SECURITY CENTER
Stranger danger’s back — and it’s sliding into your DMs.
You’ve heard it since you were five — but this isn’t candy-from-a-van anymore. Now it’s smooth scammers chatting, sharing gaming tips, hyping crypto and liking your posts.
Before you know it, they’re pressuring you to buy something, send money or share personal info or photos.
Scammers are targeting younger audiences
And they know exactly how to speak your language.
A peek at the endless (and sadly, genius) ways scammers reel you in:
"I got paid to be a brand ambassador…with a check that bounced"
A fake company offers you money to promote their brand. They send you a check, tell you to deposit it and ask you to send part of the money back. The check bounces — you're out hundreds of dollars.
"I scored what I thought were great seats and paid real money…for fake tickets"
You find an amazing deal for a sold-out show on social media, send money and never hear from the seller again. No tickets. No refund. No way to get your money back.
"She said, 'I'll send you a sexy pic if you send me one.' After I did, she said, 'Now pay up'"
Scammers use fake or hacked profiles to flirt and send you private photos. You send some back. They threaten to send your photos to your family and friends unless you pay immediately.
"I sent money for a new pair of sneakers, and they ghosted me"
You see a deal on new sneakers on a social media marketplace. The seller promises to ship as soon as they get your payment, but they don't. No shoes and no way to recover your cash.
Crypto scammers cash in on your FOMO
They use influencer hype, investment “experts” and pro-looking apps that show you making money — just to reel you in deeper. But try to cash out, and you’ll find it was all fake from the start.
Once they reel you in, what’s a scammer’s go-to move to get your cash?
A) “Just send it on a P2P payment app”
B) “Wire me real quick”
C) “I accept crypto”
D) All of the sketchy above
Answer D: Ding ding ding. Scammers love these payment methods because they'll receive the money fast and payments can't be canceled or reversed once they're sent. P2P payments, wires, crypto, and gift cards should be thought of like cash. Once the scammer gets the money, it's unlikely you'll be able to get it back from them.
They’re Tricky. You’re Smarter. Be Ready.
Don’t Trust Links
Random DM? Sketchy email? “Click this to claim?” Nope. Don’t tap, don’t enter info, don’t get scammed.
No Money for Strangers
If someone you just met online asks for cash, crypto or gift cards, it’s very likely a scam.
Using Payment Apps Is Like Sending Cash
Once you send money using payment apps, wires and gift cards, you most likely will not get it back if you sent it to a scammer.
Stop Oversharing
Fake quizzes and “fun” challenges ask for your pet’s name or first car (aka, your security answers.) Keep your info to yourself.
Too Good to Be True? It Is.
“Free money,” dream job offers, unreal discounts — if it sounds crazy good, it’s probably crazy fake.
Reverse Image Search
Cute new online crush? Plug their pics into Google. If they show up under 10 other names, you probably just dodged a scammer.
Help Keep Your Accounts Secure
Use strong passwords, consider using a password manager, turn on two-factor authentication and don’t share logins — even with your BFF.
Gut Feeling = Red Flag
If something feels even a little off, it probably is. Scammers are pushy for a reason. Trust your instincts, and don’t engage.
Talk About It
Scammers hate it when people compare notes. If you see a sketchy scam, warn your friends and report it. Be sure to check the reviews of online sellers.
Play this quick video to see how to help stay safe from scammers
Use Chase tools to help protect your money, including:
Chase Credit Journey®:
Get free identity monitoring and alerts that help protect your personal data (must be over age 18).
One final rule:
Scammers are very good at making you feel that if you don’t act right now, you’ll miss out, or something bad will happen. That panic you feel? That’s the scam working.
Your safest option is to Block, Delete and Move on.
Targeted by a scammer? Remember, they rely on fear, panic and silence.
Stay Calm & Tell Someone
Whether it’s a parent, teacher or older sibling, don’t keep it to yourself.
Ghost Them
The second something feels off, cut contact. Block, delete and move on.
Don’t Send Money
No matter what they say — sob story, fake prize, “accidental” payments — once you send money, it’s probably gone.
Don’t Try to Outsmart Them
Scammers are pros. Trying to “mess with them” or “get revenge” can make things worse.
Report It
Report the scam to the social media platform, your bank (if money was involved) and the U.S. Federal Trade Commission at reportfraud.ftc.govOpens overlay.
Warn Your Friends
Scammers cast a wide net. If they tried you, they’re probably reaching out to others too.
OK parents, you taught them stranger danger
But how can you prepare them for online strangers?
Encourage skepticism
Teach your teen or young adult to question everything. If a deal, job or online relationship feels too good, it probably is.
Push for strong security
Help them set up two-factor authentication on their accounts and consider a password manager.
Check privacy settings together
Sit down and lock down their social media. Make sure accounts are private, location sharing is off, and personal details aren’t visible.
Teach smart money moves
Make sure they know that once they send money, they might not get it back.
Explore the Chase Security Center
Help safeguard seniors
Information, resources and tools for older adults and caregivers.
Protect your business
Resources and tools to help protect your business from fraud and scams.
We’re here to help
When in doubt, contact us before you share your account information or send money. Call us using the number on the back of your card or account statement.