Watch out for scams all around us

The digital era has its benefits. People from all over are able to connect almost instantaneously. Computers have made fast work of many tasks that once took hours or days to complete. Information or even funds can be shared at the click of a button.

But for all of the benefits technology has provided, there is a darker side to the connectivity of the modern world. What has become easier for the general public also has become easier from those looking to take advantage of others.

Scams and internet crimes are now commonplace. The FBI reported that a record $16.6 billion in losses due to scams were reported to them in 2024. The Pew Research Center indicates 73% of adults in the U.S. have experienced some kind of online scam or attack.

The office of Ken Paxton, the Attorney General of Texas, reports various ways to recognize scams, and that spotting these tactics can help people avoid being taken advantage of:

• Someone contacts you – When a party contacts you first, you can’t be certain of their legitimacy. Also, email addresses and caller ID can be faked.

• Easy money is offered – Many scammers dangle a promise of some sort of financial gain, whether it’s a prize or an easy loan. These are usually too good to be true.

• Personal information is requested – Be on alert any time someone asks for personal information, whether it’s a bank account number or other identifying information. You could become a victim of identity theft.

• A request for money up front – If someone requests money to pay off a debt or to receive a prize, it is likely a scammer trying to take your money.

There are many types of scams, and the following are some prominent ones:

• Counterfeit merchandise – A scammer can replicate the look of a legitimate retailer’s website. Purchasing items online through a link may lead you to a counterfeit site selling merchandise that is not legitimate and/or will not even arrive.

• Charity and disaster fraud – Charity fraud scams typically emerge in the wake of a natural disaster or another sudden, tragic event. Scammers may target generous individuals through email, social media posts, crowdfunding platforms, and cold calls. Never donate to charities you have not verified as legitimate.

• Cryptocurrency investment fraud – Scammers convince victims to deposit more and more money into financial investments using cryptocurrency. These

• Bogus debts – You may receive a message or threatening correspondence that demands payment on a debt that you haven’t heard of. These scams work because some people are scared and take the bait. Legitimate creditors will produce proof of an actual debt.

• Home repair scams – Unsolicited companies may offer a “limited-time deal” and rope you into having a job done with “materials left over from another job.” Be very cautious in these scenarios, as they may take money and run.

• Emergency scams – These are sometimes called Grandparent Scams because they often target the elderly. A criminal may claim to be a friend or family member in dire need and request money. Some scammers sound like the person a senior knows thanks to technology that enables them to do so.

Scams are a continuous problem and everyone needs to be on their guard. Safeguard your personal information and avoid paying out any money without first conducting thorough research.