7 Social Engineering Scams to Watch Out For
Understanding how scams work is the first step in protecting your accounts. Awareness is your best defense, and these tips will help you keep your information safe.
Cryptocurrency and Investment Scams
These are currently the most dangerous. Scammers promise high returns from cryptocurrency investments, but it’s a trap. They might tell you to use a Bitcoin ATM to make a payment. They’ll claim it’s for “security” or a “safe investment.”
Don’t fall for it. Legitimate businesses and government agencies do not use Bitcoin ATMs for payments.
Phishing Emails
These emails often pretend to be from your bank or another trusted company. They try to scare you into clicking a link by saying your account has been compromised or your money is at risk.
Fake Text Message Alerts
Scammers send texts that look like real alerts from banks or services. Never click on links in unexpected messages.
Phone Call Impersonators
Scammers may pretend to be from:
+ Your bank or credit card company
+ Government agencies (like the IRS, FBI, or local police)
+ Phone companies (like Apple, Verizon, or T-Mobile)
+ Security companies (like LifeLock or Norton)[DF1]
Don’t trust caller ID. Scammers can set up fake numbers to appear as your bank, Medicare, or the IRS. Never give out personal information over the phone unless you initiated the call.
Bank Impersonation Scam
Criminals pretend to be from your bank or credit union to steal money or personal information. Here’s how they trick you:
+ They spoof phone numbers to make it look like the bank is calling.
+ They may send fake emails with dangerous links or attachments.
+ They might ask you to send money, reverse a payment, or share private information.
+ They may even request remote access to your device or ask for your PIN, password, or one-time access codes.
Remember that your bank will never ask for sensitive information in this way.
Romance Scams
Scammers create fake profiles on dating apps or social media, often using stolen photos. They may express love quickly, avoid meeting in person, and eventually ask for money, usually for an “emergency”.
They can be incredibly convincing, maintaining contact for weeks, months, even years. If someone you met online asks for money or personal information, pause and verify. You’re likely being scammed.
Tech Support Scams
Someone calls or pops up on your screen claiming to be from Microsoft, Apple, or another trusted company. They’ll say your computer has a virus or your antivirus has expired. Then they ask for:
+ Remote access to your device
+ Payment to “fix” the issue
Do not allow it. Real tech support will not contact you out of the blue, and they won’t ask for access or payment like this.