On social media, individuals may post heart-wrenching stories to solicit money. Experts advise never giving money to individuals online without verifying their affiliation with accredited 501(c)(3) organizations.

Scammers may pretend to be someone you trust or a legitimate authority. For instance, some pose as "passed-the-test" tutors offering to rig exam scores for a fee. Red Flags to Watch For

Scammers often rely on creating a sense of urgency, high-pressure sales tactics, or "too good to be true" offers to bypass your critical thinking.