Why this Matters
Scams don't just cause financial loss. They destroy trust, tear apart communities, and leave lasting emotional damage.
Loss of Personal Savings
Families lose their hard-earned money, retirement funds, and emergency savings to sophisticated scams.
Broken Relationships
When scams spread through friends and family, trust is damaged and relationships are strained.
Community Distrust
People become suspicious of legitimate opportunities, making it harder to build community programs.
"Scams are not just a personal problem — they are a civic and public issue."
When we protect one person, we protect the entire community.
Common Scam Types
Understanding how scams work is your first line of defense. Learn to recognize these common schemes.
Email Phishing Scam
Scammers send fake emails pretending to be banks, companies, or services to trick you into giving personal information. These emails often include urgent messages and links that lead to fake websites.
Fake Package Delivery Scam
You receive a text or email saying your package couldn’t be delivered and asking you to click a link. The link is fake and is used to steal your personal or payment information.
Pyramid Scheme / Money Circle
You are asked to send money and recruit other people to make a profit. These schemes rely on new people joining, and most participants end up losing money.
Social Media Investment Scam
Scammers promote fake investment opportunities on platforms like Instagram or WhatsApp, promising quick and guaranteed returns. Once you send money, they disappear or ask for more payments.
Phone Call (Impersonation) Scam
Scammers call pretending to be the police, IRS, or a company and claim you owe money or are in trouble. They pressure you to pay immediately using gift cards, wire transfers, or apps.
Job Offer Scam
You receive a job offer that sounds too good to be true and requires little effort for high pay. The scammer may ask for upfront fees, personal information, or send fake checks.
Scam Red Flags Checklist
Promises of fast and easy money
Pressure to act immediately or urgently
Requests for your personal bank or ID information
Requests to recruit family or friends to join
Messages from unknown or strange senders
How to Protect Yourself
Simple steps you can take to avoid becoming a victim of scams and fraud.
1
Understand Before You Invest
Never invest in something you don't fully understand. If you can't explain how it works, don't put money in it.
2
Take Your Time
Urgency is a red flag. Legitimate opportunities will wait for you to make an informed decision.
3
Talk to Someone You Trust
Before making any financial decision, discuss it with a trusted friend, family member, or advisor.
4
Research Online
Search the company name + 'scam' or 'review' online. Look for complaints and warning signs.
5
It's Okay to Say No
Even at the last minute, you have every right to walk away. A real opportunity won't punish you for being careful.
Share Your Story (Anonymous)
Your anonymous experience can help identify scam patterns and protect others. Every story matters.
Official Reporting Resources
WARNING: PROTECT YOURSELF AND YOUR COMMUNITY FROM SCAMS • BEWARE OF FAKE PACKAGE DELIVERY TEXTS • NEVER SEND MONEY TO STRANGERS OR VIA GIFT CARDS • REPORT FRAUD TO GEORGIA CONSUMER PROTECTION • ASK A TRUSTED PERSON BEFORE SENDING MONEY • STAY ALERT, STAY SAFE METRO ATLANTA • CONTACT DEKALB COUNTY DA VICTIM ASSISTANCE IF SCAMMED •