Summer should be about sunshine, not stress. But while you're planning trips or spending time with loved ones, fraudsters are busy crafting scams that can compromise your peace of mind. 

Staying informed is one of the simplest and most powerful ways to protect your finances. Here are a few common scams and steps you can take to stay secure. 

 

Don’t Fall for Fake Support 

Scammers often pose as trusted organizations, including your credit union or well-known tech companies like Microsoft. These scams may start with a phone call, email, text, or even a pop-up that demands immediate action. 

You may be told your device has been hacked or that you received a refund by mistake. In reality, the goal is to get access to your device or personal information. 

How you can stay safe: 

• Never use contact information from a pop-up or unsolicited message. 
• Verify refund or fraud claims by contacting the company directly, using their official website. 
• Only grant remote access if you initiated the request through a verified support channel. 

 

Watch for Unauthorized Account Access 

Scammers are getting better at what they do. In some recent cases, they’ve managed to access online banking accounts without the account holder even knowing it happened. 

They may quietly update your contact details, move funds between accounts, or open new services under your name. By the time you spot the signs, damage may already be done. 

Keep your accounts protected: 

• Turn on login and activity alerts in digital banking. You can receive a text, email, or push notification any time a login occurs, or a change is made. 
• Use strong, unique passwords for all accounts.
• Use Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) on online accounts when available.

 

Sweetheart Scams: When Romance Turns Risky 

Romance scams, also commonly referred to as sweetheart scams, happen when someone builds a fake relationship online to gain your trust, then asks for money. They often claim it’s for an emergency, perhaps for a car repair, medical emergency, or plane ticket. In short, there’s no end to the lies romance scammers will tell to manipulate you and get your money. 

According to the Federal Trade Commission, romance scams cost Americans over $1.3 billion in 2022 alone.  

Protect your heart and your wallet: 

• Be cautious if someone you’ve only met online asks for money, no matter how sincere they sound. 
• Never send money to someone you haven’t met in person. 
• If you’re unsure, talk to someone you trust before acting. 

 

When in Doubt, Reach Out for Help 

You’re never alone when it comes to protecting your finances. If you suspect fraud or believe you may have been targeted by a scam, take action right away:

• Contact us immediately so we can help secure your accounts.
• You can also report scams to the Federal Trade Commission’s Report Fraud website

With a few simple tools and the right awareness, you can enjoy the season with more peace of mind.

View All Articles