Imposter scams are happening more and more, and scammers are getting creative with their tricks. They might pretend to be someone we know, like a family member, a friend, or even our bank. Their goal is always the same: to trick us into sending money or sharing personal information.
Here are our tips to #BeFraudSmart:
Stay calm and check first
When scammers try to get in touch, they often rush us. They might say there’s something wrong with our account or that we owe money. The first thing we should do is stay calm. Take a deep breath! Panicking will make it harder to spot a scam.
Also, never use contact details from a strange email or message. They could be part of the scam!
Stick to your regular payment methods
If someone asks for a money transfer in a way that feels unusual or too quick, we need to think twice. Real businesses, banks, and government groups won’t ask to send money through weird or risky methods. They will use trusted ways that we already know, like credit cards, bank transfers, or official online payments.
Look for warning signs
Scammers try to sound official, but there are usually some hints that something’s wrong:
- Bad language: Look out for strange wording, typos, or grammar mistakes.
- Weird formatting: Watch for odd fonts, all caps, or strange spaces between words.
- Pushy messages: They might use subject lines like “Immediate action needed!” to get us to act fast.
- Strange contact details: The email or phone number might look close to the real thing but with small changes (extra letters or numbers).
- Asking for sensitive information: Be cautious about sharing passwords, credit card details, or private information. Legitimate sources will never ask for sensitive details—online, by phone, or in person—or instruct you to leave your card in a public place.”
Trust your instincts
If you’re talking to a company or government worker and something feels off, trust your instincts. A real worker will be polite and professional. If the person is rude or too pushy, hang up and call the company yourself using their official contact details.
Follow the golden rule
The easiest way to avoid scams is to never send money to someone you haven’t met in person. Scammers often pretend to be a friend or relative who needs money fast. Always be careful with money transfers and only use trusted services like Western Union if you’re sending money to someone you know.
Report suspicious activity
If you think you’ve been scammed, don’t wait to report it. The faster you act, the better! Contact your country’s fraud hotline and visit the Western Union Fraud Resource Center for help. The sooner you report it, the less damage it can cause—and it might stop others from getting scammed too.
Imposter scams can be tricky, but with a little bit of awareness, you can protect yourself and the ones who count the most. Just stay informed, trust your instincts, and follow these simple steps to stay safe. You’ve got this!
