1. AI SCAMS:
Scammers are now using advanced artificial intelligence technology to mimic your loved ones, creating urgent situations where they claim to need money immediately.
Tip - When someone asks you to transmit money using an untraceable method, be
cautious and think about using a "safe word" that only you and your family members
know.
2. ROMANCE SCAMMERS:
Online relationships can be used by scammers to establish emotional demands for money, which
are frequently made through gift cards, wire transfers, or payment applications.
Tip -Be skeptical of money requests from new online acquaintances, especially if they
ask for untraceable payments. Take time to verify their stories before taking any action.
3. TAX SCAMS:
Scammers may pose as government representatives and claim that all they need is your account
information to offer you a refund or to handle money you owe.
Tip -Remember, the IRS does not contact taxpayers via email, text, or social media to
request personal or financial information. Always verify such requests through official
channels.
4. RENTAL SCAMS:
Scammers create fake rental listings or hijack existing ones, leading you to believe you’ve
secured a new home or vacation spot that doesn’t actually exist.
Tip - Always research the listing thoroughly. Look for vague descriptions, watermarked
photos, and rents that seem too good to be true. Never send money without signing a
legitimate lease and verifying the property's legitimacy.
RED FLAGS FOR SCAMS
Scammers are always coming up with new ways to carry out their tried-and-true tricks.
They still use the same strategies, though, focusing on you via phony emails, texts, phone
calls, letters, or even in-person encounters. Regardless of the con artist's method, you
should take notice of these warning signs and proceed with caution:
1. CONTACTED OUT OF NOWHERE
-Abruptly contacted via text, voice, email, pop-up, direct message, or phone and asked
for money or personal information. Never download an attachment or open a link from anyone
you are not familiar with. You will never receive a text, email, or phone call from your bank
requesting personal or account information.
2. YOU ARE PUSHED TO TAKE IMMEDIATE ACTION
-Pushed to take urgent action after receiving a distressing text, email, or phone call that
coerces your thoughts and emotions. Scammers may pretend to be Bank employees or other
well-known company representatives and claim there is an urgent issue that has to be addressed.
Act only if you are certain that the person contacting you is who they say they are and that their
inquiry or facts are authentic.
3. YOU’RE BEING ASKED TO PAY IN AN ODD METHOD
-Requested payment using an uncommon method, such as gift certificates, bitcoin,
prepaid debit cards, or digital money, such as Zelle®, in order to eliminate fraud.You should
never receive a request for a money transfer from you or anyone else, even if your bank has
discovered fraudulent activity on your account.
4. YOU’RE PROMPTED FOR ACCOUNT OR PERSONAL
DETAILS
-Requested to supply personal or account details, including a PIN, bank account number,
or verification code for an account. When it sounds suspicious, don't give out any information.
Never will you be contacted by phone, email, or text to request an account authorization code
from your bank.
5. IT LOOKS WAY TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE
-Received a free product offer or an opportunity to "get rich quick" that looks too good to
be true? Anything that seems too great to be true is a scam. If you don't know the person, don't
cash a check for them.