Scam or No Scam? How to Spot the Difference
Picture this: You get a text from an unknown number. It says you’ve won $5,000—congratulations! All you have to do is click a link. Maybe there’s a typo in your name, or the link looks a little bit…off. But still, for a split second, you wonder: What if it’s real?
That’s exactly what scammers are counting on. From fake sweepstakes and phony IRS calls to emails that mimic your bank or your boss, digital scams have become a daily hazard. And while most people have learned to ignore the obvious ones, scams have evolved. They’re more convincing now. More polished. And sometimes, harder to spot.
This has taught many online users to be skeptical of anything that sounds too good to be true. In most cases, that instinct is worth trusting. But there is a difference between a scam and a legitimate service. The key is knowing what to look for.
What Most Scams Have in Common
Modern scams often look nothing like the clunky, typo-filled phishing attempts of the early internet. Many are sophisticated operations that mimic real institutions down to the logo, the language, and even the tone. But even the most convincing fakes tend to follow a familiar playbook. Here are a few red flags:
- Urgency and pressure
Scammers often operate with one goal in mind: to get you to click without thinking. They’ll use language like “Act now,” “Limited time offer,” or “We’ve locked your account” to try to override your instincts and trigger an emotional reaction. However, remember that real organizations never use threats or ultimatums, and will typically give you plenty of time to review information, make decisions, and follow up if needed.
- Vague or generic language
If an email refers to you as “Dear Customer” or “User,” it’s worth raising an eyebrow. Scammers send mass emails to thousands of people, so they rarely use your name or any specific details. If it feels like it could’ve been sent to anyone, it most likely was.
- Suspicious links or sender addresses
Scam messages often include links that appear trustworthy at first glance, but lead to fraudulent websites designed to steal your information. Make sure to hover over links (press and hold on mobile) before clicking to see the full URL, and double-check the sender’s email address. A message from your “bank” might actually be from an address like secure.bank-info@gmail.com, which is a clear sign something’s off.
- Spelling and grammar mistakes
While scams have become more sophisticated, many still include awkward phrasing, misspelled words, or inconsistent formatting. A message claiming to be from a reputable organization—like a bank or government agency—should read like it came from a professional.
- Requests for sensitive information
Legitimate companies will never ask you to share personal information—like your Social Security number, banking details, or login credentials—over email or text. If a message is asking for this kind of data, it’s time to block and delete.
When Skepticism Goes Too Far
In today’s digital world, it’s easy to adopt a “better safe than sorry” mindset when trying to detect a scam. But sometimes, being too cautious can also open a doorway for certain opportunities to pass you by.
Take findmassmoney.gov, for instance—a website from the Massachusetts State Treasury that offers to reconnect residents with unclaimed funds. On the surface, it sounds like those other “free money” offers you’ve been warned to stay away from. But in this case, it’s entirely real (and government sanctioned).
Every year, financial institutions, insurance companies, and other organizations are required to turn over unclaimed assets to the state. This can include forgotten bank accounts, unused refund checks, abandoned security deposits, or proceeds from life insurance policies. The Massachusetts State Treasury holds these funds in a trust and makes them available to be claimed by their rightful owners through findmassmoney.gov.
It’s free, secure, simple to use, and surprisingly common. In fact, one in 10 Massachusetts residents has money waiting to be claimed, including a Boston magazine employee who recently found over $20,000 using the site.
How to Stay Smart Without Missing Out
So, how do you protect yourself from fraudulent scams without closing the door on real resources like findmassmoney.gov?
Always check for signs of credibility. Does the site use an official domain like .gov? Is it referenced by state agencies or trusted media outlets? Are you being asked to give sensitive information, or simply verify basic details? Legitimate services are clear, transparent, and secure—and they never pressure you to act without thinking.
And remember, trust your gut, but be sure to verify. If something feels off, take a beat, do a quick search, or ask a friend. Most scams rely on urgency to get you to act fast and overlook the red flags. Real opportunities, like claiming your own unclaimed funds, will still be there tomorrow.
A little skepticism can go a long way in protecting your personal info, but it can also make you miss out on real opportunities. So yes, be cautious. Double-check the fine print. But don’t let a healthy dose of doubt stop you from reclaiming what’s rightfully yours. Not everything that seems too good to be true actually is.
This is a paid partnership between Massachusetts State Treasury and Boston Magazine
