Type of scams to avoid
TYPE OF SCAMS TO AVOID:
Phishing scams: These scams typically involve a fraudster posing as a legitimate seller and asking the buyer to provide personal or financial information, such as their bank account details, credit card number, or social security number.
Advance fee scams: These scams involve a fraudster asking the buyer to pay a fee, deposit, or advance payment before they can receive the item they are purchasing. The buyer may be promised that they will receive the item or their money back, but they never receive either.
Fake or counterfeit items: These scams involve a fraudster selling fake or counterfeit items, such as designer handbags, watches, or electronics, at a significantly lower price than the real item.
Non-delivery of items: These scams involve a fraudster taking payment for an item and then never sending the item to the buyer.
Rental scam: These scams typically involve a fraudster pretending to be a landlord or property owner and requesting payment for a security deposit or rent on a property that they do not own or have the authority to rent out.
Overpayment scam: These scams involve a fraudster sending a check or money order for an amount that is more than the agreed-upon purchase price, asking the seller to wire the overpayment back to them
Mystery shopper scam: These scams involve a fraudster offering a "mystery shopper" job, where the victim is sent a check and asked to deposit it into their bank account, then use the money to purchase items and send them to the scammer. The check is counterfeit, and the victim is left responsible for the money they spent.
Vehicle History Report scam: These scams involve a fraudster selling a vehicle and providing a fake vehicle history report to the buyer, hiding important information such as accidents, theft or odometer rollback.
Job offer scam: these scams involve a fraudster offering a job opportunity, usually online or work from home, and ask the victim to pay a fee or provide personal information in order to start the job.
Pet adoption scam: These scams involve a fraudster advertising a pet for adoption and requesting a deposit or payment upfront before the pet is shipped.
Social media scam: These scams involve a fraudster using social media platforms to trick people into sending money or personal information.
Charity scam: These scams involve a fraudster using a fake charity organization to solicit money from unsuspecting individuals.
Lottery scam: These scams involve a fraudster informing a victim that they have won a lottery or sweepstakes, but they need to pay a fee or provide personal information to claim their prize.
Timeshare scam: These scams involve a fraudster offering to sell or rent a timeshare property, but the timeshare does not exist or is not owned by the fraudster.
Vacation rental scam: These scams involve a fraudster advertising a vacation rental property that does not exist, or the property is not available for the dates the victim wants to book it.
Business opportunity scam: These scams involve a fraudster offering a business opportunity, such as a franchise or investment opportunity, but it's a fake or a pyramid scheme.
Debt relief scam: These scams involve a fraudster offering to help a victim consolidate or eliminate their debt for a fee, but they do not provide the promised service.
Work-at-home scam: These scams involve a fraudster offering a work-at-home opportunity, but it's a pyramid scheme or the victim will not be paid for their work.
Online dating scam: These scams involve a fraudster creating a fake dating profile, building a relationship with a victim, and then asking for money or personal information.
Investment scam: These scams involve a fraudster offering a high-return, low-risk investment opportunity, but the investment is fake or a Ponzi scheme.
It's important to be vigilant and research any offers or deals that seem too good to be true, and to never give out personal information or money without verifying the identity of the person or organization you are dealing with.
