Scams are getting more creative, and even the most cautious people can get caught off guard. Your safety matters to us, and a little awareness goes a long way. Below are a few of the most common scams making the rounds, and how you can steer clear of them.

Text Message Traps

In 2024, consumers lost $470 million to scams that started with text messages, according to the Federal Trade Commission. Here are a couple of new tricky text schemes to be aware of.

Job Offers That Seem Too Good to Be True

Scammers are now sending texts that appear to come from email addresses instead of phone numbers. They may offer remote jobs with great pay, flexible hours, and big perks. But behind the promise is often a phishing attempt to steal your personal information or get you to click a harmful link. If it sounds too good to be true, trust your instincts.

Fake Toll Notifications

There’s been an increase in scam texts claiming to be from Drive KS, the Kansas Turnpike Authority, or other toll agencies. These messages claim you owe a toll and urge you to pay through a link. If you receive a text like this, don’t click on the link, share any personal information, or make a payment. Instead, visit the official website to check your account.

Fake Calls from the Fraud Department

Another tactic involves callers claiming to be from your bank or credit union’s fraud department. They may say your account is at risk and request sensitive information. Sometimes, they even spoof the caller ID to make it look like it’s coming from a legitimate source.

No matter how convincing they sound, it’s important to remember that CUA will never call or text asking for personal information like your PIN, online banking password, or full account number. If you ever get a call like this, hang up and contact us directly.

Bitcoin ATM Trick

Bitcoin ATMs are real machines used to buy cryptocurrency with cash, but they’re also being used in an increasingly common scam. Here’s how it works.

A scammer calls pretending to be a loved one or someone who sounds official. While a wide range of lies may be used to trick you, they will often create a sense of urgency and ask you to withdraw cash and deposit it into a Bitcoin ATM using a QR code they provide. Once scanned, your money goes straight to the scammer and can’t be recovered.

If you receive a call urging you to withdraw or deposit money into a Bitcoin ATM, hang up immediately.

WhatsApp Warnings You Shouldn’t Ignore

Free messaging apps like WhatsApp are convenient, but they've also become a hot spot for fraudsters. These scams take various forms, from hackers and bots trying to obtain bank account details to criminals impersonating friends, family members, love interests, or employers and asking users to transfer money.

To stay safe, avoid responding to unknown user messages and never share financial details in a chat, even if the message looks familiar.

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