The Most Common Online Scams Right Now

Scammers constantly update their tactics, but these are the types we see most frequently affecting homeowners in our area:

• Phishing emails — fake messages that look like they're from your bank, the IRS, Amazon, or PayPal, asking you to click a link and "verify" your account or payment information
• Tech support pop-ups — a browser window fills your screen with an alarm sound and a message saying "Your computer is infected — call Microsoft (or Apple) immediately at 1-800-XXX-XXXX." This is always a scam.
• Fake online shopping sites — websites that look like real stores but take your payment and either send counterfeit goods or nothing at all
• Package delivery scams — text messages claiming to be from UPS, FedEx, or USPS saying your package is held and asking you to click a link and pay a small fee
• Social media giveaway scams — fake posts or messages claiming you've won a prize from a well-known brand, asking for personal information or a small "shipping fee" to claim it
• Romance scams — someone you meet online who quickly becomes very close, is always overseas, and eventually has an emergency that requires money

How to Spot a Phishing Email

Phishing emails are designed to look legitimate. Use this checklist every time you receive an unexpected email asking you to take action:

1. 1Check the sender's actual email address — click or hover over the sender's name to see the real address. "Amazon Support" sending from "support@amaz0n-help.net" is not Amazon.
2. 2Look for urgency — phrases like "Your account will be suspended in 24 hours" or "Immediate action required" are designed to make you panic and act without thinking
3. 3Hover over any links before clicking — the real destination URL will appear at the bottom of your browser. If it doesn't match the company's real website, don't click.
4. 4Look for spelling and grammar errors — professional companies proofread their emails. Scam emails often contain awkward phrasing or obvious mistakes.
5. 5Ask yourself: did I initiate this? If you didn't request a password reset, a payment confirmation, or an account alert, be very suspicious.
6. 6Legitimate companies never ask for your password, Social Security number, or full credit card number via email — ever.

Tech Support Scams: What They Look Like

Tech support scams are one of the most alarming because they often involve a loud alarm sound and a full-screen message that looks very official. Here's what's actually happening and what to do:

• A webpage opens (sometimes triggered by a bad ad) that fills your screen with a warning: "VIRUS DETECTED — Your computer has been locked. Call Microsoft Support at 1-800-XXX-XXXX immediately."
• Microsoft, Apple, and Google never display pop-ups asking you to call a phone number. This is always a scam — no exceptions.
• If you call the number, a scammer will ask for remote access to your computer, "find" fake problems, and charge you hundreds of dollars for fake repairs.

1. 1Do not call the phone number displayed
2. 2Close the browser — press Alt+F4 on Windows or Command+W on Mac. If the window won't close, press Ctrl+Alt+Delete (Windows) or Command+Option+Escape (Mac) to force-quit the browser.
3. 3Restart your computer
4. 4Run a malware scan with Windows Defender or Malwarebytes to make sure nothing was installed

How to Shop Safely Online

Online shopping is convenient and generally safe — as long as you stick to a few basic rules:

• Shop from websites you recognize — Amazon, Walmart, Target, Best Buy, and other established retailers are safe. Be cautious with unfamiliar sites, especially those you found through a social media ad.
• Look for "https://" and the padlock icon in the address bar before entering payment information
• Check reviews on independent sites like Trustpilot or the Better Business Bureau before buying from an unfamiliar retailer
• Use a credit card rather than a debit card for online purchases — credit cards offer much stronger fraud protection, and you can dispute charges more easily
• Be suspicious of prices that seem too good to be true — a $1,200 laptop selling for $299 is almost certainly a scam or counterfeit
• After placing an order, save your confirmation email and order number in case you need to dispute a charge

What to Do If You've Been Scammed

If you realize you've fallen for a scam, act quickly. Every minute counts when financial information is involved.

1. 1Stop all contact with the scammer immediately — do not respond to further messages or calls
2. 2Document everything — take screenshots of the scam website, emails, or messages before they disappear
3. 3Contact your bank or credit card company right away if you shared financial information or made a payment. Ask them to reverse the charge and flag your account for suspicious activity.
4. 4Change the passwords on any accounts that may have been compromised, starting with your email
5. 5Report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission at reportfraud.ftc.gov — your report helps law enforcement track scam operations
6. 6Run a malware scan on your computer if you clicked any links or downloaded anything