With the rising prices of groceries, housing, and many other necessities, many are looking for ways to cut costs. However, scammers are taking notice as people worry about how high prices are impacting their budgets.
How it Works*
Scammers may say:
- They are from the government and are giving away grant money for home repairs or unpaid bills.
- They have an investment that’s guaranteed to deliver quick and high returns.
- They know of a high-paying job that can be yours as soon as you provide personal information or pay a fee.
Protect Yourself Against These Scams
To spot and avoid these types of scams, consider the following:
- The government won’t get in touch out of the blue about grants. Real government grants require an application, are completely free to apply for, and are always for a specific purpose.
- All investments have risks. However, no one can guarantee a certain amount of return on an investment, or that it will be successful.
- Honest employers won’t ask you to pay to get a job. If someone tries convincing that you can make a lot of money in a short time but just need to pay for “training” or certifications, it is more than likely nonlegitimate.
If you suspect or become the victim of these scams, report it right away to ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
*As Prices Rise, Keep an Eye Out for Scammers, Kira Krown, Federal Trade Commission.