Financial Fraud and Scam Warning Signs
Scams change their stories, but many use the same pressure techniques: urgency, fear, secrecy, authority impersonation or promises of unusually high returns with little risk.
Slow down high-pressure requests
A legitimate organization should not need you to bypass normal verification because of an unexpected call or message. Independently contact the organization using a known phone number or official website.
Be skeptical of guaranteed investment returns
High return normally comes with higher risk. Claims of unusually high, consistent or guaranteed returns deserve careful scrutiny and regulatory verification.
Protect recovery attempts
People who have already lost money can be targeted again by fake recovery services. Verify any investigator, regulator, lawyer or recovery company independently before providing money or information.
A practical next step
Write down the one number or fact from this topic that affects your situation—such as a balance, rate, due date, fee, target amount or policy limit. Then verify any jurisdiction-specific rule with an official source before making a decision.