How to Spot a Scam

Scammers are always inventing new ways to exploit people. However, some of the basic tactics don’t change much. The Cybercrime Support Network (CSN), in partnership with Google, has set up the ScamSpotter web site (https://scamspotter.org/) . Scam Spotter lists Three Golden Rules for spotting a scam.

1. Slow Down: If any organization is rushing you to act fast, this is a red flag. Take your time to get more information. Do not rush.

2. Spot check: Utilize the internet, search for that organization online. If you get unexpected calls, unhang up, then search to verify the phone number.

3. Stop, Don’t Send. Scammers are always demanding payment on the spot, A trustworthy organization would not ask you to send your credit card over texts, phone calls or emails. Scammers love gift cards. Do not send any gift cards to anyone, who you have not verified or know.

If you receive email and are not sure whether it’s a scam, please send  the complete headers to security@umbc.edu.   The UMBC guide to displaying complete email headers can be found at:

https://wiki.umbc.edu/pages/viewpage.action?pageId=1867970 

Source: https://scamspotter.org/scams