THE FBI has issued a warning over scam emails that help hackers drain your bank account.
There’s a two-word danger phrase you can search your inbox for and it could pull up some major scams.
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The phrase in question is “guaranteed return.”
Experts want you to be wary of those words as they’re often a big red flag.
The FBI explained on its website: “Investment or business fraud schemes will try to lure you in with the promise of low- or no-risk investments.
“Scammers often ask for upfront cash in exchange for guaranteed future returns.
“There is no such thing as a guaranteed return on investment. It’s a scam.”
Cybercriminals often promise a reward that’s too good to be true and a “guaranteed return” is just that.
It’s hard to guarantee you’ll see a return even in a legitimate investment situation, especially a large return.
You may notice that a scam investment email asks for fees upfront.
The FBI further explained: “Advance fee schemes ask you to invest upfront money for a larger return later, such as a loan, contract, or gift.”
In this situation, a scammer will likely keep your money and give you nothing in return.
If you hand over any financial information, they could also drain your funds.
The FBI also warned people about Ponzi-style schemes and pyramid scams that you might see in your email inbox or in your social media DMs.
The FBI website states: “Ponzi schemes use current investors’ money to pay previous investors. They inevitably collapse.”
And, the FBI added: “Pyramid schemes ask you to bring in new investors to make a profit or recoup your investment.”
Another investment scam you may see in your inbox is referred to by some experts as the “Nigerian Letter or 419 schemes.”
The FBI said that this scam will “ask you to invest upfront money for a larger return later, such as a loan, contract, or gift.”
If you spot any of these scams in your inbox, report them to your email provider and make sure they’re deleted.
The FBI also advised contacting its online tip form at tips.fbi.gov if you’re worried that you’ve fallen for this type of fraud.
You can also report the scam messages to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at reportfraud.ftc.gov.
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