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Young Adults Fight Against Scammers

Young Adults Can Fight Against Scammers

According to Pew Research Center, 73% of young adults experience online scams, and PYMNTS reports that almost 83% of young adults have been tricked by a suspicious link. 
Fight back against scammers by learning educating yourself on common scams:
 
Online Shopping Scams
How it works:
  • Scammers create fake websites and ads selling popular products at too-good-to-be-true prices
  • Your purchase will never get delivered or refunded
How to protect yourself:
  • Do your research - is the seller's account verified?
  • It is not recommended to pay strangers with real-time payment apps that act like cash - it's almost impossible to get your money back!
  • Use a credit card to purchase the item, which allows you to dispute the charge and get a refund if you don't receive the product.
 
Online Gaming Scams
How it works:
  • Scammers have you provide your credit card for rewards on fake gaming sites
  • In-game purchases or other downloads are actually spyware
How to protect yourself:
  • Check the game's website directly for available in-app purchases before providing your personal or payment information
  • Use official platforms only - avoiding third party sellers (especially ones offering discounted items or upgrades)
 
Deepfake Impersonation Scams
How it works:
  • The use of AI allows scammers to create fake images, audio, and videos that are perceived as legitimate
  • You are contacted from a fake person or company requesting you send them money or share sensitive information
  • Scammers can easily spoof numbers and call or text from a number you recognize, believing it to be real
  • Scammers ask you for money while pretending to be someone you trust or look up to (such as an online influencer) 
How to protect yourself: 
  • Be skeptical of unexpected contact - when in doubt, hang up and call back on a number you know is legitimate
  • Never provide your bank information for something you didn't initiate
  • Look for inconsistencies in voice, lighting, and natural human movement - this is a red flag of AI generated content
 
If you believe you've been scammed, don't panic!
  • Contact your bank immediately and let them know if you've sent money or shared your sensitive information
  • Report the scammer on the interacted platform
  • File a report at ic3.gov.  
Information courtesy of ABA Foundation and FICO.