Spot (& Stop) These Trending Scams

 Search Engine Ad Scams

• What it is: Search engine ad scams are ads that appear at the top of search results. Scammers buy these ads and embed malicious links within them. When clicked, they redirect to fraudulent websites, infecting computers with malware.
• How you know it’s a scam: These ads usually have a few things in common. They often look unprofessional, have spelling errors, make unrealistic claims, or advertise something that’s too good to be true.
• What to do: Avoid clicking on ads in search results if they seem suspicious. Instead, simply type the website URL directly into your browser.

 Impersonation Scams

• What it is: Impersonation scams are a type of hoax where scammers pretend to be someone you know or a trusted organization. They trick you into sharing your personal or financial information. This could be over the phone, through email, via text and more.
• How you know it’s a scam: Scammers usually pressure you to act immediately. They may threaten you, offer something unbelievable, or will reach out unsolicited to demand personal information or payment.
• What to do: Verify the identity of the person or organization contacting you. Never share personal information or make payments based on unsolicited contacts.

 QR Code Scams

• What it is: Phony QR codes can be found on the internet and in day-to-day activities that actually lead people to fraudulent websites or malware downloads. For example, scammers may cover official QR codes with fake ones on parking meters, menus, or magazines.
• How you know it’s a scam: Be wary of QR codes that appear to have been tampered with, suspicious URLs, and unsolicited QR codes that are sent via text message or email.
• What to do: Before scanning a QR code, verify the source. Use a QR code scanner app that detects the safety of links.

Now that you know how to spot these three trending scams, you’re ahead of the game and less likely to fall victim to them. Thanks for UNscamming with us! Remember to always be wary of unsolicited phone calls, suspicious sites, janky QR codes, and fishy ads. When something feels off, trust your gut.

Not sure if it is a scam or not? Need to report a scam? Visit these websites for more information:
Scam Spotter   |   FBI Internet Crimes   |   Federal Trade Commission

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