Don’t accept friend requests from people you don’t know.
• Scrub your birthday from your profiles.
• Keep your accounts private whenever possible.

Scams That Target Seniors

Older adults are prime targets because scammers assume they’re less tech-savvy. The IRS has indicated 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. To learn more, listen to our podcast on fighting elder fraud.

 

Ghost Tax Preparers

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.

 

Imposter Scams: The Big One

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 in to your account yourself or call the official number on the back of your card.

 

Other Common Frauds You Should Know

•  Sweepstakes and Lottery Scams: If anyone says you’ve won money but need to pay taxes or fees upfront, it’s a scam. Always.
• Romance Ruses: Scammers cozy up on dating apps or social media, build trust, and then ask for money. They’re often “working overseas” or “serving in the military” and can’t meet in person.
• Tech Support Scams: Pop-ups that say “Your computer is infected” and give you a number to call? Don’t. Real companies don’t cold-call or cold-pop you with offers of tech support.
• Fake Shopping Sites: That too-good-to-be-true jacket ad? If the URL isn’t secure (no https:// or padlock icon) or the company seems shady, skip it. Google the company name plus “scam” before you buy.
• Emergency Family Calls: Scammers pretend to be your loved one (or a hospital/jail worker), asking for urgent money. Hang up and call your family directly.
• Job Offer Scams: No interview? No official application portal? A demand for bank info right away? Walk away. Real jobs require real steps.

How to Avoid Getting Hooked

Here’s your stay-safe checklist:

• Don’t click links in texts or emails. Always go to the official site yourself.
• Don’t pick up calls from numbers you don’t know. Let voicemail handle it.
• Use a refusal script. Something simple like “I don’t share information over the phone.”
• Pause before acting. Scammers thrive on urgency. Slow down and double-check.
• Talk about scams. Share stories with friends and family. The more we normalize these conversations, the harder it is for scammers to succeed.
• Remember, it’s never your fault. If you get scammed, the blame is on the criminal — not you. Call it theft, because that’s what it is.

The Bottom Line

 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.

 

From our partnership with Filene/HerMoney