Con artists are becoming more sophisticated as technology advances. Here are tips from the Federal Trade Commission to avoid fraud:

Scammers will often pretend to be someone you trust such as a family member, a charity or a government official. Don't give out personal information or send money after receiving an unexpected request. These requests can come by text, phone call or email.Search companies and products online with the words "review" or "scam." Others may have experienced the same phone call or email as you. Even searching the phone number can bring up people who have had similar phone calls and reported them as scams.Caller ID is no longer completely reliable to see who is calling you. Technology has made it easier to fake caller ID information. If you feel the call is genuine, hang up and call back to a number you know is correct.Scammers will ask for money up front for services such as debt relief, loan offers, jobs or mortgage assistance. Sometimes they will tell you that you have won a prize and ask for money to cover taxes or fees.Writing money through services such as Western Union are risky as it is nearly impossible to get money back. Government offices and honest companies won't require you to use those payment methods.Before giving out personal information or credit card numbers, talk to someone you trust. Do research on the product or company, consult an expert or just talk to a friend. Scammers will want you to make a quick decision and may even threaten you.Recorded sales pitches are illegal. If you receive a "robocall," hang up and report it to the FTC. Do not press 1 to talk to a person or to be taken off the list. This could lead to more phone calls.Free trial offers may sound good in the short term, but many companies will continue to bill you after the free trial. Be cautious of free trials and make sure you understand the cancellation policy.Don't deposit a check and wire money back. Banks are required by law to make funds from deposited checks available within days. Uncovering a fake check can take weeks. If a check you deposit turns out to be a fake, you're responsible for repaying the bank.Get the latest tips and advice about scams in your inbox at ftc.gov/scams.