How to Avoid a Scam.

Recognizing these common signs of a scam could help you avoid one.

Four signs it's a scam

1. Scammers PRETEND to be from an organization you know.

Scammers often pretend to contact you on behalf of the government. They can use a real name, like the Social Security Administration, IRS, or Medicare, or make up an official-sounding name. Some pretend to be from a business you know, such as a utility company, Technology Company, or even a charity asking for donations.

They use technology to change the phone number that appears on your caller ID. So the name and number you see may not be real.

2. Scammers tell you to PAY in a specific way.

They often insist that you pay using cryptocurrency, transfer money through a company like MoneyGram or Western Union, or put money on a gift card and then give them the number on the back.

Some will send you a check (which later turns out to be fake), then tell you to deposit it and send them money.

3. Scammers PRESSURE you to act immediately.

Scammers want you to act before you have time to think. If you're on the phone, they may tell you not to hang up so you can't see your story.

They could threaten to arrest you, sue you, take away your driver's or business license, or deport you. They could tell that your computer is about to crash.

4. Scammers say there is a PROBLEM or a PRIZE.

They could say you have problems with the government. Or you owe money. Or someone in your family had an emergency. Or that there is a virus on your computer.

Some scammers say there's a problem with one of your accounts and you need to verify some information.

Others will lie and say that they won money in a lottery or sweepstakes, but they have to pay a fee to get it.

How to avoid a scam.

Block unwanted calls and text messages. Take steps to block spam calls and filter spam text messages.

Do not provide your personal or financial information in response to a request you did not expect. Honest organizations won't call, email or text to ask for your personal information, like your Social Security number, bank account, or credit card.

If you receive an email or text message from a company you do business with that you think is real, it's best not to click on any links. Instead, contact them through a website that you know is trustworthy. Or look up your phone number. Do not call a number given to you or the number on your caller ID.

Resist the pressure to act immediately. Honest businesses will give you time to make a decision. Anyone who pressures you to pay or give them your personal information is a scammer.

Learn how scammers tell you to pay. Never pay someone who insists you pay with cryptocurrency, a wire transfer service like Western Union or MoneyGram, or a gift card. And never deposit a check and send money to someone.

Stop and talk to someone you trust. Before you do anything else, tell someone (a friend, family member, or neighbor) what happened. Talking about it might help you realize it's a scam.

Report scams to the FTC.

If you've been scammed or think you've seen a scam, report it to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.