How they start

Phishing scams are attempts to steal sensitive information by tricking you into sharing your usernames, passwords, credit card numbers, bank account details, or other personal or financial information.

Whether the request arrives by email, text message, phone call, social media, or messaging apps (e.g., WhatsApp, Signal), the goal is always the same – to get you to share information or take an action that puts your money or identity at risk.

What to watch for

Be cautious with any unexpected message or call that asks you to click a link, open an attachment or share personal details. This is true even if the message appears to come from a reliable source. Scammers often use email addresses or phone numbers that “spoof” legitimate companies to make them seem credible.

How to help protect yourself

Call the company named in the message using a phone number from their official website to ask about the request. And never click on links or attachments in unsolicited messages. Most legitimate companies will not contact you this way asking for personal information. 

How they start

Romance scams often begin on dating sites or social media, where fraudsters create convincing profiles and quickly try to build an emotional or romantic relationship with someone.

Over time, they may invent urgent personal crises and ask for money, gifts or access to financial accounts. This often comes with pressure to keep the relationship secret.

What to watch for

Be cautious of anyone who expresses strong feelings towards you but refuses or is “unable” to meet in person, requests sensitive personal or financial details or asks for money.

How to help protect yourself

Be wary of sending money or divulging sensitive personal or financial information to someone you haven’t met. Instead, ignore any links they send, and block and report their profile. It might also help to talk with trusted friends or family – you should never feel guilty, embarrassed or ashamed about falling victim to a scam.  

How they start

Investment scams pose as “can’t miss” opportunities that promise high returns with little or no risk, with scammers often posing as employees of legitimate companies to appear credible.

They may pressure you to act quickly and discourage you from doing your own research. Often, they’ll ask you to send money through unusual methods (commonly via a cryptocurrency like Bitcoin).

What to watch for

Beware of anyone guaranteeing big profits, pushing you to invest right away, or refusing to provide clear written details.

How to help protect yourself

Never allow someone to rush you into an important financial decision. Take time to research the investment independently – verify the seller’s registration through official regulators and talk to a trusted financial professional before sending money.

How they start

Tech support scams often start with unexpected calls, pop‑up warnings, or emails claiming your device has a virus or security problem.

Claiming to be from a familiar tech company, the scammer will pressure you to give them remote access to your computer, to share personal information, or to pay for fake repairs or subscriptions.

What to watch for

Be cautious of anyone who contacts you unexpectedly asking for password information or access to your device and urging you to act quickly.

How to help protect yourself

Close suspicious pop‑ups and contact the named company directly to confirm the request using information from their official website. Never give remote access, personal information, or payment to someone you didn’t seek out yourself. 

How they start

These scams often begin with unexpected calls, texts or emails from someone pretending to be a loved one who needs money right away because they’re hurt, stranded in another country, or in urgent trouble.

Scammers use emotional stories, names of family members, and other details found online – often from social media – to make their story sound real. They may ask you not to tell anyone else because they are embarrassed or scared.

What to watch for

Be careful if someone claiming to be a friend or family member urgently asks for money, refuses to let you verify their identity or pressures you to act right away.

How to help protect yourself

Ask the person questions only the real person would know the answer to. Contact them or another trusted family member, using a phone number or method you know to be real.