Top Tips for Spotting the Red Flags of a Scam and Keeping Your Money and Information Safe

Knowing the warning signs can help you avoid being conned out of your hard-earned money

Scammers keep inventing new tricks, yet their schemes share familiar warning signs. Learn the patterns below and you will stop most fraud attempts before any damage is done.

1. If someone calls out of the blue claiming you owe money or demanding personal information, assume it is a scam. A real business does not open with threats of legal action.
2. Anyone who insists on payment by wire transfer, prepaid debit card, or gift card is almost certainly a fraudster. Those methods are nearly impossible to reverse.
3. Deals that look far cheaper or better than every other offer deserve skepticism. Legitimate businesses still need to make a profit.
4. A quick web search that pairs the company name with “scam” often reveals earlier complaints and saves money and hassle.
5. Pay by credit card whenever you can; card issuers give you dispute rights that cash, Zelle, and gift cards do not provide.
6. Never pay upfront fees for prizes, loans, or job placements. In North Carolina such advance fees are illegal.
7. Threats of immediate arrest, fines, or license suspension over the phone are fake. Genuine government agencies send letters and allow appeals.
8. Say no to unsolicited pitches from telemarketers, door-to-door sellers, or random emails. Choose vendors on your own timetable.
9. If an organization suddenly changes how it contacts you, such as an email instead of the usual postal mail—verify through an official channel you look up yourself.
10. Visual cues can be faked, including caller ID numbers, email templates, and websites. Confirm independently before sharing data or sending money.

Review your credit reports regularly; you can claim a free copy each year from all three bureaus. Report suspicious contacts to the North Carolina Attorney General's Office and the Federal Trade Commission.