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How to Avoid ScamsKnow the red flagsThe most common types of scams will target you through fake emails, text messages, voice calls, letters or even someone who shows up at your front door unexpectedly. No matter which technique the scammer uses, you may be:
If you authorize a transfer or send money to a scammer, there's often little we can do to help get your money back. Check your security level with our security meter located in the Security Center in Mobile and Online Banking. Increase your meter level by reviewing the 5 Red Flags that Signal a Scam — and learn more about scams and how to stay safe. Know the scams that may follow a natural disasterWatch out for fake contractors: Following a disaster, unlicensed contractors will canvas the impacted areas promising to get clean up or repairs done quickly. They may ask for payment up front and not show up to do the work, or have you sign a contract that redirects insurance payouts to them and not you.
Avoid being taken advantage of when donating: Make sure you know where the money is going and that you're giving it to the right person or organization.
Know how to spot imposters: No matter where they say they're from or who they're representing, imposters have the same goal - to get you to pay them money or give them your personal or financial information.
Visit ftc.gov layer for more information on natural disaster scams. Know the scamsScammers use different tactics to get victims to fall for their schemes. In some cases, they can be friendly, sympathetic and seem willing to help. In others, they use fear tactics to persuade a victim. Select the scam type from the following list to see a typical message from a scammer and the red flags that should cause you concern.
If you feel you may have been a victim of a scam, contact us immediately CHECK CASHING SCAM(typical message): “Excuse me, I left my wallet home, can you cash this check for me?” FAKE GOODS SCAM(typical message): “We can offer you those goods at a considerably lower price than retail.” FAKE RENTAL SCAM(typical message): “Hi, I see you received my rental deposit and wanted to follow up about the move in date.” Red flags include: Your house is legitimately listed for sale online, but scammers have set up a fake website and listed your house as a rental. You receive inquiries from prospective renters about deposit checks they sent you (which they really sent to the scammer). OVERPAYMENT SCAM(typical message): “Go ahead and deposit the check and wire the difference to the account number attached.” STUDENT AID SCAM(typical message): “Your student aid is at risk: Click this link to verify your information and validate your security.” TECH SUPPORT SCAM(typical message): “We've detected malware on your computer, let's go ahead and get this fixed for you.” CHARITY SCAM(typical message): “Hi, the reason for my call is to see if you would consider donating to help preserve our local park.” DEBT RELIEF SCAM(typical message): “I can help you reduce or eliminate your debt.” EMAIL COMPROMISE SCAM(typical message): “There's been a change in the transfer details for completing your purchase. Please send the funds to the following account.” GRANDPARENT SCAM(typical message): “Grandma, I'm in trouble! I need your help — I need some money really fast!” IMPOSTOR SCAM(typical message): “I'm with the IRS and a lawsuit is being filed against you for non-payment of back taxes.” INVESTMENT SCAM(typical
message): “Glad I got you! A while back you requested information about one of our programs. Are you ready to invest?” LOTTERY/SWEEPSTAKES SCAM(typical
message): “Your email address was randomly picked to receive a major prize in our drawing. To receive your prize, simply follow these instructions.” ROMANCE SCAM(typical message):
“I'd love to come to see you, but I don't have the money to travel right now. Can you help me out?” MORTGAGE CLOSING SCAM(typical message): “URGENT: New Instructions For
Wiring Your Closing Funds.” ONLINE SHOPPING SCAMSRed
flags include: You find an amazing deal online but is it too good to be true? |