Scammers identify ways to obtain personal information and use that information for financial gain. Some of the more common scams include:
Financial requests — You may receive an email or text that appears to be from a bank, financial institution or the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), but may be a hoax. Banks usually won’t ask you to transfer money or provide financial information by email, text message or phone. If you receive such a request, stop and talk to someone you trust. Call the financial institution using a phone number from a reliable source and not one provided in the email or text.
Tech support — Scammers try to convince you to give them access to your computer. Do not allow remote computer access to unknown individuals or companies.
Lottery prizes or unclaimed inheritance — Scammers may claim you have won money or have an unclaimed inheritance. They trick you by asking you to provide personal information and pay a fee to claim the money, but you never receive anything.
Online dating — Scammers may use dating websites or apps to pose as a romantic interest and ask you to send them money for an emergency. Once your money arrives, they may disappear or try to trick you into sending more.
Fake job offer – Scammers post and offer fake jobs and they try to collect your personal and sensitive information, such as your Social Security number, by asking you to complete an employment form (e.g., W-4). Check the legitimacy of the job by visiting the company’s job post page from a reliable source and not one provided by the recruiter.
Family imposters — Fraudsters may send emails or call and pose as a family member or friend in distress who urgently needs money. Stop and talk to someone you trust if you receive such a request. Do not let your guard down, no matter how a stranger reaches out to you.
You can find more information about scams and how to spot them at these websites:
All Capital Group trademarks mentioned are owned by The Capital Group Companies, Inc., an affiliated company or fund. All other company and product names mentioned are the property of their respective companies.