Crooks use clever schemes to defraud millions of people every year. They often combine sophisticated technology with age-old tricks to get people to send money or give out personal information. They add new twists to old schemes and pressure people to make important decisions on the spot. One thing that never changes: they follow Headlines—and the money. 

"Ditch the Pitch: A Guide for Guarding Against Scams" is meant to help you get ahead of the fraudsters. Education has always been a large part of the SCDCA's mission. We get that navigating the ever-changing marketplace can be overwhelming. With the rapid development of technology, scammers are more active (and more successful) than ever. This is why SCDCA created this guide; the best part is all education SCDCA provides is completely free!

Common Scams

Artificial Intelligence Scams

• Artificial Intelligence Scams - Scammers are taking advantage of technology to make their schemes more believable. Accordion content.

Charity Scams

• Charity Scams - Don't let scammers profit off your generosity.

Cryptocurrency Scams

• Cryptocurrency Scams - Only scammers demand payment in cryptocurrency. It's like sending someone cash and payments typically are not reversible.
• Cryptocurrency Scams (Webinar) - These scams can range from fake investments, business impersonations to blackmail. Know how to spot these scams.

Dating/Romance Scams

• Romance Scams - Scammers use the illusion of a romantic or close relationship to target their victims. Learn the lies they tell and the signs that you may be falling for an imposter.
• Don't Get Hooked By Dating Scams (PDF) - Exercise caution when communicating with strangers on the internet. Consumers can be taken advantage of by faraway lovers that claim to be "strapped for cash."
• Romance Scams (Webinar) - Don't let a sweetheart swindler be the reason your money or identity is stolen. Even those who aren't looking for love should know what to watch out for so they can help family/friends who may be victims.

Free Prize, Lottery & Sweepstakes Scams

• Free Prize, Lottery & Sweepstakes Scams (PDF) - You get a call, an email, a direct message on social media or a letter in the mail that says you’ve just won $5,000! Or maybe even $5 million, a fabulous diamond ring, or luxury vacation. Sounds too good to be true? More likely, it’s a lottery and sweepstakes scam. This flyer focuses on the red flags of this type of scam.

Grandparent / Family Emergency Scams

• Grandparent / Family Emergency Scams - You get a call or a message unexpectedly from someone who claims to be a relative who says there is an emergency and they need money. 

Job Scams

• Tips to Avoid Job Scams (PDF)
• Work from Home Scams (PDF)
• Secret Shopper Scams (YouTube Video)

Online Shopping

• Online Shopping (PDF) - Just because a website looks good doesn't mean it's real. Stay safe while shopping online with these tips. 

Phishing

• Phishing Scams (PDF) - Don't take the bait! Learn how to recognize and avoid bogus emails designed to get you to give up personal information.

Phone Scams

• Telephone Scams (PDF) - Here are ways consumers can spot and recognize telephone scams and learn how not to be a victim.
• Stop Unwanted Offers (PDF) - Tired of getting unwanted calls and junk mail? Here are some ways that you can help limit that.
• Do Not Call Registry - What It Can and Cannot Do For You (Webinar) - Learn the rules of the Do Not Call Registry, what it CANNOT do, why you should still sign up and tips on how to stop more of those unwanted calls.

Property/Real Estate Scams

• Apartment and Home Rental Scams
• Timeshare Scams (PDF)
• Vacation Rental Scams (PDF)

Repair Scams

• Beware of Disaster Scams (PDF) - Protect yourself from shady deals offered after natural disasters.
• Recovering from a Disaster (PDF) Information to help you safeguard finances, avoid scams, and replace lost or damaged documents in the wake of a disaster.
• Repair Scams (Webinar) - Scammers love to act like they can "fix" whatever you need. Learn about common repair scams including credit, home and tech repair.

Scholarship & Financial Aid Scams

• Scholarship & Financial Aid Scams (PDF) - Learn how to avoid getting scammed when getting ready to further your education.

Social Media 

• Social Media Smarts - Spot the signs of a scam and learn how to protect yourself from those trying to gain access to your accounts.

Tax Scams/Fraud

• ID Theft: Income Tax Fraud - Take these steps to protect yourself from income tax fraud.
• Protect Yourself from Tax Time Predators (PDF) - Filing taxes can be a daunting task and scam artists can make it even more difficult. No matter what method you choose, follow these tips and make filing less taxing.

Utility Scams

• Utility Scams - Learn how it may happen and the red flags to avoiding these scams.