This Element is an excerpt from The Truth About Avoiding Scams (9780132333856) by Steve Weisman. Available in print and digital formats. Don’t be the easiest victim! Simple, practical ways to significantly reduce the chances that you’ll be scammed. There are things that you can do to lessen your chances of becoming a victim. Some are simple. Some require a little work. Many people are lazy and don’t want to take these steps. They’re the easiest victims. So, first, do you really want to receive those unsolicited offers of credit cards and insurance that provide opportunities for identity thieves....

Are you at risk of being scammed? Former con artist and bestselling author of Catch Me If You Can Frank Abagnale shows you how to stop scammers in their tracks. Maybe you're wondering how to make the scam phone calls stop. Perhaps someone has stolen your credit card number. Or you've been a victim of identity theft. Even if you haven't yet been the target of a crime, con artists are always out there, waiting for the right moment to steal your information, your money, and your life. As one of the world's most respected authorities on the subjects of fraud, forgery, and cyber security, Frank Abagnale knows how scammers work. In Scam Me If You Can, he reveals the latest tricks that today's scammers, hackers, and con artists use to steal your money and personal information--often online and over the phone. Using plain language and vivid examples, Abagnale reveals hundreds of tips, including: • The best way to protect your phone from being hacked • The only time you should ever use a debit card • The one type of photo you should never post on social media • The only conditions under which you should use WiFi networks at the airport • The safest way to use an ATM With his simple but counterintuitive rules, Abagnale also makes use of his insider intel to paint a picture of cybercrimes that haven't become widespread yet.

The Canadian edition of The Little Black Book of Scams is a compact and easy to use reference guide filled with information Canadians can use to protect themselves against a variety of common scams. It debunks common myths about scams, provides contact information for reporting a scam to the correct authority, and offers a step-by-step guide for scam victims to reduce their losses and avoid becoming repeat victims. Consumers and businesses can consult The Little Black Book of Scams to avoid falling victim to social media and mobile phone scams, fake charities and lotteries, dating and romance scams, and many other schemes used to defraud Canadians of their money and personal information.

Scams are everywhere, but armed with knowledge and vigilance, you can avoid falling prey to them. In "Scam: How to Avoid Being Scammed," author Robert Utrin delves deep into the world of scams, from their history to their common structures and techniques. He presents real-world examples of scams in various contexts, offering comprehensive strategies on how to spot them, avoid them, and protect yourself and your loved ones. Packed with insights from scam survivors and fraud investigators, this essential guide will equip you with the tools to outsmart scammers at their own game. "A must-read for the digital age. Robert Utrin's 'Scam' is a wake-up call for everyone." - Emily Rodriguez "'Scam' provides an eye-opening journey into the world of scamming, coupled with practical advice that everyone should heed." - Mark Thompson "This book arms you with the tools you need to navigate our modern world with confidence and security. An essential read." - Janet L. Simmons "'Scam' will have you rethink the way you interact online. Utrin's insights are invaluable in this day and age." - Paul Kim "Robert Utrin turns complex security concepts into relatable, understandable lessons. 'Scam' is a must-have resource." - Aisha Patel "'Scam' is eye-opening and disturbingly enlightening. A truly valuable read in the internet era." - Trevor J. Martin "Utrin provides essential guidance for anyone navigating the digital world. I can't recommend 'Scam' highly enough!" - Laura Diaz "From cover to cover, 'Scam' is filled with practical advice, profound insights, and invaluable knowledge." - Kenneth Choi "'Scam' is a wake-up call to the harsh realities of the digital world. Every page is a treasure of crucial knowledge." - Rebecca Chen "A captivating and practical guide to protecting yourself in the modern world. I cannot recommend 'Scam' enough." - George Walker

Every TWO seconds someone falls victim to scams, fraud and identity theft! Scam artists defraud millions of victims a year. The identity of every American is at risk. No one is immune. Your personal data is already up for sale. You MUST know how to protect yourself. Inside this book you will learn: How scam artists manipulate you. How to spot and avoid scams and fraud. Learn the tricks of their trade. Read about 30 of the most common scams. Follow my 30 tips to help you reduce your risk. The more you know, the less your chances of becoming a scammer's next victim. This book will hep raise your scam awareness and make you less vulnerable to "The Crime of the Century"!

Steering clear of cons requires a heightened awareness and healthy skepticism, along with an appreciation for just how widespread scams are. The Con: How Scams Work, Why You're Vulnerable, and How to Protect Yourself is an insightful, revealing look at scams, why they work, and how to avoid them. Through the use of personal narratives, the book teaches people to assess and reject advances, encounters, and approaches that do not meet sufficient standards of credibility.