How To Quickly Identify a Scammer (Online, Phone, and Text)

What Are the Red Flags Indicating That You’re Being Scammed?

It’s getting harder and harder to spot scammers. With massive data breaches leaking sensitive information along with AI-powered tools, fraudsters can now create scams that put even the most-scam savvy people at risk. 

But no matter how sophisticated scammers become, there are clear warning signs that can help you identify scams. 

Be immediately cautious if someone with whom you’re communicating online or on your phone does any of the following:

• Asks for payment — especially via gift cards or cryptocurrencies
• Requests personal or financial information 
• Threatens you with jail time or fines if you don’t act quickly
• Won’t let you hang up, call back, or take time to gather your thoughts
• Claims to be someone in a position of authority

Knowing the major warning signs of a scam is a good first line of defense, but taking action is a critical follow-up. Strengthen your online accounts, enable fraud alerts, and make use of the digital security tools at your disposal if you truly want to secure your information and assets.

🤔 Test your ability to spot common scams with Aura’s spot the scam quiz →

How To Quickly Identify a Scammer: 11 Warning Signs

While scams have evolved, scammers often rely on only a handful of proven tactics. For example, most scams start with unexpected contact — so, any unwanted calls, strange messages, or other out-of-the-blue contact should immediately set off alarms. 

Here are some other red flags that you should treat with caution. 

1. Asking for any form of payment

Legitimate organizations and individuals never demand immediate payment, especially through unusual methods like Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies, wire transfers, or gift cards. Scammers often use these untraceable payment methods to hide their identities, avoid investigations, and prevent chargebacks.

You’re being scammed if:

• You’re asked to send money via gift cards and are told that you’ll be reimbursed in cash
• Someone asks for money that’s needed right away to help them out of a difficult situation
• You’re sent a check to deposit and then told to return some of the money

2. Urgent or emergency contact

Scammers create a sense of urgency to pressure you into making rash decisions and mistakes. For example, they may fabricate a crisis to force you into immediate action — claiming it's the only way to avoid serious consequences. With AI voice cloning and caller ID spoofing, scammers can impersonate anyone — even your loved ones. 

You’re being scammed if:

• A supposed family member calls and says that they're in danger and need money right now
• A tech support person contacts you about a critical computer issue that needs fixing — for a fee
• A message from your bank claims that your debit card or credit card has been misused

3. Threats and intimidation tactics

Fraudsters weaponize fear to manipulate you into following their orders. They may threaten you with legal action, financial penalties, and social or physical harm if you don't do what they say.

You’re being scammed if:

• A government agency like the IRS insists you'll be arrested if you don't make a payment
• A text message from a company (such as a toll collector or utility company) lists fines or late fees
• A hacker threatens to release incriminating photos or sensitive information unless you pay a ransom

4. Promises of rewards and prizes

Scammers know that the excitement of winning a prize can cloud your judgement, so they may promise valuable, sometimes life-changing rewards in return for a small payment or your personal information. 

You’re being scammed if:

• An organization like the National Sweepstakes Bureau says you've won a lottery that you don't remember entering
• Someone offers you improved odds of winning a prize if you pay an upfront fee
• A social media message guarantees huge returns on an investment (such as a “special” cryptocurrency exchange)

5. Asking for (or wanting to “confirm”) personal information

Most phishing emails and phone calls aim to get your personal details. Scammers may have some of your information already and ask you to fill in some blanks; but legitimate companies won't do this over the phone or via email. 

You’re being scammed if: 

• You receive a strange order or shipping confirmation that requires personal information to cancel
• A government agency like the Social Security Administration (SSA) calls to verify your Social Security Number (SSN)
• A law enforcement officer or legal professional asks you to confirm your date of birth or other details

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6. Impersonating an authority figure

Scammers use authority to trick victims into trusting them and lowering their guards. Fraudsters might even spoof the phone number of the organization they're impersonating so that your caller ID displays the name.  

You’re being scammed if:

• A government official or police officer calls you to discuss legal matters
• Someone claiming to be a lawyer, doctor, or military officer messages you unexpectedly on social media 
• You call a number in a text message or email and are transferred to a supposed law enforcement officer (such as a sheriff or someone from the FBI) 

7. Telling you to “keep it a secret”

Scam artists use secrecy to isolate victims and keep their own identities and motives hidden. Secrets can also make the scam seem more exclusive or enable scammers to appear as if they're doing you a favor. 

You’re being scammed if:

• You're asked to keep an online relationship private because it could get you or the other person in trouble
• They offer confidential information that could lead to legal challenges if you reveal it
• A buyer asks you to keep a purchase a surprise until the time is right 

8. Claiming you need to transfer your money to a “safe” account

There are many versions of this scam, but it usually involves some threat to your money unless you move funds quickly to a safer account. The scammers may spoof an official number or even show you "proof" that your money is in jeopardy. 

You’re being scammed if:

• You receive a message from your financial institution that says your existing account is compromised and you need to move your money
• Someone warns you that the courts will seize your money unless you move it

9. Automated messages and robocalls

Many phone scams start with an automated message that gives you the option to speak to a representative. This allows them to reach more potential victims and appear official at the same time. The scammer on the other end will ask for information, such as your date of birth, SSN, or credit card number. 

You’re being scammed if: 

• A robocall claims that the security division of your credit card company needs you to verify transactions
• A message informs you that the warranty on your vehicle is about to expire and needs to be renewed
• You get an offer to lower your interest rates or receive debt relief for a loan

10. Suspicious or obscured links 

Scammers have the ability to send malicious links that appear to go to the official websites of legitimate companies. It's only when you carefully investigate the link that you discover it leads to a fake website designed to steal your information.  

You’re being scammed if:

• You hover over a link and see a different URL in the bottom left of your screen
• You receive an email that has different “sender” and “reply-to” addresses
• The links have been shortened or contain misspellings and/or strange symbols

11. Messages that use psychological tricks

Scam artists use a host of tactics to deceive victims and convince them to lower their defenses. Fraudsters manipulate emotions and create scenarios that can influence your decision-making and your ability to recognize a scam. 

You’re being scammed if:

• A romantic interest quickly claims to love you — also known as “love bombing,” this is a classic warning sign of romance scams 
• You’re able to withdraw a modest gain from a suspicious investment — scammers gain your trust by offering you small wins, only to steal everything later
• You feel overwhelmed — scammers create confusion by using urgency, fast talking, and technical jargon to overwhelm you

What To Do If You Accidentally Engage With a Scammer 

If you think you've been targeted or are the victim of a scam, act quickly to minimize the damage. Follow these steps to protect your information and finances: 

• Break off contact. Stop all communication with the scammers. Don't tell them that you're on to them or ask for more information. If they find out that the scam is foiled, this could escalate matters.
• Avoid sharing sensitive information. If you haven't already given up information, keep it that way. Don't even confirm your name or address. 
• Report the scam. Where you report it depends on the type of scam; but the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) handles most cases at ReportFraud.ftc.gov (for scams) or IdentityTheft.gov (for identity theft). The FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center accepts internet-related scam reports, and the SSA takes SSN-related reports. You can also contact your local police department.
• Secure your accounts. Change your passwords, and enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on any accounts related to the information that the scammers have on you.
• Set up fraud alerts. Activate fraud alerts on your bank accounts to notify you of any unauthorized or suspicious activity. Identity theft protection services also send you notifications of any misuse of your credit or personal information. 
• Install antivirus software. Run a security scan to detect and remove malware that scammers may have put on your device.
• Freeze your credit. Freezing your credit prevents identity thieves from using your information to open new accounts. You need to initiate individual freezes with each of the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, TransUnion, and Experian). ‍
• Monitor your accounts. Keep a close eye on all activity within your accounts. Review your bank statements, credit reports, and email accounts for anything suspicious.

The Bottom Line: You Can Outsmart Scammers

Scammers can be clever and persistent, which is a dangerous combination — but they're not unstoppable. By staying informed, recognizing common red flags, and taking proactive security measures, you can build a personal safety net that makes it harder for scammers to trick you. 

You can further enhance your security with the help of Aura's industry-leading digital protection package. Aura gives you access to scam and spam blockers, powerful antivirus software, and Safe Browsing tools. You also receive identity protection, credit and financial transaction monitoring, and round-the-clock U.S.-based fraud support.