Financial Fraud & Scam Awareness

In Simple Terms

If someone lies about who they are or why they need your personal information, it's a scam.

Common Scam Phone Calls

1. Impersonation Scams

Scammers pretend to be trusted organizations or authorities and claim immediate action is required.

Common Impersonations

• Your credit union or bank
• The IRS or tax agencies
• Social Security Administration
• Law enforcement agencies
• Utility companies

Red Flags

• Claims your account has been compromised
• Requests passwords, PINs, or account details
• Demands immediate action
• Threatens penalties if you do not comply

2. Tech Support Scams

Fraudsters claim there is a problem with your computer, email account, or mobile device.

Common Claims

• Your computer has a virus
• Your email account has been hacked
• Microsoft, Apple, or another company detected suspicious activity

Their Goal

• Gain remote access to your device
• Steal passwords and personal information
• Charge you for unnecessary or fake repairs

3. Prize and Sweepstakes Scams

Scammers claim you have won a prize, lottery, or special reward.

The Catch

• You must pay taxes or fees upfront
• You must provide banking information
• You must send money before receiving your prize

Remember

Legitimate prizes do not require payment before you can claim them.

4. Family Emergency Scams

Often called "Grandparent Scams," these schemes prey on emotions and urgency.

Common Stories

• A family member has been arrested
• A loved one was injured in an accident
• Someone needs money immediately

Requested Payments

• Wire transfers
• Gift cards
• Cryptocurrency

Always verify emergency requests directly with your family member before sending money.

5. Loan and Debt Relief Scams

Scammers offer financial solutions that seem too good to be true.

Common Offers

• Guaranteed loans
• Debt forgiveness
• Credit repair services

Warning

Many demand upfront fees and provide little or no legitimate assistance.

6. Investment and Cryptocurrency Scams

Fraudsters promise unusually high returns with little or no risk.

Common Claims

• Guaranteed profits
• Exclusive investment opportunities
• Insider trading tips
• Cryptocurrency trading secrets

Remember

If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

7. One-Ring Scams

Your phone rings once and disconnects before you can answer.

Their Goal

• Convince you to call back
• Connect you to premium-rate numbers
• Generate expensive phone charges

Do not return calls from unfamiliar numbers that only ring once.

8. Spoofed Number Scams

Scammers can manipulate caller ID to make a call appear legitimate.

Caller ID May Show

• Your credit union
• A local phone number
• A government agency
• A legitimate business

Important

Caller ID can be faked. Never rely on it alone to verify a caller's identity.

Common Financial Scams

• Phishing and Spear Phishing: Fake emails, texts, or websites designed to capture personal information.
• Bank Account and Check Scams: Fraudulent checks, overpayment schemes, and fake loan offers.
• Investment and Cryptocurrency Scams: Promises of guaranteed profits or risk-free investments.
• Debt Relief Scams: Companies charging fees for debt elimination or loan modification services.
• Charity and Disaster Relief Scams: Fake donation requests following emergencies or disasters.
• Tech Support Scams: Calls, emails, or pop-ups claiming your device or accounts have been compromised.