Don't Get Scammed.
Know the Signs.

Phishing is when a scammer sends you a fake email or text message pretending to be your bank, the government, or a company you trust. The goal is to trick you into clicking a link, scanning a QR code, or giving them your password, one-time verification code, or Social Security number. Scammers now use AI to write these messages, so they often look polished and professional — not sloppy like they used to.

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  The message says it's an EMERGENCY and you need to act RIGHT NOW
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  The email address looks strange or "spoofed" — like "acfcu-secure-alert@gmail.com"
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  It asks you to scan a QR code to "verify" something (known as "quishing")
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  It asks for a one-time passcode or multi-factor authentication (MFA) code
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  It asks you to click a link to "verify" your account or log in — note: it may look completely professional with no spelling errors, thanks to AI

A scammer calls, texts, or video calls pretending to be a grandchild, child, spouse, sibling, or friend. They say they're in trouble — arrested, in a car accident, or hurt — and they desperately need money wired right away. They beg you not to tell other family members so the "secret" can't be checked out. This scam no longer just targets grandparents — it targets parents, spouses, siblings, and friends too.

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  They say "don't tell Mom" or ask you to keep it a secret
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  They ask for money through wire transfer, gift cards, cash, cryptocurrency, Zelle, Cash App, or Venmo
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  The voice sounds almost right — scammers now use AI voice cloning to convincingly mimic a real family member's voice
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  They're in a huge rush and won't let you slow down

A scammer creates a fake profile on a dating app or social media, builds a relationship with you over weeks or months, and then creates a dramatic emergency. They ask you to send money — and they'll do it again and again. They never meet you in person and always have an excuse. Many romance scams now shift into fake cryptocurrency or investment "opportunities," a fast-growing scheme sometimes called "pig butchering," where the scammer builds trust before steering you into a fake trading platform.

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  They say they love you within days or weeks, but you've never met
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  They have a glamorous job (military, doctor, oil rig worker) in a far-away place
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  They always have a reason they can't video chat or visit
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  They start steering the conversation toward a "great" cryptocurrency or investment opportunity
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  Eventually they ask for money — always through gift cards, wire transfers, or crypto

Scammers call or send messages pretending to be from the IRS, Social Security Administration, Medicare, the FBI, the FTC, or local police. They say you owe money or that your Social Security number was used in a crime. They threaten to arrest you, cut off your benefits, or freeze your account if you don't pay immediately.

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  They demand payment right now using gift cards, wire transfer, or Bitcoin
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  They threaten to arrest you or send police to your home
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  They say your Social Security number was "suspended" (that's not a real thing)
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  The caller ID says "IRS," "FBI," or "Police" — this can be faked

You get a call, letter, or message saying you've won a prize, sweepstakes, or lottery — even one you never entered. It's common for scammers to claim you've won a Publishers Clearing House-style sweepstakes, or to text you about a small "fee" needed to release a package delivery. Before you can collect your winnings, they ask you to pay a "fee," "taxes," or "processing charge." Once you pay, either more fees appear, or they disappear entirely. There is no prize.

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  You have to pay money to receive your "prize"
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  You "won" a contest or sweepstakes you never entered
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  A text claims a package can't be delivered without a small "fee"
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  They pressure you to pay before the deadline expires
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  They want gift cards or wire transfers as payment

A scary message pops up on your computer or phone saying your device has a virus. It tells you to call a "support" number right away. When you call, they walk you through installing remote access software — like AnyDesk or TeamViewer — so they can take control of your computer, steal your passwords and banking info, and charge you a fee for their "help."

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  A popup appeared out of nowhere warning about a virus
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  They ask you to install remote access software (like AnyDesk or TeamViewer) or "remotely access" your computer
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  They ask for payment via gift cards or wire transfer
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  The message says "Do NOT close this window"

Scammers place tiny hidden devices — called skimmers — on ATMs, gas station pumps, and card readers. When you insert or swipe your card, the skimmer copies your card number. A tiny hidden camera or fake keypad records your PIN. There's also a newer version called a "shimmer," which is installed inside the chip reader itself. Shimmers are often impossible to spot from the outside, which is why checking your account regularly is just as important as inspecting the machine.

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  The card slot looks loose, bulky, or different from the machine's other parts
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  The keypad feels wobbly or sits too high above the surface
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  There's a tiny hole or unusual sticker near the card reader
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  The card goes in too easily or catches in a weird way
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  Unfamiliar charges appear on your statement even though your card never left your sight — a possible sign of an undetectable "shimmer"

Scammers build fake websites or social media stores that look real, selling products at crazy low prices. Many are advertised through sponsored ads on Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok, which makes them look more legitimate since a real ad platform is showing them to you. After you pay, you either never receive anything, get a cheap knockoff, or receive nothing at all. They disappear with your money and your card info.

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  The price seems way too good to be true (a $180 item for $19)
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  The website address looks odd or has extra words (like "nike-real-shoes.com")
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  You found it through a sponsored social media ad you'd never seen the brand mention before
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  They only accept payment by Zelle, Cash App, or gift cards — not credit cards
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  No return policy, no phone number, and no physical address listed

Scammers convince people to invest in fake cryptocurrency, stock trading, or investment platforms that promise high returns with little or no risk. Victims often see fake account balances showing huge profits but are asked to pay additional "fees" or "taxes" before they can withdraw their money. The money — and the investment — isn't real.

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  Guaranteed or unusually high investment returns
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  Pressure to invest quickly or "before the opportunity is gone"
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  Requests to invest using cryptocurrency
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  You can see profits but must pay fees or taxes before withdrawing

Scammers impersonate vendors, business partners, attorneys, or company executives through email. They trick businesses into changing payment instructions, sending wire transfers, or updating payroll information. The email often looks legitimate but is designed to steal money.

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  Requests to change wire instructions or direct deposit information
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  Pressure to send a payment immediately
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  Slightly misspelled email addresses
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  Requests to bypass normal approval processes

Criminals steal checks from mailboxes, wash away the ink, alter payees or amounts, or create counterfeit checks using stolen account information. Victims often don't realize anything is wrong until money has already left their account.

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  Missing checks that never arrive
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  Checks clearing for altered amounts
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  Unknown payees on your account
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  Mail that appears to have been opened or stolen

Scammers advertise fake jobs, often work-from-home positions, then send counterfeit checks or ask applicants to pay for equipment, training, or background checks. Eventually the check is returned unpaid, leaving the victim responsible for the loss.

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  You're hired with little or no interview
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  They send you a check before you begin working
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  You're asked to buy equipment or gift cards
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  The employer communicates only through text or messaging apps