Scam Definitions and Prevention Guide
Overview
Scams are on the rise, and no one is immune. From romance and lottery scams to government impersonators, fraudulent tech support, real estate wire fraud, business email compromise, and high-pressure investment schemes, criminals are becoming more sophisticated in how they target individuals. These scams often exploit trust, urgency, or emotional connections to trick victims into sending money or revealing personal information.
The Scam Definitions and Prevention Guide from Schwab breaks down the most common scams, explains how they work, and outlines red flags to watch for. It also shares practical steps to safeguard your personal and financial information—from verifying sources and using two-factor authentication to pausing before responding to urgent requests. By understanding these tactics and staying alert, you can significantly reduce your risk of falling victim.
Protecting yourself starts with awareness. Download the full Scam Definitions and Prevention Guide today to learn how to spot scams before they happen and take proactive steps to keep your assets, data, and peace of mind safe.
What this checklist covers
- 1Romance, lottery, and prize scams
- 2Government and tech-support impersonation
- 3Real estate wire fraud and business email compromise
- 4High-pressure and affinity investment schemes
- 5Verification habits that stop a scam in progress
- 6How to talk with aging parents about fraud
Common questions

Assess your exposure with the full checklist
A printable review of where your accounts and identity are vulnerable.
PDF · 523 KB · No email required
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Educational information only, not legal or tax advice. Contact your advisor about your specific situation.



