Common Scam Tactics
You are asked to "help" transfer money for a stranger in exchange for a reward
What is a Money Mule Scam?
⚠️ Key Red Flags:
You’re asked to receive or move money for someone you don’t know personally.
The person claims to be out of the country or unable to access their account.
You’re promised a “commission” or reward for helping.
The money needs to be sent quickly or through a different payment method (wire, gift card, etc.).
A caller says they’re your grandchild in trouble and need money right now to pay bail or hospital bills.
What is the Grandparent Scam?
Grandparent Scam – Key Red Flags
You get a call or message claiming to be your grandchild (or someone calling for them) who’s “in trouble.”
The caller sounds upset, whispering, or says they were in an accident or arrested — making it hard to recognize their voice.
You’re told to send money immediately for bail, hospital bills, or travel — often by gift card, wire transfer, or cash courier.
They say “Don’t tell Mom or Dad” or anyone else — to keep it secret.
The situation feels urgent or emotional, and the caller pressures you to act before verifying anything.
These fake emails or texts pretend to be from familiar companies and ask you to click a link or confirm information.
What is Phishing
It’s always a good idea to log out or close the screen after checking your email or bank account.
What is Practicing Online Safety?
Online Safety – Key Points
Be careful with links and attachments in emails or texts you weren’t expecting.
Only enter personal or financial information on secure websites that start with https://.
Use strong, unique passwords — and never share them with anyone.
Don’t believe pop-ups or ads claiming your computer has a virus or you’ve won a prize.
Keep your devices and apps updated to stay protected.
If something online feels odd or confusing, pause and ask for help from a trusted family member or staff member.
If you realize you shared personal or banking information with a scammer, you should contact this place first.
What is your bank or credit card company?
Contacting Your Bank or Credit Card Company – Key Points
Call your bank or card company right away if you think your information or money may have been stolen.
Use the official phone number on the back of your card or your monthly statement — never one given by a caller or email.
Explain what happened honestly — banks handle scam and fraud reports all the time and are there to help.
Ask them to freeze or close affected accounts and issue new cards if needed.
Check recent transactions for any charges you don’t recognize and report them immediately.
Change your online banking password and security questions after you call.
This scam involves a fake investment opportunity that promises big returns with "no risk"
What is an investment scam?
⚠️ Red Flags:
Promises of high returns with little or no risk
Pressure to invest immediately or “before the window closes”
Being told to keep the opportunity secret or not to talk to family or your bank
Being asked to send money via wire transfer, crypto, or prepaid card
Your online friend says their phone camera is broken or they can’t video chat, but constantly asks for money.
What is a Catfishing Scam?
Catfishing Scam – Key Red Flags
The person’s photos look professional or “too perfect” — and their profile seems new or limited.
They avoid video calls, phone calls, or in-person meetings, always with excuses like poor internet or broken cameras.
They express strong emotions quickly, saying they love or deeply care for you soon after meeting online.
They ask for money or gifts, often claiming emergencies, travel issues, or medical problems.
Their stories are inconsistent or overly dramatic, and they try to build trust fast before making requests.
A pop-up on your screen says your computer has a virus and tells you to call a phone number for help.
What is a Tech Support Scam?
ech Support Scam – Key Red Flags
A pop-up warning appears on your screen claiming your computer has a virus or security issue.
The message includes a phone number to call for “immediate help.”
The caller or pop-up claims to be from Microsoft, Apple, or another major tech company.
You’re asked to give remote access to your computer so they can “fix” the problem.
They demand payment in gift cards, wire transfers, or credit card info to repair the issue.
If someone asks for personal information, it’s smart to check with a trusted family member or team member before sharing.
What is Getting a Second Opinion?
Getting a Second Opinion – Key Points
If something feels urgent or unusual, take a moment to pause before acting.
When asked for money or personal information, double-check with a trusted person first.
Talk it over with a family member, friend, or MorningStar team member before making a decision.
Real companies and agencies will understand if you want to verify what they’re saying.
Two sets of eyes are better than one — asking for help keeps you safe and confident.
After receiving a suspicious call, text, or email, you can report it safely to this government website.
What is ReportFraud.ftc.gov?
ReportFraud.FTC.gov – Key Points
ReportFraud.FTC.gov is the official government website for reporting scams and fraud safely.
You can report phone calls, emails, text messages, mail, or online scams — even if you didn’t lose money.
Reporting helps the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) track patterns and warn others about new scams.
You can fill out the report online or ask a trusted family member or MorningStar team member to help.
You’ll receive steps to protect yourself and information about where to get additional help.
Sharing what happened isn’t about blame — it’s about protecting yourself and your community.
Someone mails you a check, asks you to deposit it, and then send part of the money back — but the check later bounces.
What is the fake check scam?
Fake Check Scam – Key Red Flags
The check is for too much money, and you’re asked to send back the difference.
You’re told to act quickly — wire money, buy gift cards, or send funds before the check clears.
The check looks real but has small errors (misspelled names, odd bank info, blurry printing).
You’re “paid” before doing any work or for something you didn’t sell yet.
Funds appear in your account fast, but when the check bounces, you owe the money.
A type of scam that often starts with a robocall that says “Press 1 to speak to an agent about your Social Security account.”
What is a Social Security Scam?
Social Security Scam – Key Red Flags
You get a call, text, or email claiming your Social Security number is suspended or compromised.
The scammer demands payment or personal information to “reactivate” your number or benefits.
You’re told to pay using gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency.
The caller uses threats of arrest, loss of benefits, or legal action to scare you.
They spoof caller ID to make it look like the call is from the SSA or a government office.
You receive an invoice from “Microsoft” or “Norton” or some other product you never bought, with a number to call for a refund.
What is a Fake Subscription Scam?
Fake Subscription Scam – Key Red Flags
You get an email, text, or pop-up invoice for a service like Norton, Microsoft, or Amazon that you never purchased.
The message says your subscription will auto-renew for a large amount unless you act immediately.
It includes a phone number or link to “cancel” or “get a refund.”
When you call, the scammer asks for remote access to your computer or bank information to “process the refund.”
The scam uses urgency or fear — saying you’ll be charged today if you don’t respond.
Before giving to a charity, you can look it up online or ask someone to verify it for you.
What is Checking Before Donating?
Checking Before Donating – Key Points
Take your time — real charities don’t rush or pressure you to give right away.
Look up the charity’s name online before donating to be sure it’s legitimate.
Ask for written information about how donations are used and where they go.
Avoid giving gift cards, cash, or wire transfers — use safe payment methods like checks or credit cards.
If you’re unsure, ask a trusted family member or MorningStar team member to help verify the charity.
If you gave out your Social Security number or Medicare number, you should notify this agency to monitor for misuse.
What is the Social Security Administration or Medicare Office?
Social Security or Medicare Office – Key Points
If you gave out your Social Security or Medicare number to someone suspicious, contact the real agency right away.
Call the Social Security Administration (1-800-772-1213) or Medicare (1-800-633-4227) using their official phone numbers only.
Explain what happened — they can flag your record and help you watch for misuse or false claims.
Ask if you should request a new card or number for added protection.
Keep a record of who you spoke with and any case number they provide.
If you’re unsure what to say or do, ask a trusted family member or MorningStar team member to help make the call.
A letter or call tells you that you’ve “won” a big prize — but first, you have to pay fees or taxes.
What is a Sweepstakes or Lottery Scam?
Lottery or Sweepstakes Scam – Key Red Flags
You’re told you’ve won a prize or lottery you never entered.
You must pay fees or taxes upfront before receiving the winnings.
The caller or email says to keep your “win” secret or not tell anyone.
They ask for personal or banking information to “verify your identity.”
The message or letter creates urgency — “claim your prize today or lose it.”
A caller claims to be from the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office, says you missed jury duty, and demands payment over the phone to avoid arrest.
What is the BCSO (Bernalillo County Sheriff's Office) Imposter Scam?
Key Red Flags of the BCSO Imposter Scam
The caller claims to be law enforcement and says there’s a warrant, fine, or missed jury duty.
You’re told to pay immediately using gift cards, prepaid cards, or wire transfers.
The caller uses threats or intimidation (arrest, jail, or suspension of your license).
They refuse to let you verify their identity or call back later.
Caller ID appears local or says “Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office,” but it’s spoofed.
Someone convinces you to let them remote into your computer to fix a problem — and then steals personal information.
What is a Remote Access Scam?
Remote Access Scam – Key Red Flags
Someone calls claiming to be tech support from Microsoft, Apple, your bank, or another trusted company.
They say your computer, account, or device has been hacked and needs “immediate repair.”
You’re asked to download software or visit a website so they can “fix the issue remotely.”
Once connected, the scammer moves your mouse, locks your screen, or requests access to your bank.
They demand payment or personal information before restoring control of your computer.
When shopping online, you should make sure the web address starts with these five letters.
What is "https"?
HTTPS – Key Points
Always look for “https://” at the start of a website’s address — the “s” means secure.
A padlock icon next to the web address also shows the site is protected.
Only enter personal or payment information on sites with https:// — never just http://.
Avoid clicking links that don’t show a secure web address.
If you’re unsure whether a site is safe, ask a trusted family member or staff member to check it with you.
If you clicked a suspicious link or downloaded something strange, this is the first thing you should do on your device.
What is disconnect from the internet and ask for help checking it?
Disconnecting from the Internet – Key Points
If you click a suspicious link or notice strange activity on your device, disconnect right away.
Unplug the Wi-Fi router or turn off your device’s internet connection to stop potential access.
Do not keep clicking or typing — scammers can collect more information the longer you stay online.
Once disconnected, tell a trusted family member or MorningStar team member so they can help check your device safely.
Avoid reconnecting until the issue has been reviewed or your device has been scanned for viruses or malware.
Remember: disconnecting quickly can prevent further damage and keep your information safe.
A scammer says you owe money and threatens arrest if you don’t pay right away.
What is the Debt Collection Scam?
Debt Collection Scam – Key Red Flags
You’re pressured to pay immediately — often through gift cards, wire transfer, or prepaid cards.
The caller refuses to give you written proof of the debt or says you’ll be arrested if you don’t pay.
They ask for personal or financial information (Social Security number, bank details).
The caller won’t share a company name, address, or license number when asked.
They use threats or intimidation instead of offering payment options or explanations.
A person pretending to be from Medicare asks for your Medicare or Social Security number to issue a new card.
What is a Medicare Scam?
Medicare Scam – Key Red Flags
Someone calls, emails, or texts claiming to be from Medicare — asking for your Medicare or Social Security number.
You’re told you need to pay for a new Medicare card or upgraded benefits.
The scammer offers “free medical equipment” or tests (like braces or genetic kits) but asks for your Medicare number to “bill it.”
You’re pressured to act immediately or risk losing coverage.
The caller spoofs the Medicare logo or phone number to look official.
You get a text or email with a fake security alert saying your account has been locked and you must “verify” by entering a code or clicking a link — but the message actually steals your login info.
What is a Verification Scam?
Verification Scam Key Red Flags:
You get a text or email with a security code you didn’t request.
The message claims to be from your bank, email provider, or online account saying it’s “verifying your identity.”
Shortly after, someone contacts you (by phone or text) asking for that code to “confirm your account.”
The scammer is trying to log into your real account using your password — and needs that code to get in.
They often sound calm and professional, pretending to be “fraud prevention” or “security staff.”
Never share a verification code with anyone — not even someone claiming to be from your bank or tech support.
Only use codes you requested yourself when logging in to your own account.
This is the best thing to do if a message, call, or offer feels confusing or uncomfortable.
What is Pause and Ask for Help?
Pause and Ask for Help – Key Points
If something feels rushed, confusing, or uncomfortable, take a moment to pause before responding.
Don’t act on pressure — real companies and loved ones will always give you time to think.
Show the message or call to someone you trust — a family member, friend, or MorningStar team member.
Getting a second opinion can save time, money, and stress.
It’s always okay to ask for help — that’s what your community is here for!
After any scam attempt, the best way to move forward is to do this instead of feeling embarrassed or staying silent.
What is tell someone you trust and report it?
Telling Someone You Trust – Key Points
If something seems suspicious, confusing, or upsetting, it’s always okay to talk about it.
Share what happened with a trusted family member, friend, or MorningStar team member right away.
Talking it through helps you see the situation clearly and decide what to do next.
Trusted people can help you contact your bank, report the scam, or secure your accounts.
You are not alone — scams can happen to anyone, and speaking up helps protect others too.
Remember: asking for help is a sign of wisdom, not weakness.