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Fraud, cheat, swindle, deceive, dupe—these are words often used for “scam”—a word too common in today’s world of instant gratification and information overload. Scams are schemes that dupe you out of your money, and the perpetrators can be very convincing. They prey on emotions, manipulating you into sharing personal information, or worse, convince you to give them money you will never see again.

How can you protect yourself against scammers who are out to get your hard-earned cash? The answer is knowledge. Equip yourself with information that protects your money and security when these opportunistic criminals attack.

Here are four ways to identify a scam:

1. Be Wary of Phishing Emails

An email from a person or company who contacts you out of the blue is a red flag. If the business is from a country you have never visited, the probability of the email being fraudulent is very high.

Check for grammar and spelling mistakes. Legitimate companies always proofread emails. Scammers, on the other hand, use cheap writing services or write the emails themselves in haste, resulting in lowquality content.

If a link is provided, never click it! Move your mouse over the link and check whether the actual URL (which should pop up on most email programs) is similar to the written link in the content. For example, if the email is supposed to be from a bank and the URL points to a domain you’ve never heard of, something is fishy.

If there are attachments, never open or download them. They may contain viruses that can damage your device. This is true for any type of file.

2. Beware When Someone Asks for Personal Information

Companies (real or not) and individuals who ask for personal information are cause for concern. Though they may seem harmless at first—simply asking for your full name and address, for example—this information may be used to hijack your accounts and gain access to your money. The same information could also be used to open credit card accounts in your name, resulting in identity fraud.

If you receive a phone call, an email, or someone comes to your door saying they are a representative of your bank and need your personal information, do not give it to them. Banks and credit card companies already have your information—they don’t need it again. The only time they ask to confirm your identity is if you contact them, not the other way around.

3. Unbelievable Promises

Another red flag is when companies or people use superlative, over the top, and over-hyped language to push their product or service. Be wary of expressions like: “No Strings Attached,” “Free,” “Overnight Results,” or “Absolute Best.” This language is designed to target emotions and your pocket, rather than your intelligence and rational decision-making ability.

There is absolutely nothing that is 100 percent guaranteed in real life. There are no 100 percent guarantees to weight loss, looking younger, or returns on investments. If big rewards are promised with very little investment, you know it’s likely a scam.

4. You Are Asked for Money Up Front

When there is an urgent request for money, you know something is afoot. Being asked for money up front is one of the easiest ways to spot a scam. Con artists only want one thing from you— your cash—and they know hundreds of ways of getting it. These criminals are incredibly imaginative in getting you to part with your money!

If an employment site asks you for a service fee up front, you have to pay for membership to access “secrets,” a product offered comes with a “free trial” at a cost, or a “charity” you’ve never heard of calls for a donation, then be on your guard against a very likely hoax. Research these offers thoroughly.

Protect your hard-earned cash by being equipped with the knowledge to protect yourself against potential scam artists. Take these valuable tips to heart and never fall prey to lawless scammers.

James J. Paraiso, DO.

Board Certified Fellowship Trained Minimally Invasive Spine Surgeon Healthgrades 5-Star Award Recipient

Dr. James Paraiso is the area’s foremost authority in this advanced procedure with more than 3000 cases performed. This minimally invasive state of the art technique exceeds standards compared to laser and traditional “open” back surgery.

• Less post-operative pain

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• Short hospital stay

• Avoid scarring and tissue damage caused by laser surgery

• No need to travel to outside of the villages for your back surgery

• No need to pay thousands of dollars up front for facility fees