Scam or Potential Scam?

You receive an email from a bank claiming there's an issue with your account and asking you to click on a link to verify your information.

• Scam

• Potential Scam

Answer explanation

Legitimate banks typically do not ask customers to verify their account information through unsolicited emails. They usually advise customers to visit the bank's official website directly or contact customer support through verified channels. The email may be a phishing attempt to steal your personal and financial information.

You come across a website offering brand-name products at significantly discounted prices.

• Scam

• Potential Scam

Answer explanation

While discounted prices are common in online shopping, deeply discounted prices can sometimes indicate counterfeit or fake products. It's important to research the website's reputation, read reviews, and ensure it's a legitimate retailer before making a purchase. Otherwise, you risk receiving low-quality or counterfeit goods, or even having your payment information compromised.

A social media account sends you a message claiming you've won a free vacation, but you need to provide your personal information to claim the prize.

• Scam

• Potential Scam

Answer explanation

Unsolicited messages offering free prizes or vacations are often used in phishing scams to collect personal information. Legitimate companies do not randomly select individuals for prizes without their prior participation in a contest or giveaway. Providing personal information in response to such messages can lead to identity theft or other fraudulent activities.

You receive a phone call from someone claiming to be from tech support, saying your computer has a virus and they need remote access to fix it.

• Scam

• Potential Scam

Answer explanation

Tech support scams often involve callers claiming to be from reputable companies, such as Microsoft or Apple, and tricking individuals into granting remote access to their computers. Once access is granted, scammers may install malware, steal personal information, or demand payment for fake services. Legitimate tech support companies do not typically initiate contact with customers in this manner.

You receive a text message claiming to be from a delivery service, saying you have an undelivered package and need to click on a link to reschedule delivery.

• Scam

• Potential Scam

Answer explanation

Text messages requesting action or personal information through links are common in phishing scams. Clicking on the link may lead to a fraudulent website designed to steal your information or infect your device with malware. Legitimate delivery services usually provide tracking numbers or instructions through their official websites, rather than unsolicited text messages.

You see an advertisement promising guaranteed returns on a new cryptocurrency investment opportunity.

• Scam

• Potential Scam

Answer explanation

While cryptocurrencies can offer investment opportunities, advertisements promising guaranteed returns are often associated with fraudulent schemes. Investors should be cautious of schemes promising high returns with little or no risk, as they may be Ponzi schemes or other forms of investment fraud. It's important to conduct thorough research and seek advice from trusted financial professionals before investing in cryptocurrencies or any other investment opportunity.

A pop-up window appears on your computer screen, warning that your device has been infected with malware and prompting you to download a program to fix it.

• Scam

• Potential Scam

Answer explanation

Pop-up warnings claiming your device is infected with malware are often part of tech support scams or malware distribution tactics. Clicking on the pop-up or downloading the suggested program may lead to the installation of malicious software or the theft of personal information. Legitimate antivirus programs do not typically use pop-up warnings to alert users of infections, and users should rely on reputable antivirus software for protection.

You receive a letter in the mail congratulating you on winning a lottery you didn't enter, but to claim the prize, you need to pay a processing fee.

• Scam

• Potential Scam

Answer explanation

Lottery scams often involve fraudulent letters, emails, or phone calls claiming individuals have won a prize in a lottery or sweepstakes they did not enter. Requests for payment of processing fees, taxes, or other expenses are common tactics used to extract money from victims. Legitimate lotteries do not require winners to pay fees upfront to claim their prizes, and individuals should be wary of such requests for payment.