If you spotted a social media post promising "free money from the government", #BeFraudSmart and do not provide credit card information to cover processing fees for the alleged grant. Scammers dangle the prospect of government funding to trick people out of their money.

Keep yourself safe from a scam by using personal recommendations for contractors, plumbers or electricians. Scammers pose online as affordable, legitimate-looking professionals. They'll take your deposit then disappear with your money, leaving your house and your finances a mess.

Think you met your match? Don't start cranking the love songs at full volume quite yet. Pause and replay the situation. If someone you met on a dating app asks to borrow money before you have ever met in person, it is likely a scammer playing your heartstrings. #BeFraudSmart

👻👻👻 Don't a late night emergency call spook you into falling for a scam. Always call a friend or family member to confirm the legitimacy of the emergency before sending money. Learn more here: bit.ly/3q04n1J

Most romance scams start with fake profiles on online dating sites created by stolen photos and text from real accounts. Be wary of someone who always has an excuse to postpone a meeting, whether they say they are traveling or live overseas or are in the military. #BeFraudSmart

Tech support calling to fix a problem with your computer? Sounds fishy 🐟. Don't let these scammers reel you in with their spoofed communications. #BeFraudSmart, hang up and do some research before you take the bait.

Shopping for pet supplies online? #BeFraudSmart when purchasing from online marketplaces or social media sites. Never, ever pay for an item before seeing it in person. Scammers will take your money for an item that doesn't exist, and give you nothing in return.

✔️Verify, ✔️validate, ✔️check.... If you received a Facebook message, text that person. Got a phone call? Call back. #BeFraudSmart and figure out a different channel from whatever channel you received the message. Verifying is key!

🏡 Never send any kind of deposit before visiting a property you're interested in renting. Scammers will lure potential tenants with a good price, then ask for a deposit claiming 'there's a high demand’ and disappear after receiving your hard-earned money. #BeFraudSmart

Always verify a call, even if it claims to be from your doctor's office. If you receive a call about an overdue bill, tell the caller that you will return their call. Never use a phone number the caller provides. Look up the number independently and dial on your own terms.

Don't sweep your suspicions under the rug. You would be surprised at what situations you can avoid if you simply #TrustYourGut. Read about these scam types and be ready to listen to your internal alarm bells in the future if you encounter a fraud attempt: westernunion.com/fraudawareness

Job search tip: before you accept that dream offer, do your research on the company. If you can't find any info online, it might not be legit. #BeFraudSmart and read: bit.ly/3jWX6vC

Remember, scammers count on your big heart and willingness to help those in need. Take a deep breath, open your laptop and research the charity online before sending money. #BeFraudSmart and read more here: bit.ly/3byN9zZ

Lottery scams are like a box of chocolates. You never know what you're gonna get. #BeFraudSmart and read up on the latest fraud awareness information here: westernunion.com/fraudawareness

#BeSure everything is as it seems. If something looks strange on your recent account statement, don't just pay your bill without a second thought. #BeFraudSmart and call the company to verify the extra charges before sending any money.

ID theft protection is a great preventative measure, but your own awareness is also your best friend. #ThinkTwice and #BeFraudSmart about strange junk mail, funny financial transactions, or an increase in spam calls. These may be attempts to steal your identity.

Don't let temporary economic distress pressure you into accepting a suspicious job offer involving money transfers. You may become the accomplice of a large criminal organization. #DontBeAMule #BeFraudSmart

Don’t let a good deed go punished. Make sure your giving gets to the right place by spotting common charity scams.​ A charity you’ve never heard of. A demand for money NOW. An unknown sender. Trust your gut, do your research.​ Read more here: bit.ly/3HLnXGO

Western Union fraud resources can help protect you from a bad romance. Learn more: bit.ly/3TfPG7w

Don’t let a good deed go punished. Make sure your giving gets to the right place by spotting common charity scams.​ A charity you’ve never heard of. A demand for money NOW. An unknown sender. Trust your gut, do your research.​ Read more here: bit.ly/3HLnXGO