By Honorine Uwishema, senior Branch Manager at cPort Credit Union
Scammers are always trying to trick people into sharing money or personal information. Scams can show up through email, phone, text, or social media, and they are becoming more common. The good news is that many scams follow similar patterns. Once you know what to look for, you can take simple steps to protect yourself and help your loved ones stay safe.
This guide explains common scams, warning signs to watch for, and simple steps you can take before sharing money or personal information.
Common scams to watch for
Government impersonation scams
Someone may claim to be from the IRS, Social Security, immigration services, or another government agency. They may use official-sounding language to pressure you into sharing private information or sending money. For example, they might say your Social Security benefits will end unless you wire money, or they might threaten deportation or legal trouble if you do not pay right away.
Bank or credit union impersonation scams
A scammer might pretend to be a representative from a bank or credit union. They may contact you by phone, text, or email and ask you to confirm private information, such as your account number, full Social Security number, online banking logins, PIN, or debit card information. They might say they need the information to protect your account, but really, they are trying to steal your identity or money.
Job and work-from-home scams
Scammers might advertise fake jobs online or through email or text, claiming that you can make thousands of dollars a month working from home. They might claim that you can be your own boss, start your own business, or be hired immediately without interviewing. Their real goal is to get private information from you or to charge you fake “start-up” fees.
Rental, housing, or utility scams
Some scammers will list a fake property online for sale or rent. These properties either don’t exist or are not actually available for rent, but the scammer won’t tell you that. You might not find out until after they have taken your security deposit.
In addition to taking money from you, these scammers might try to steal your social security number or other information by making you fill out a fake rental application. Utility scammers might pretend to be from your gas, water, or electric company. They will claim you are late on a payment and need to pay immediately, or they might try to get you to “confirm” private information.
Family emergency scams
ADVERTISEMENT
Scammers might impersonate a family member, claiming they have been kidnapped or are in distress. They will demand that you send money immediately to save them. They might contact you by phone call, social media, email, or text, and they will create a sense of urgency to pressure you into acting before you can take time to think.
Red flags that may signal a scam
Urgency or pressure to act quickly
Scammers want you to be scared and act before you can think clearly, so they will make you feel pressured to act quickly. They might do this by threatening legal action if you don’t comply with their request immediately, for example.
Requests for personal information
No credit union, bank, or government agency should be asking you to reveal your Social Security number, account number, online banking logins, or PIN over the phone, by text, or by email. If a request for information feels off, hang up and call the organization using a verified phone number.
Unfamiliar or suspicious communication
Be very careful with texts, emails, and calls from senders that you don’t recognize. Scammers will often send texts and emails including links and attachments that can install malware on your device or steal your information.
Spelling and grammar mistakes
Professional organizations take care with the communications they send. Mistakes can happen, but misspellings and bad grammar can be signs that you are dealing with an imposter.
Unusual payment requests
Scammers commonly request payments through odd methods, such as gift cards, wire transfers, cryptocurrency transactions, and apps like Venmo and Cash App. These methods are difficult to trace, which is why criminals like them.
Promises that seem too good to be true
A rental that seems too nice for the price, a job that will pay you thousands of dollars a month with no interview, or a message claiming that you have won a prize are often scams.
Being asked to keep a secret
Scammers will often ask you not to speak to friends, family, or your financial institution about what the scammers are offering you. They know that speaking with someone else might help you recognize the fraud.
Caller ID or email spoofing
Scammers can fake the number on your caller ID and can make their email address look like one from a professional organization they are pretending to work for. Never rely on caller ID or email address alone — if something feels wrong, hang up and contact the organization using a verified phone number.
Emotional manipulation
Some scammers will try to make you feel bad for them or make you feel panicked. They might pretend to be a child in trouble or a family member who is in an emergency. Be careful if someone is trying to get a strong emotional reaction from you.
Safe habits to help protect your money and information
The best way to protect yourself is to stay alert and trust your instincts. If something feels off, stop and double-check. Here are a few tips:
– Never click on suspicious links.
– Don’t share personal or financial information with unverified contacts.
– Contact your bank or credit union immediately if you think you’ve been targeted.
– Report scams to the Federal Trade Commission at reportfraud.ftc.gov.
Editor’s Note: This article originally appeared in the early August 2026 print edition of Amjambo Africa.
