Another tip in a series provided by the Offices of Information Security, Information Systems & Computing and Audit, Compliance & Privacy

Make sure you avoid scams this summer. Over the past year we have given tips on how to avoid various scams. Keep these phrases in mind to keep safe.

If it seems too good to be true, it probably is.

• Too-steeply discounted items (like used cars or game consoles) sold by private individuals via services like Facebook Marketplace may be swindles. Always carefully consider a private seller’s previous history when purchasing online. 
• When buying something from eBay, Etsy, or other online services, never take the transaction off the platform you are using. Offers to use Zelle or PayPal as “Friends and Family” provide zero protection if the transaction does not go as planned, if the item is not as expected, or if the item never arrives.

There is no such thing as “free” money—you do not get something for nothing.

• Social media messages offering cryptocurrency investment assistance are scams. Investment advisors do not use unsolicited social media messages to work with clients.
• Offers to pay your bills in exchange for “chatting” are scams. The money and the person offering it are not who they appear to be. 

Be careful with strangers.

• “Wrong number” frauds are on the rise. Contacts initiated by strangers (usually via text or social media accounts) which then transform into offers to be “friends” or other types of relationships are often a way to trick you out of your money or financial information.
• “Romance scams” are also on the rise. These are often longer-term confidence schemes lasting weeks, or even months. They play on your emotions with the goal of obtaining your savings or financial information. 

For additional tips, see the One Step Ahead link on the Information Security website: https://www.isc.upenn.edu/security/news-alerts#One-Step-Ahead.