How Today’s Scams are More Sophisticated – and How to Protect Yourself

Every week, people just like you - smart, careful, and financially responsible - lose thousands of dollars to scams that look completely legitimate. The reality is not that people are careless; it’s that today’s scams are designed to feel urgent, personal, and believable. With new technology, scammers can even use artificial intelligence to mimic the voice of a child or grandchild, making a fake emergency call sound frighteningly real. 

A common tactic involves messages claiming to be from the Social Security Administration or the IRS. It is important to remember: these agencies do not initiate contact by text message or email. They will not ask for personal information, threaten immediate arrest, or demand immediate payment. If you receive a message saying your benefits will be suspended or that you owe back taxes and must act now, it is almost certainly a scam.

IRS-related scams are especially common and often very convincing. You may receive a phone call from someone claiming to be an IRS agent, sometimes even using a badge number or spoofed caller ID that appears legitimate. They may say you owe back taxes and that law enforcement is on the way if you do not pay immediately. In some cases, scammers will send emails that look official, complete with logos and formal language, asking you to click a link to “resolve” the issue. These messages are designed to create fear and urgency so that you act before thinking.

The IRS does not call you. Read more to learn about IRS scams: https://www.irs.gov/help/how-to-know-its-the-irs

It’s important to know how the IRS actually communicates. In most cases, the IRS will first contact you by mail through the U.S. Postal Service. They do not demand immediate payment over the phone, and they will never ask you to pay using gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency. They also will not threaten arrest or involve local police for unpaid taxes without prior written notice. If you receive a suspicious call, hang up. If you receive a suspicious email or text, do not click any links.

Other frequent scams include fake tech support calls, investment opportunities promising guaranteed returns, and messages from someone pretending to be a grandchild or loved one in trouble. Scammers often “spoof” phone numbers or email addresses to make them appear legitimate. If you receive a call or message from someone claiming to be a family member in distress, even if the voice sounds familiar, hang up and call your child or grandchild back directly using a number you already know.

To protect yourself, pause before responding to any unexpected message. Do not click links or download attachments from unknown sources. Instead, contact the organization directly using a verified phone number or official website. It’s also wise to discuss suspicious messages with a trusted family member or advisor before taking action.

If you believe you’ve encountered a scam, report it. Taking a moment to verify can prevent significant financial loss and protect others as well.

Staying cautious isn’t about being fearful; it’s about being informed and in control.