The thought of being scammed—whether in a professional or personal capacity—is a frightening one. In today’s world, we must remain vigilant to protect ourselves and our businesses from such threats. Fortunately, knowing what to look for can make all the difference.

Let’s take a few minutes to review some key warning signs that a message may be a scam.

What are the Signs of a Scam in Progress?

Recognizing the signals of a potential scam can help you spot and deal with it appropriately. Here are some common red flags to watch out for:

1. The Sender Claims to Be Someone Trustworthy

Scammers often impersonate trusted entities—whether that’s a government agency, a business, or even a close friend or family member. They exploit the inherent trust we have in these relationships as the basis for their schemes. If you receive an unexpected message from someone claiming to be a trusted figure, be cautious and verify their identity through another method.

2. It Pushes Exclusive, Low-Effort Money-Making Opportunities

We all wish we had more money, and scammers know this well. They often lure victims with promises of quick, easy cash. If an offer seems too good to be true, it probably is. Always be skeptical of opportunities that promise big rewards with little to no effort.

3. Someone is Pleading for Help

The infamous "Nigerian Prince" scam is a classic example: a scammer posing as someone in desperate need, promising large rewards in return for financial assistance. Be wary of random requests for help, especially from strangers. These are almost never legitimate and are usually attempts to exploit your goodwill.

4. There are Links and Attachments (Especially Unexpected Ones)

Unexpected links and attachments in emails are major red flags. Scammers use these to spread malware or redirect you to malicious websites. Avoid clicking on any links or opening attachments unless you’re certain of their legitimacy, and always verify their origin through a different communication channel.

5. The Message is Urgently Pressuring You to Act

Scammers often create a sense of urgency to pressure you into acting without thinking. This tactic is designed to make you panic, preventing you from analyzing the situation rationally. If a message is pushing you to act immediately, take a step back and assess it calmly.

6. Odd Payments are Being Requested, and in Very Specific Formats

Be cautious if you receive a payment request via email, especially if it asks for unconventional payment methods like cryptocurrency or directs you to a non-standard payment platform like Venmo for a business transaction. Such requests are often associated with scams, as these payment methods are difficult or impossible to trace.

Protect Your Business from Scams

Scams don’t discriminate based on business size; any organization could be targeted, including yours. That’s why businesses in Southern Arizona need a reliable resource to help maintain their security, from practical protections to employee awareness training.

InTegriLogic can be that resource for you. Contact us at 520-545-0691 to learn more about how we can help protect your business from scams and other cyber threats.