Avoid Scams: Be Wary of These 4 Common Red Flags
Scammers never tire of trying to trick you in all kinds of new and different ways.
“I was scared into thinking I hadn’t paid a bill!”
These bad people will try to make you rush into decisions without thinking by causing fear or alarm. They might pretend a family member is in trouble, say a bill is overdue, or offer something super exciting to confuse you.
“She seemed really nice.”
Scammers on social media are invested in pretending to be your friend. They’ll be friendly to become your online buddy, and then try to trick you with “exclusive” or “secret” offers and other ways to “get rich fast.”
“I was fooled into thinking it was a bank employee who needed my info quickly.”
These imposters are professional scammers. They treat tricking you like it is their full-time job – because it is! They’ll act like family or a company you use, or even try to impersonate us here at UMe! These criminals will try to get access to your money fast. They might tell you to send money right away, often through wire transfer or payment apps, and it’s tough to get it back once it’s gone.
Scammers may send you fake emails or text messages, call you on the phone, write letters, or even come to your house (!!) when you’re not expecting them. They use different methods to try to get you to share your financial information. They may act nice and helpful, but don’t be fooled – their goal is to get money out of you. And they’re very good at it. Please stay vigilant in protecting your personal information. Here are some scammer red flags to look out for:
Unexpected Contact
If someone asks for your personal info or money through a call, email, text, message, or a pop-up, don’t disclose anything, and don’t click on any links or download anything. And remember, UMe will never ask for your account information. We will never ask for any of your login information, ever. Never share that info with anyone.Strange Ways to Pay
If someone tells you to pay them with unusual things like gift cards, bitcoin, or special cards, it’s probably a scam attempt.Free Gift Offer
If someone says you can get something really great for free or become super rich very quickly, be careful. If it sounds too good to be true, it’s likely not real… And you should never accept a check from someone you don’t know.Don’t Rush
If someone tries to make you do something quickly by scaring you with a phone call, email, or text, be careful! They might pretend to be from a place you know, like UMe, and say there’s a big problem. But don’t do anything unless you’re sure the person is who they say they are and the problem is real. One easy way to do that is to hang up, and call UMe directly.Don’t Share Your Info
If someone wants you to share secret stuff like your code or bank number, don’t do it. If you’re not sure, don’t share. Bank of America won’t ever ask for your secret code through text, email, or calls.
In an age where scammers work tirelessly and become more and more skilled, it’s important to be smart and protect yourself. Scammers try to fool you in all sorts of ways, but if you watch out for these red flags, you’ll stay safe. Don’t fall for their unexpected tricks, strange ways of payment, or offers that sound too good to be true. Take your time and be cautious. And remember, never share your personal info with anyone, and don’t rush into anything. If you’re ever unsure, it’s okay to hang up and call us directly to check. Once you give your money to a scammer, it’s really hard to get it back, so it’s best to be careful from the start. Keep your money and personal information safe!
Share with your circle: You can also be a hero by telling your family and friends about these tricky scams. By sharing what you know, you can help your loved ones keep their money and personal stuff safe.
U matter to Me (to all of us) at UMe!
Disclaimer: U matter to Me (all of us) at UMe — and that’s why we do our best to deliver helpful information on our blog. Please note the following: (1) UMe Credit Union works hard to make certain that the information we post here is as accurate as humanly possible. But as you know, information can change and evolve quickly. While we try to update the blog on a regular basis, the content of some older posts may not be correct or up-to-date. (2) Some destinations on the World Wide Web that we link you to will exist on external websites. UMe Credit Union does not officially endorse any connected sites, nor do/did we compensate or get compensated by any entities to be featured in our posts (unless otherwise noted). (3) Everyone’s situation is unique and we advise you to consult with our personal bankers or your finance, tax, or legal professional for advice individualized to you!