Anyone can be conned out of their money.

Worldwide, people lost $1.03 trillion to scams in 2024, according to aGlobal Anti-Scam Alliance report.

While scammers keep devising more ingenious ways to take our money, there are ways to protect yourself.

By performing a scam autopsy, it’s possible for you to often spot common red flags.

it’s possible for you to start by staying alert to these five telltale signs you’re being conned.

Can you check any of these boxes?

I don’t always open my mail."

Stop and think: How often has a courthouse texted you?

Probably never, up to this point.

But urgency doesn’t automatically mean you’re being scammed.

That said, not all scams are designed to make you panic.

Some scams are designed to make you curious.

For instance,brushing scamsinvolve scammers mailing packages that contain a cheap gift and a QR code.

The scammer steals the info.

Anotherscam preys on people searching for a job.

Instead of giving the victims a job, the scammers steal their money and identity.

The point is that scammers generally initiate contact with their victims.

Avoid making any big financial decisions under duress.

“Legitimate organizations don’t threaten instant action or demand secrecy,” Meister says.

“If they’re rushing you with tales of doom or shame, it’s a scam.

Use that fear to raise your guard, not lower it.”

Unusual payment methods are required

Another hallmark of a scam: You’ve suddenly entered Bizarro World.

Weird things can happen to anyone.

But scammers depend on victims not thinking about how unlikely a scenario is before realizing they’ve been robbed.

You’re pressured to keep secrets or to lie

This is more than a red flag.

It should be a flashing neon sign.

Scammers do not want you talking to anybody about your situation.

“Secrecy is a bad actor’s best friend,” Meister said.

They need you isolated because isolation feeds compliance."

If somebody tells you not to trust your bank, that’s a good sign that something is off.

So what do you do if you come across one of these red flags?

First, congratulate yourself.

It’s the first step to stopping the scam.

Next, do the following:

Hit the pause button.Take a deep breath and step back.

“That moment of calm can change everything.”

The criminal wants to keep you engaged and to feel like you have no choice but to pay up.