I’ve been to two Union County scam prevention events in the last two weeks. I’ve collected lots of information and have summarized it here.

Scammers can target anyone, regardless of age, income, or experience with technology. But knowing a few warning signs—and where to turn for help—can make a big difference.

Scammers pretend to be government employees, bank representatives, technology companies, romantic partners, and even family members in trouble. Their methods keep changing, and artificial intelligence can make fake voices, photographs, videos, and messages especially convincing.

Fortunately, several trusted organizations offer free information and assistance. I’ve gathered their most useful advice into one guide, including a free service specifically for Union County homeowners.

Three Warning Signs That Could Mean It’s a Scam

According to AARP’s fraud prevention materials, many scams have three things in common:

1. Unexpected contact. Someone calls, texts, emails, or contacts you on social media without warning.

2. Strong emotions. The person tries to frighten you, excite you with an incredible offer, or make you worry about someone you love.

3. Pressure to act immediately. You’re told something terrible will happen unless you send money, share information, or follow instructions right away.

The safest response is simple:

STOP. PAUSE. VERIFY.

Don’t make a decision while someone is pressuring you. Hang up, close the message, and contact the organization or family member through a telephone number or website you independently know is genuine.

Remember: Even if your caller ID displays a familiar name or government telephone number, it can be faked.

Common Scams to Watch For

Government Impersonation Scams

Someone calls claiming to represent Social Security, Medicare, the IRS, or another government agency.

They might say your Social Security number has been suspended, your benefits will stop, or there’s a warrant for your arrest.

They may demand immediate payment through gift cards, cryptocurrency, wire transfers, or other unusual methods.

What to do: Hang up. Contact the government agency through its official website or published telephone number. Never send money simply because someone claims to represent the government.

Learn more: Social Security’s Scam Prevention Center.

The Grandparent or Family Emergency Scam

A caller claims to be your grandchild or another relative who has been arrested, injured, or involved in an emergency.

They need money immediately and may beg you not to tell anyone else.

With today’s technology, even a familiar-sounding voice isn’t proof that the caller is your relative.

What to do: Hang up and call your family member at a number you already have. If you can’t reach them, contact another trusted relative.

Romance and Online Friendship Scams

A stranger befriends you through social media, a dating website, or an unexpected message.

Over time, the relationship becomes close. Eventually, the person asks for money, perhaps because of a medical emergency, travel problem, or supposedly profitable investment.

What to do: Never send money or cryptocurrency to someone you’ve only met online. Be especially cautious if the person wants to keep your relationship secret.

Fake Investment Opportunities

Someone you’ve met online offers to teach you how to make money investing, often in cryptocurrency.

At first, your account may appear to grow quickly. But when you try to withdraw the money, the supposed investment platform demands additional payments or stops responding.

What to do: Research investments independently and don’t trust screenshots or promises of guaranteed profits.

Fake Technology Support

A frightening pop-up appears on your computer, sometimes accompanied by loud noises. It claims your computer has a virus and directs you to call a technical support number.

The person answering may ask for remote access to your computer or payment to fix a nonexistent problem.

What to do: Don’t call the number or grant access. Close the browser or shut down the device if necessary. Contact a trusted technician if you suspect an actual problem.

Business and Delivery Impersonation

An unexpected email or text appears to come from your bank, an online store, a delivery company, or a utility provider.

It might warn of a suspicious transaction, missed delivery, or overdue bill and direct you to click a link.

What to do: Open the company’s official app or website yourself, rather than following the message’s instructions.

Seven Ways to Protect Yourself

You don’t need to be a computer expert to make yourself a much harder target.

1. Use strong, unique passwords. A password manager can help you create and remember them. Passkeys are another secure option where available.
2. Turn on multifactor authentication. This adds protection even if someone discovers your password.
3. Keep your devices updated. Enable automatic security updates whenever possible.
4. Consider freezing your credit. A free credit freeze with Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion can help prevent criminals from opening new credit accounts in your name. You can temporarily lift it when needed.
5. Be cautious about personal information. Don’t share account numbers, passwords, or verification codes with unexpected callers or messages.
6. Shred sensitive paperwork. Bank statements, medical documents, and other records may contain information criminals can misuse.
7. Think before clicking. Suspicious links, QR codes, advertisements, and attachments can lead to fake websites or harmful software.

Check your credit reports through AnnualCreditReport.com, the federally authorized website for free credit reports.

Free Help If You Think You’ve Encountered a Scam

AARP Fraud Watch Network

Call 877-908-3360, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.–8 p.m. Eastern.

AARP’s Fraud Watch Network Helpline offers free support to members and nonmembers alike.

You can call if you’re unsure whether something is a scam, have been targeted, or have already lost money.

Trained specialists can listen, explain possible next steps, and connect you with resources. They don’t investigate cases or recover money themselves.

Visit AARP’s Fraud Watch Network.

AARP also offers a Scam-Tracking Map where you can see scams reported in your area.

Federal Trade Commission (FTC)

Report a scam at ReportFraud.ftc.gov or call 877-382-4357.

Even if you didn’t lose money, reporting a suspicious encounter can help law enforcement recognize patterns and investigate fraud.

For information about recovering from identity theft, visit IdentityTheft.gov.

You can also sign up for free FTC Consumer Alerts to learn about emerging scams.

Better Business Bureau (BBB)

The Better Business Bureau offers information about suspicious businesses, fake shopping websites, investment scams, and other fraud.

Visit the BBB Scam Tracker to report suspicious activity and learn about scams reported by other consumers.

Senior Planet from AARP

Senior Planet offers free technology education and helpful information for older adults who want to use digital tools more safely.

Visit Senior Planet’s Scam Prevention Resources.

Union County Homeowners: Sign Up for Free Property Fraud Notifications

Did you know that Union County provides a free service to notify property owners when certain documents are recorded under their registered names?

The Union County Register of Deeds Property Notification Service can send email alerts when a document containing a registered property owner’s name is filed.

This could include a deed, deed of trust, or another recorded document involving property.

The service doesn’t prevent fraudulent documents from being filed. However, an alert may help you discover unauthorized activity sooner, so you can investigate and take action.

There is no charge to register.

To learn more, visit the Union County Register of Deeds and select Protect Your Property.

This is a simple protective step worth considering for homeowners in Union County.

North Carolina Residents: Free Long-Term Care and Insurance Resources

Choosing a nursing home, assisted living facility, home care agency, or health insurance coverage can be confusing. Unfortunately, that confusion can create opportunities for dishonest businesses and scammers.

The North Carolina Department of Justice has assembled a free long-term care resource guide to help residents make informed decisions.

It includes information about:

• Checking whether long-term care facilities are licensed and reviewing inspection or violation information.
• Getting free Medicare counseling through the Seniors’ Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP).
• Understanding Medicaid eligibility and coverage.
• Filing complaints about nursing homes and other long-term care facilities.
• Finding help through North Carolina’s Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program.

Useful telephone numbers:

• NC Medicaid assistance: 888-245-0179
• SHIIP Medicare counseling: 855-408-1212
• Long-term care facility complaint hotline: 800-624-3004

Find the complete guide and official links at the North Carolina Department of Justice Long-Term Care Resources page.

What If You’ve Already Sent Money or Shared Information?

Act as quickly as you can.

If you sent money: Contact your bank, credit card company, payment service, or other financial institution immediately. Ask whether the payment can be stopped or reversed.

If you shared a password: Change it immediately using the organization’s real website. Change it anywhere else you’ve reused it and enable multifactor authentication.

If someone accessed your computer: Disconnect the device from the internet, stop remote access, and seek help from a trusted technical professional.

If you shared sensitive identifying information: Visit IdentityTheft.gov for a personalized recovery plan. Consider freezing your credit.

If money or property was stolen: Contact the appropriate law enforcement agency and report the incident to the FTC.

Be cautious about anyone who contacts you afterward promising to recover your money for an upfront fee. That can be another scam.

One Final Tip: Share What You Learn

You don’t have to memorize every type of scam.

Remember the three warning signs: unexpected contact, strong emotion, and urgency.

Whenever something feels suspicious, take an active pause before responding.

And share these tips with a friend, neighbor, older relative, or someone who might appreciate a reminder. One simple conversation could prevent a financial loss.

authored by Lisa Cooper, Phil’s List — Connecting Union County

Helping neighbors find trustworthy resources, useful information, and ways to support one another.

This article brings together consumer education from the Federal Trade Commission, AARP Fraud Watch Network, Better Business Bureau, Senior Planet, Social Security Administration, and North Carolina Department of Justice. Links lead to the organizations’ own resources.