How to Avoid Scams in 2023: What You Need to Know by Age

How to avoid scams and stop falling for them

The world of scamming is evolving, and it can be hard to keep up with the latest trends. You may start to receive more and more offers in the mail, through email, or even on the phone. It can be hard to know which ones are legitimate and which ones are scams. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered!

Here is an overview of the most common scams by age so you can be aware of the dangers and protect yourself from becoming a victim.

Scams for Baby Boomers

As you age, you become a more common target for scams. This is because older individuals are often seen as more trusting and easier to fool. It’s so important to be aware of the most common scams so you can avoid them. Here are some of the most common for Baby Boomers:

1) The fraudulent sweepstakes or lottery scam: A scammer will contact you out of the blue and tell you that you’ve won a fabulous prize in a foreign lottery. Then, they’ll ask you to pay taxes or fees to collect your prize!

2) Phishing scams: This is one of the most common scams out there and often targets baby boomers. A phishing email may appear to be from a reputable company such as your bank. It might contain a link that installs malware on your computer, therefore stealing your personal information. Don’t click on any suspicious links in emails– always go to the company’s website to log in.

Scams for Millennials and Gen Zers

Millennials and Gen Zers are an especially popular target. It is because of their habit of making purchases online. They are also less experienced in financial matters and have an affinity for trendy products. Some of the most common scams that target people in this age demographic are:

Investment Fraud

Investment frauds can include scams involving advertised financial products. These schemes often sound too good to be true and can be difficult to spot. Make sure that you are doing thorough research before investing, and ensure you use only trusted sources.

Online Shopping Schemes

Fraudulent online shopping sites often offer goods at low prices. They prompt users to enter credit card information to make purchases. Yet, instead of receiving anything in return, customers can find themselves with an empty wallet and items. To avoid this situation, it’s best to research the website well before making any purchases.

To stay safe, it’s important to remember that if something seems too good to be true, it probably is. This can be anything that requires you to take immediate action without researching the company. Also, be sure to check the privacy policies on websites. If they don’t seem legitimate, that’s a red flag.

How to Protect Yourself

So, what can you do to protect yourself from scams in 2023? Well, here are a few tips:

  • Be skeptical of unsolicited emails, phone calls, or text messages. Especially if they promise an unbelievable reward or request sensitive personal information.
  • Don’t share your personal information. That includes sharing financial account details with anyone you don’t know and trust.
  • Be very careful about clicking on links or downloading attachments in emails. They may contain malware that can infect your computer or steal your information.
  • Don’t fall for fake contests or sweepstakes. Research them to see if they are legit.
  • Always check the credentials of organizations before donating money. Do the same while signing up for any services.
  • Stay informed about the latest scams and how to protect yourself.

With these tips in mind, you can help keep yourself safe from scams in 2023 and beyond!

Fell for a Scam?

If you do end up falling for a scam and are struggling financially, we’ve got you covered! At Advance Financial, you can get the cash you need for emergencies. You can get your money to cover unexpected costs in these states. Apply online and get up to $4000, depending on your state, as soon as today!*