Don’t fall for scams in 2025: Sharpen your skills with this quiz
Dec 04, 2024 03:57PM ● By Mary Speer, Grand Junction Police Department
Scammers don’t take holidays off, and as we ring in 2025, it’s important to stay alert to their constantly evolving schemes. This quiz will sharpen your skills, spot red flags and kick off the new year with a resolution to protect your hard-earned money and avoid unnecessary stress.
1. You get a call claiming you’ve won a lottery, but need to pay a fee to claim the prize. What should you do?
B) Ask the caller for more details and think about it
C) Hang up and report the call
D) Tell them you’ll pay with Monopoly money to test their reaction
Answer: C. Hang up and report the call. Legitimate lotteries don’t require you to pay fees to claim winnings. If someone asks for money upfront, it’s a scam. Report such calls to your local authorities.
2. A friend emails you asking for money because they’re stranded overseas. What should you do?
B) Contact your friend through another method to verify the request
C) Ignore the email
D) Offer to send a boat to rescue them
Answer: B. Scammers often hack email accounts or impersonate people you know to trick you into sending money. Always verify unusual requests through another method, like calling or texting your friend.
3. You receive an email claiming to be from your bank, asking you to confirm your account information. What should you do?
B) Click the link in the email to update your information
C) Ask if they still give free toasters with every new account
D) Contact your bank directly using a verified number
Answer: D. Banks never ask for sensitive information via email. Contact your bank using an official phone number to confirm the legitimacy of the request.
4. A caller says they’re from the IRS and demands immediate payment or you’ll be arrested. How should you respond?
B) Pay them to avoid legal trouble
C) Ask for their information to confirm their identity
D) Ask if they’ll accept other payment methods instead of cash
Answer: A. Hang up and report the call. The IRS never threatens arrest or demands immediate payment over the phone.
5. Which of the following is a common sign of an online shopping scam?
B) A website with a professional design
C) A social media ad from a company you’ve never heard of
D) A checkout page asking for your pet’s name and shoe size
Answer: A. Extremely low prices for high-value items. If a deal sounds too good to be true, it usually is.
6. If you receive an email with an unexpected attachment, what is the safest action to take?
B) Delete it immediately if you don’t recognize the sender
C) Forward it to your friends for advice
D) Download it and hope for the best
Answer: B. Unexpected attachments can contain malware or viruses. If you’re unsure about an email, delete it without opening any files or links.
7. What is “phishing”?
B) A scam to steal personal information by pretending to be a trusted source
C) An investment scam
D) A new diet trend where you only eat fish
Answer: B. Phishing attacks use fake emails or websites to trick you into revealing personal information. Always verify the sender’s identity before responding.
8. Which of these is a red flag for a charity scam?
B) A donation request from a known organization
C) An online payment option
D) A promise to name a star after you if you donate.
Answer: A. Legitimate charities don’t ask for donations through gift cards. If you’re unsure, research the organization and donate directly through their verified website.
9. If someone you met online asks for money, what should you do?
B) Ask why they need the money
C) Stop communicating and report them if you suspect a scam
D) Offer them Monopoly money to test their sincerity
Answer: C. Stop communicating and report them if you suspect a scam. Scammers often use emotional stories to manipulate people into sending money. Avoid engaging and report the individual to the dating website or communication platform you’re using.
10. What’s the best way to protect your personal information online?
B) Avoid sharing sensitive information unless absolutely necessary and only on secure sites (ones that begin with “https”)
C) Post your information only on private social media accounts
D) Change your name to something secret, like your pet’s name
Answer: B. Look for the “https” in the URL to ensure the site encrypts your data. Share personal details only when necessary with trusted sources.
11. You receive a message saying your computer has a virus and providing a phone number for “Microsoft Support.” What should you do?
B) Ignore the message and run a trusted antivirus scan
C) Reply to the message asking for proof
D) Tell them your computer is too sick from the virus to respond now
Answer: B. Ignore the message and run a trusted antivirus scan. Scammers often send fake virus warnings to trick you into calling their number, where they’ll request access to your computer or payment for bogus services.
12. Which of the following is a common method scammers use in investment scams?
B) Sharing a balanced plan with potential risks and rewards
C) Suggesting you research the investment before you commit
D) Promising you’ll make enough to buy your own private island in a week
Answer: A. No legitimate investment can guarantee high returns with no risk. Be wary of promises that sound too good to be true and always research investment opportunities thoroughly before committing.
Your best defense against scams is staying informed and cautious. Remember to double-check requests for money, avoid clicking suspicious links and never share personal information with unverified sources. By staying alert, you can outsmart scammers in 2025.
