Red flags to watch for

Know the signs that something is amiss!

WIRE TRANSFER. Many scams involve a request to wire money electronically using a wire transfer service, like MoneyGram or Western Union, or using cryptocurrency, such as Bitcoin. Remember that sending a transfer through these services is like sending cash – once the amount is picked up, it is almost impossible to get your money back.

OVERPAYMENT. When you are selling something – especially online – be wary of how you get paid. A fraudster may send you a counterfeit cashier’s, personal, or corporate check in an amount in excess of what they owe. You will be asked to deposit the check and wire them the excess funds immediately back to them. Once your bank recognizes the check is a fake, you will be on the hook for the money withdrawn.

SPELLING MISTAKES. Be skeptical of emails, messages, or websites that contain misspelled common words, grammar errors that make it difficult to read, or expressions that are used incorrectly. Examine Email and web addresses closely to see if there are subtle mistakes or differences.

PERSONAL INFORMATION REQUEST. Fraudsters may ask potential victims to provide more personal or financial information than is required for the transaction or discussion. Be suspicious if someone asks for copies of your passport, driver’s license, social security number, or birth date, especially if you do not know the requestor.

UNSOLICITIED CALLS. You might get a call from someone claiming that you have a virus on your computer, you owe taxes, or there has been fraudulent activity in your bank accounts. Know that legitimate organizations will not call you directly. Hang up and call the organization yourself using the number from a trustworthy source, such as the phone book, their website, or even invoices and bank statements.

UNSOLICITIED FRIEND REQUESTS ON SOCIAL MEDIA. Do not accept friend requests from people you don’t know until you review their profile or ask your real-life friends if they know them. Does their profile look fairly empty, or do they have posts that are very generic? Do they seem to be promising more than friendship? These are some red flags that point to a scam. Delete that request and block future ones.

ASTOUNDING MAIL OFFERS. You received a game card in the mail. It guarantees you will or have already won. Prizes might range from cars to trips. If you have not entered a contest, throw the card away. It is a scam!

IT’S JUST TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE. Everybody loves a great deal. But shocking offers, unbelievable discounts, and unreal rates may signal that the offer is not quite what it seems. Cheap prices usually equal cheap products, or counterfeit goods. Free offers may require providing your credit card for shipping. Small tactics like these can lead to big profits for scammers.

I work with Senior Citizens who are frustrated using their computers. Click here to Watch my *Free* Video. Contact an expert to access on-site and remote support, simple to understand computer training, phone advice service, and computer protection. Thank you for trusting me to keep your computers healthy. Call Linda at 239-567-0104.

Be well.

Linda Lindquist, October 23, 2025
https://www.computerandinternethelp.com/contact-us