Unfortunately scamming has become a part of life for most of us and now that the Holiday season is upon us, scammers are working overtime. Many scammers have figured out countless ways to cheat you out of your money over the phone. In some scams, they act friendly and helpful. In others, they might threaten or try to scare you. Please send the link to this story or share these tips with your parents, grandparents, aunts, and uncles. Here are a few things that will help safeguard you against scamming and the first one is probably the best tip out there.

1. NEVER SEND CASH OR PAY WITH A GIFT CARD FOR A CALL YOU RECEIVED: 
Boston Globe via Getty Images
Boston Globe via Getty Images
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Scammers will often ask you to pay in a way that makes it hard for you to get your money back — by wiring money, putting money on a gift card, prepaid card or cash reload card, or using a money transfer app. Anyone who asks you to pay that way is a scammer.

2. IF IT SOUNDS TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE, IT IS!

THERE IS NO PRIZE:

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Getty Images
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The caller might say you were “selected” for an offer or that you’ve won a lottery. But if you have to pay to get the prize, it is really not a prize!

3. YOU WON'T BE ARRESTED:

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Getty Images
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Scammers might pretend to be law enforcement or a federal agency. They might say you’ll be arrested, fined, or deported if you don’t pay taxes or some other debt right away. The goal is to scare you into paying. Real law enforcement and federal agencies won’t call and threaten you.

4. YOU DON'T NEED TO DECIDE NOW:

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Most legitimate businesses will give you time to think their offer over and get written information about it before asking you to commit. Take your time. Don’t get pressured into making a decision on the spot.

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It’s never a good idea to give out sensitive information like your Social Security number to someone who calls you unexpectedly, even if they say they’re with the Social Security Administration or IRS.

For more information, you can visit the FTC website.

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