The best way to prevent your falling victim to any type of scam, is to be informed. Learn how scams are perpetrated so you can recognize a scam before it’s too late.
Here are a number of independent resources to help support that education:
Fake checks are commonly used in online scams. Learn more about how to recognize and avoid potential fake check scams: https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0060-10-things-you-can-do-avoid-fraud
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) was created over 100 years ago with a mission to protect consumers. It is a valuable educational resource that covers a wide variety of scams, how they work, and what to do if you’ve become a victim of a scam.
- The FTC’s site is updated regularly to include the most recent scams: https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/scam-alerts
- The FTC also offers tips and information in the form of educational videos, audio files and games: https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/media
For information on how to stay safe & secure online, visit: https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/features/feature-0038-onguardonline
Scams can be reported to the FTC at: https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/#/
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is also a wealth of information on how to spot various fraud schemes. Their website includes links on how to submit tips and report online scams & incidents: https://www.fbi.gov/scams-and-safety
Familiarize yourself with the most common scams the FBI encounters: https://www.fbi.gov/scams-and-safety/common-fraud-schemes
One of the most widespread fraudulent schemes today is known as the “romance scam.” Learn more about romance scams and how to recognize them: https://www.fbi.gov/news/stories/romance-scams