Stay Safe from Fraud

Recognizing common scams is an essential way to stay financially healthy. The following tips can help you recognize red flags, making it easier to protect yourself from fraud.

Beware of Threatening Messages

A threatening or urgent demand to make a payment should be an immediate red flag, as reputable companies don’t do this. If you receive a threatening or urgent message to make a payment, find the company’s official phone number and verify the message before paying.

Guard Your Personal Information

An unsolicited call, text or email asking for your personal information is always a red flag. Before sharing private information, call the company’s official phone number to verify the request.

Poor Grammar and Spelling

If you receive an email or text with misspellings or strange grammar, it’s probably a phishing attempt. Delete that message! Clicking or tapping the link could result in having your private information compromised.

Watch for Fake Websites

Sometimes scammers send texts or emails that include website links with minor differences. Check for misspellings or errors in the link. If you click through, you may see a website that looks real but is actually a fake. If the victim types their credentials into the website, they will likely be stolen.

Unusual Payment Methods

If a business asks you to pay with an unusual payment method like a gift card or wire transfer, that’s a red flag. Scammers often use these payment methods because they’re more difficult to trace. A reputable business won’t do this.

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