Scams have become ubiquitous in the digital age and are now becoming more difficult to spot. According to the Better Business Bureau, the most recent iteration includes some key details that, to the untrained eye, may fool you into thinking it’s legit.
Like many other scams, this one comes over email or text message, and will appear to be from someone you know. “The message looks harmless and casual – like something a friend might really write,” the BBB said in a recent scam alert. For example, the BBB said, it could be something like: "Hi, how are things going with you? Are you busy? I need a quick favor," and even ending the message with "Sent from my iPhone."
That is a more sophisticated scam, complete with the same automated language included on legitimate emails, the BBB said. If you reply, the scammer may ask you to purchase a gift card for them and send a photo of the pin or the back of the card, claiming they’re traveling and are unable to buy it online.
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How to avoid falling for scam messages
Scammers use email or text messages to trick you into giving them personal and financial information, according to the Federal Trade Commission, whose data finds that scams cost consumers billions of dollars a year. If you get any text or email asking you for private information or to buy gift cards, put your guard up no matter how legitimate the message seems.
According to BBB, the best way to protect yourself is to reach out to the person directly to confirm that the message is from them before sending any money or information. Also, use gift cards wisely, being sure to stay wary of businesses who deal exclusively with gift cards.
If it's a friend or family member, don't call the number that just messaged you. Go to the contact list in your phone and call them from there to ask if they really sent you that message. If it's from a company, don't click through any links or call any phone numbers in the message. Use Google to find the official company website and call the customer service phone number listed on the website.
These extra steps to confirm a message isn't a scam are worth it. Because once you fall for one, it can be hard or impossible to undo the damage. Gift cards, for example, are especially tricky, as they don’t contain the same protections as credit or debit cards. Once you've spent the money on them, the cash most likely will never be recouped.
It’s one of the reasons why gift cards are one of the worst things to keep in your wallet. Anyone can use them, as you are not required to show ID when paying with a gift card, and they are an easy target for scammers both during the holidays and otherwise. Scammers take down gift card information and wait until it’s activated to use it.
After being on high alert during the holidays, you might be tempted to let your guard down. But it’s important to remember that scammers are working all year round.
What to do if you've already been scammed
If you've already fallen victim to a scam, don't be too hard on yourself. According to a recent Gallup poll, approximately 21 million Americans said they'd personally fallen for a scam, so you definitely aren't alone. Scammers are developing increasingly sophisticated techniques that make it harder to detect any red flags.
While it's an uphill battle to get your money back, there are some things you can do to try to recover your losses or minimize the aftermath of any personal information that the scammer received.
As Kiplinger has previously reported, if you suspect you’ve already been a victim of credit card fraud, you can file a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. If you notice fraudulent charges, you can call AARP's Fraud Watch Network helpline at 877-908-3360.
If you gave your credit card information, contact your bank to disable that card and request a new one. It also helps to change the passwords on any accounts that might have been compromised. Finally, let others know. Once a scammer has your information, they may be able to use it to target people around you. Even if they don't, sharing your experience with others can help them be alert to potential scams.
To learn more about how to spot, avoid and report scams, or steps to help you recover money you’ve lost to a scammer, visit the FTC's scam reporting page. And if you do spot a scam, report it directly to the FTC's fraud report site.
The bottom line
Scams are becoming more common and more costly every day, so it's important to take the steps recommended above to protect yourself. And remember, while it's easy to feel ashamed for falling for a scam, the best thing you can do for yourself and those around you is talk about it. Alert your bank and your loved ones so they know what to watch for.
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