Beware the Con: 18 Ridiculous Scams Snaring Americans

Despite advancements in technology and cybersecurity, scams continue to pose a significant risk to consumers. In this era of information overload, it’s startling to see the variety of absurd scams that are actually working. Here are 18 scams you should watch out for.  

“Your Computer Has a Virus” Scam

 

  This scam often starts with a pop-up warning on your computer screen, claiming that your system is infected. While the message appears urgent, complying usually leads to software downloads that are malware in disguise. Always double-check such warnings with your antivirus software.  

Fake Job Offers

 

  Scammers often send unsolicited job offers via email, targeting job seekers with too-good-to-be-true positions that require an upfront “training” fee. Beware, as paying this fee often leaves you jobless and poorer.  

Phony Tax Collectors

 

  People posing as IRS agents insist that you owe back taxes and must pay immediately, often through unconventional methods like gift cards. Always remember, the IRS will never demand immediate payment over the phone.  

Social Media Quizzes

 

  These seemingly harmless quizzes that ask for your favorite color or birth month can be data-mining traps. While they may tell you your spirit animal or dream job, the data collected is often used for identity theft or sold to third parties. Exercise caution about what personal information you share online, especially in seemingly innocuous quiz forms.  

Lottery Scams

 

  You receive an email or phone call claiming you’ve won a lottery you never entered. The catch? You need to pay a fee to collect your winnings. Always remember, legitimate lotteries never ask for money upfront.  

Emergency Family Assistance

 

  A call or email arrives, usually late at night, from someone claiming to be a relative in immediate danger. They insist that they need money wired quickly for an emergency. This is often so well-executed it seems legitimate. Always verify such urgent requests by reaching out to your family members through known, verified contacts to confirm the situation.  

Romance Scams

 

  These scams often start on dating sites, where a person you’ve never met professes love quickly and then has a financial “emergency” that only you can resolve. Be wary of online relationships that move too fast and involve money.  

Fake Charities

 

  Scammers often take advantage of people’s generosity, especially after natural disasters or during the holiday seasons, by posing as charity organizations. These faux charities often have names similar to well-known organizations. Always validate a charity’s legitimacy through third-party sources like Charity Navigator before making a donation.  

Used Car Scams

 

  Scammers post fake listings for used cars at incredibly low prices. Once you pay, either the car doesn’t exist, or it’s in far worse condition than advertised. Always see a car and its papers before making any payment.  

Home Repair Scams

 

  Bogus contractors offer to fix a visible home issue for a low price, then either vanish after taking a deposit or perform shoddy work that necessitates more repairs. Always check credentials and get multiple estimates before hiring.  

Tech Support Scams

 

  Here, scammers pose as tech support agents for legitimate companies, guiding you into installing malicious software that steals data. Always contact tech support through official channels.  

Rental Scams

 

  Fake landlords advertise properties they don’t actually own on rental sites, even providing compelling images and descriptions. After you pay the deposit, they suddenly become unresponsive or vanish entirely. Always meet the landlord in person, inspect the property, and verify property ownership through public records before making any rental agreements or payments.  

“Free” Trial Scams

 

  These scams often offer free trials for products that sound promising, requiring just a credit card for “minimal shipping fees.” What’s not evident is that they’ll start charging you a full subscription fee after the trial period, hidden in the fine print. Always read the terms and conditions carefully and check for reviews of any free offer before giving your card details.  

Advanced Fee Fraud

 

  You receive an unsolicited email or message claiming that you’ve inherited a significant fortune from a distant relative or won an international lottery. However, to unlock this “fortune,” you must first pay legal fees or taxes upfront. Remember, if something sounds too good to be true, it almost certainly is.  

Phishing Emails

 

  These emails look like they’re from trusted sources and prompt you to share sensitive information like passwords. Always double-check the email address and contact the organization directly to confirm.  

Gift Card Scams

 

  In this scam, fraudsters pose as tax authorities, utility companies, or even tech support, asking you to make payment for services via gift cards. They then sell these gift cards or redeem them. No legitimate service will ever request payment in the form of gift cards; always be suspicious of such requests.  

Bogus Investment Schemes

 

  These scams lure potential investors with promises of high returns with zero risk, typically claiming insider information or a revolutionary business model. Investors are usually lured into Ponzi schemes or fraudulent investment opportunities that guarantee profits but deliver nothing. Always conduct thorough research and consult with financial advisors before making any investment.  

Extended Car Warranties

 

  You receive a call or mailer warning you that your car’s warranty is about to expire. The sense of urgency is palpable, and they push for immediate action. Before committing, always verify such claims with your car’s dealer or manufacturer. Many times, these offers are from third-party companies that aren’t affiliated with any recognized brand.

Lost in Southern Translation: 18 Baffling Phrases from the South That’ll Leave Y’all Reaching for a Dictionary

  The Southern United States has a rich linguistic tradition that can often be a puzzle to those unfamiliar with the region’s unique vernacular. It’s not just the charming accent, but also the colorful phrases and expressions that add a dash of spice to the language. Let’s decode 18 such Southern phrases.

Lost in Southern Translation: 18 Baffling Phrases from the South That’ll Leave Y’all Reaching for a Dictionary

 

The Unpopular Yet Lucrative: 13 High-Paying Jobs Few Choose to Pursue

Despite their attractive salaries, there are specific high-paying jobs that need help to attract candidates due to various reasons. These unique professions offer financial rewards but often require more individuals to undertake the associated challenges. Let’s explore 14 such occupations that require specialized skills or involve demanding conditions but come with significant monetary compensation. The Unpopular Yet Lucrative: 13 High-Paying Jobs Few Choose to Pursue

Unmasking the Unpleasant: 12 Telltale Signs You Might Just Be a ‘Terrible Person’

You can tell if someone is a good person based on their words and actions. You can also use the same standard to determine if someone isn’t a good person. But what should you be looking for? An online community asked its members to describe the characteristics of someone who isn’t a good person, and the results were eye-opening Unmasking the Unpleasant: 12 Telltale Signs You Might Just Be a ‘Terrible Person’