Common Scams
Scammers are constantly finding new ways to steal personal and financial information. Learn the warning signs and simple steps you can take to stay safe online.
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AI Voice & Video Scams
Don’t trust a familiar voice alone.
Scammers may use AI to imitate the voice or appearance of a friend or family member and claim there’s an emergency.
- Call the person using a trusted number.
- Verify the request before sending money.
- Be cautious of urgent requests.
Email & Phishing Scams
Think before you click.
Scammers use fake emails, text messages, or websites that appear legitimate to steal personal or financial information.
- Don’t click suspicious links or attachments.
- Verify requests directly.
- Report scams to the FTC.
Computer Tech Support & Subscription Scams
Don’t let strangers take control of your computer.
Fake virus warnings, pop-ups, emails, or renewal notices are designed to trick you into paying for fake services or allowing remote access.
- Never allow remote access.
- Ignore urgent pop-ups.
- Contact the company directly.
Government Impersonation Scams
Government agencies won’t demand immediate payment.
Scammers may pretend to represent a government agency to pressure you into paying or sharing personal information.
- Never pay with gift cards or cryptocurrency.
- Verify requests independently.
- Contact the agency directly.
Banking & Gift Card Scams
Gift cards are a red flag.
Scammers may claim your account is at risk and tell you to move money or buy gift cards.
- Contact your bank directly.
- Never stay on the phone while making payments.
- Be cautious of urgent requests.
Internet & Utility Scams
If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
Scammers may advertise fake internet offers or claim they can lower your internet or utility bill.
- Compare offers through RivcoConnect.
- Never share account information.
- Contact your provider before making changes.
Online Marketplace Scams
Meet safely. Pay securely.
Scammers use fake listings and fraudulent payments to target buyers and sellers.
- Meet in public places.
- Verify payment before shipping.
- Be cautious of unrealistic deals.
Job Scams
Real jobs don’t ask you to pay.
Fake employers may offer high-paying jobs to collect personal information or upfront fees.
- Research the company.
- Never pay for training.
- Question offers that seem too good to be true.
Charity Donation Scams
Give wisely. Verify first.
Scammers create fake charities to collect donations after disasters or during the holidays.
- Donate through trusted organizations.
- Verify before giving.
- Avoid gift card requests.
Romance Scams
Trust takes time.
Scammers build online relationships before asking for money or personal information.
- Never send money.
- Protect your personal information.
- Be cautious of emergency requests.
Political Donation Scams
Donate only through official websites.
Scammers impersonate campaigns or causes to collect fraudulent donations.
- Use official campaign websites.
- Verify before donating.
- Avoid gift card or wire transfer requests.
Think You’ve Been Scammed?
- Stop communicating with the scammer.
- Change your passwords.
- Contact your bank if financial information was shared.
- Report the scam to the FTC.
Online Safety Tips
Simple habits can help protect your accounts, devices, and personal information. Tap any topic to expand it.
Protect Your Accounts
+ 1. Use Strong Passwords
Use a unique password for every account and enable multi-factor authentication.
- Use 12+ characters.
- Consider a password manager.
- Never share verification codes.
+ 2. Sign In Safely
Protect your accounts on shared devices.
- Sign out when using a public or shared device.
- Do not save passwords on public computers.
- Use multi-factor authentication when available.
Browse and Communicate Safely
+ 3. Think Before You Click
Be cautious of unexpected emails, texts, QR codes, and links.
- Do not click links from unknown senders.
- Check the sender’s email address carefully.
- Go directly to the official website when possible.
+ 4. Protect Personal Information
Share only what’s necessary.
- Review privacy settings.
- Limit app permissions.
- Avoid oversharing online.
Stay Safe on Networks and Devices
+ 5. Use Public Wi-Fi Carefully
Public Wi-Fi isn’t always secure.
- Avoid entering sensitive information on public Wi-Fi.
- Use trusted networks when possible.
- Turn off auto-connect for public networks.
+ 6. Keep Devices Updated
Updates help protect your devices.
- Install system updates when available.
- Keep apps and browsers updated.
- Restart your device after major updates.
Helpful Security Tips
Navigating the digital world isn’t always easy. These tools, including free options — can help keep your information secure.
Password Managers
Store and generate strong passwords, and auto-fill them when needed.