I've spent years tracking online scams, and the same tricks keep working because people don't know what to look for. Here are 5 red flags that should make you stop immediately:

1. "Act now or lose your account" — Legit companies don't threaten you with a countdown timer. If an email says your bank account will be locked in 24 hours, it's almost certainly fake.

2. Slightly wrong URLs — Scammers register domains like "arnazon.com" or "paypa1.com." Always check the URL letter by letter before entering any info.

3. Unsolicited "refunds" — If someone calls saying they accidentally sent you too much money and need you to send some back? Classic overpayment scam. Hang up.

4. "Verify your identity" via text — Real companies will never text you a link asking for your SSN, password, or credit card. Ever.

5. Too-good-to-be-true job offers — If you're offered $500/day to "test products" or "process payments," you're being set up as a money mule.

I break down scams like these every week inside ScamBusters HQ — real-time alerts, guides, and a community that looks out for each other. If you or someone you know keeps falling for stuff online, this is built for you.