Scare tactics are a powerful way scammers can trick people into giving away their private information. These scams often involve a fake email or message claiming a large charge has been made to your account, such as a $400 “annual subscription” to a service like Norton antivirus. The email prompts you to call a provided number to “reverse the charge” before you’ve even had a chance to verify your bank account. In a panic, many people respond quickly without checking the validity of the charge.

These emails are typically straightforward, citing a recognizable service and a substantial amount to trigger urgency. Once you call the number, the scammer will pose as a customer service agent, leading you through steps to “cancel” the charge. They may ask for sensitive information, like your credit card number, supposedly to process the refund—when in fact, they’re collecting your data for theft.

In more aggressive cases, particularly with senior citizens, the scammer may attempt to remotely access your computer. Claiming they need to “guide” you through the process, they may ask you to install software or grant access, allowing them to view and record your screen. Under this pretense, they can access sensitive information, such as online banking or email logins, ultimately wiring your money to their accounts and gaining access to more of your personal information.