The Top 10 Most Common Scams of 2022

Reflecting on the past year, we gain insights into the tactics used by scammers in 2022, which continue to pose threats. By dissecting the most prevalent scams, we can better equip ourselves with the knowledge and strategies needed to avoid falling victim. Each section below outlines the nature of these scams and provides targeted advice on how to stay safe.

Phishing Emails

What is a Phishing Email?

• Phishing emails are deceptive communications that mimic legitimate organizations to steal sensitive information like passwords, credit card numbers, or Social Security numbers.

How to Stay Safe from Phishing Emails?

• Verify the sender’s email address, look for unusual language or formatting, and never click on links or download attachments from suspicious emails. Always confirm the authenticity of the request through direct, trusted channels. To learn more about phishing emails, click here.

Text Message Scams (Smishing)

What is a Text Message Scam (Smishing)?

• These scams involve sending fraudulent text messages designed to trick you into revealing personal information or downloading malware.

How to Stay Safe from Text Message Scams?

• Do not respond to or click on links in unsolicited text messages. Verify any supposedly official request by directly contacting the organization through their public contact information. To learn more about smishing and how to stay safe from them, click here.

Romance Scams

What is a Romance Scam?

• Fraudsters create fake profiles on dating sites to attract victims, establish romantic relationships, and then manipulate them into sending money.

How to Stay Safe from Romance Scams?

• Be cautious with online relationships, especially those that progress rapidly; never send money or share financial details with someone you have not met in person. Click here for more information on romance scams.

Investment Scams

What is an Investment Scam?

• Offers that promise high returns with little or no risk, often involving exotic or unregulated investment opportunities. Take a look at a new AI Investment scam that has been running through social media lately.

How to Stay Safe from Investment Scams?

• Research every investment opportunity thoroughly and use financial advisors or brokers who are registered with government financial authorities. Click here to learn more about investment fraud and how to stay protected from it.

Fake Charity Scams

What is a Fake Charity Scam?

• These scams occur when fraudsters solicit donations for non-existent charities, especially after publicized disasters or during the holiday season.

How to Stay Safe from Fake Charity Scams?

• Always verify the legitimacy of a charity through established charity watchdog groups before donating. Charity scams and disaster relief scams are quite similar, click here to learn about both.

Tech Support Scams

What is a Tech Support Scam?

• Scammers claim that your computer has a severe problem and offer to fix it for a fee or gain access to your computer where they can then break your device.

How to Stay Safe from Tech Support Scams?

• Be wary of unsolicited tech support calls or pop-ups. Always contact your tech provider directly using contact information from their official website if you suspect a problem. Tech support scams remain one of the most common scams targeting older individuals. The best way to prevent yourself from falling victim to a tech support scam is to know the signs – click here to see more examples of tech support scams.

Job Offer Scams

What is a Job Offer Scam?

• Offers of employment that require payment for training or materials, or that ask for personal information before the job is secured.

How to Stay Safe from Job Offer Scams?

• Research the company offering the job and verify job offers through official company contact information, not just the details provided in the offer. Job offer scams are particularly tricky to catch because the individual believes they are earning the money instead of being given money or winning it like other scams. This level of “earned” monetary gain makes it harder to catch. Click here so you can learn the common signs of what makes something a job offer scam.

Health Insurance Scams

What is a Health Insurance Scam?

• Fraudulent offers of health insurance at unusually low prices, often to collect sensitive personal information.

How to Stay Safe from Health Insurance Scams?

• Purchase health insurance only from licensed agents and through known insurance providers.

Grandparent Scams

What is a Grandparent Scam?

• Scammers pose as a grandchild or another family member in urgent need of money for an emergency.

How to Stay Safe from Grandparent Scams?

• Always verify the caller’s identity by contacting them through a known phone number and never rush into sending money without confirmation. Educating our loved ones is crucial when it comes to grandparent scams, click here to learn more about how.

Government Impersonation Scams

What is a Government Impersonation Scam?

• Impersonators claim to be government officials in an attempt to collect payments or personal information.

How to Stay Safe from Government Impersonation Scams?

• Know that legitimate government agencies will never ask for personal financial information or immediate payment over the phone or via email. IRS impersonation scams are the most common government impersonation scams. Click here to learn more about fake IRS impersonation scams. 

The Top 10 Most Common Scams of 2022

The scams of 2022 varied widely, but all shared the common goal of exploiting unsuspecting individuals. By understanding these scams and following the safety tips provided, you can significantly enhance your ability to protect yourself and your loved ones.

Keep Yourself Informed and Protected

Stay vigilant and informed by visiting our resources tab, where you can learn more about preventing scams and protecting your personal information by clicking here.