One of the surest signs you’re about to be scammed involves unexpected contact from a stranger.
This can come in any form. Someone shows up at the door with a clipboard claiming to be from an energy provider; you get a call saying a protection plan you never bought is expiring or perhaps a text saying you’re going to be charged for an iPhone you never bought. Or maybe they claim you’ve won a sweepstakes you never entered and must pay a tax to collect the prize.
I recently wrote a news story about a guy who showed up at an apartment complex saying the manager had sent him to collect everyone’s electric bill.
Another sign of a scam, is when someone says you must take immediate action or face dire consequences. Your account will be deleted forever or you’ll be immediately arrested. Never click or provide information in a panic. Wait a few minutes and think it over before you act.
The number one sign of a scam is if they ask you to pay with a gift card. Anytime anyone says to pay with a gift card, it is always a scam. Gift cards are for giving as gifts. Also, be on the lookout for people who say you have to pay in BitCoin or with a wire transfer.
Keeping an eye out for any of these three things can help you avoid 95% of scams.