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Can you spot a scam?

By
Real Estate Broker/Owner with Hamm Homes

Can you spot a scam?
Five red flags to watch out for.

When it comes to helping you and your family avoid scams, it starts with awareness. Here are a few consistent red flags you can watch for so you can stop a scammer in their tracks.
 

1. Unexpected contact

A person or company contacts you out of the blue by phone, text, or email about an invoice, order, delivery, or charge you didn’t know about.
 

2. Everything is urgent

Scammers will create a false sense of urgency and use pressure tactics like rude or pushy language to get you to act immediately.
 

3. Very specific or unusual way to pay

Someone is asking you to pay or send money using gift cards, cryptocurrency, a payment app, or even an online wire — to pay for something, resolve an “issue,” get sweepstakes “winnings,” or secure a high return on your “investment.”
 

4. Threatening language

Scammers may tell you that you owe money and then threaten to call the police if you don’t pay immediately. They may also coach you on what to tell the bank to withdraw or transfer money, or ask you to keep a secret.
 

5. The romantic “emergency”

A new online love interest bombards you with “sweet talk” but doesn’t seem to want to meet in person. Suddenly a hardship or emergency strikes and they want you to send them money.

Comments (11)
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Georgie Hunter R(S) 58089
Hawai'i Life Real Estate Brokers - Haiku, HI
Maui Real Estate sales and lifestyle info

What out for those good looking prospects on the dating apps!  lol

Jun 14, 2023 09:12 AM
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

This is good information to share. Seniors are among the favorite targets for scams.

Jun 14, 2023 09:26 AM
Wayne Martin
Wayne M Martin - Chicago, IL
Real Estate Broker - Retired

Good morning Will. I use the smell test but great tips. Thanks! These days you can't be too careful. Enjoy your day.

Jun 14, 2023 09:35 AM
Will Hamm
Hamm Homes - Aurora, CO
"Where There's a Will, There's a Way!"

Hello Georgia and good point.

 

Jun 14, 2023 09:47 AM
Will Hamm
Hamm Homes - Aurora, CO
"Where There's a Will, There's a Way!"

Hello Roy Kelley, seniors are targets to often.

 

Jun 14, 2023 09:48 AM
Will Hamm
Hamm Homes - Aurora, CO
"Where There's a Will, There's a Way!"

Hello Wayne and the smell test should be use by more people.

 

Jun 14, 2023 09:48 AM
Hannah Williams
HomeStarr Realty - Philadelphia, PA
Expertise NE Philadelphia & Bucks 215-820-3376

Will Hamm  If I do not know them I do not answer it ! too many scammers 

Jun 14, 2023 12:12 PM
Dorie Dillard Austin TX
Coldwell Banker Realty ~ 512.750.6899 - Austin, TX
NW Austin ~ Canyon Creek and Spicewood/Balcones

Hi Will Hamm ,

You have 5 very real and important red flags that let you know a scammer is at work. Thank you for sharing..I think Georgie Hunter R(S) 58089 also offered up a good one!

Jun 14, 2023 12:34 PM
Lise Howe
Keller Williams Capital Properties - Washington, DC
Assoc. Broker in DC, MD, VA and attorney in DC

I have had several random people contact me out of the blue and they want to chat by Whatsapp.  I wonder if there is some way to tap in to the information on my phone with that app while i have it open..... 

Jun 15, 2023 06:46 AM
Wanda Kubat-Nerdin - Wanda Can!
Red Rock Real Estate (435) 632-9374 - St. George, UT
St. George Utah Area Residential Sales Agent

Fantastic WARNING post, Will. People need to be proactive when it comes to scammers because it is not a game and they are playing for keeps!

Jun 15, 2023 06:22 PM
Diacabb Bour

There are a lot of scammers on the Internet, and it really upsets me. I like dating on dating sites, for example, but even then I can't be sure I'm safe. If you have experienced dating scams or want to avoid them, I advise you to read the articles on the free forum antiarnaques. It helps me learn about common types of scams and try to avoid them.

Jul 04, 2023 03:03 AM
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