There are many ways people are being scammed out of money. According to the Federal Trade Commission, here are 4 signs that it's a scam.

1. Scammers PRETEND to be from an organization you know.
   • Scammers often pretend to be contacting you on behalf of the government. They might use a real name like the Social Security Administration or the IRS.  Some pretend to be from a business you know like a charity or utility company. 
   • Beware when they call, Fraudsters are smart enough to change their name and phone number that may appear on your caller ID to trick you!
2. Scammers say there’s a PROBLEM or a PRIZE.
   • They may tell you you’re in trouble with the government and owe money.
   • Or they may tell you that someone in your family had an emergency or is in jail.
   • Or that there’s a virus on your computer.
   • Be careful as some scammers will say there’s a problem with one of your accounts and they need you to verify information.
   • Others will lie to you and tell you won money in a lottery or sweepstakes but must pay a fee to get the money.
3. Scammers PRESSURE you to act immediately.
   • They want you to act before you have time to think! Be aware… they will tell you not to hang up so you cannot check out their story.
   • They might threaten you or say your computer is about to be corrupted.
4. Scammers tell you to PAY in a specific way. 
   • They insist you pay money by a Wire Transfer or by putting money on a gift card and then give them the numbers on the back.
   • Sometimes they mail you a check and tell you to deposit it and then send them money.