Fraudulent schemes are deceptive practices designed to trick individuals or organizations into giving up their money or personal information. These schemes can take many forms, such as Ponzi schemes, where returns are paid to earlier investors using the capital from newer investors, or phishing, where scammers impersonate legitimate entities to steal sensitive data. These scams often prey on people's trust and can be difficult to spot. Common signs include unsolicited offers that seem too good to be true, high-pressure tactics, or requests for personal information. Being aware of these tactics can help individuals protect themselves from falling victim to fraud.