Scammers are always looking for a new approach to steal your money or information. Chances are you or someone you know have fallen victim to a scammer. While it may be hard to talk about what you have been through, please know that you are not alone. It is important to talk about your story — or a story you know — to friends and loved ones so they can be on the lookout for scammers, too. By spreading the specific details of these elaborate scams, you don’t just have to be a victim, you can be the hero, too! The more stories shared by you, the less likely someone you know will be conned by the same or a similar scam. Along with CEFCU, you also have the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) on your side! The FTC helps protect consumers by stopping scammers, so it’s a good idea to share with them what you know by either filing a report online at https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/#/ or calling 1.877.FTC.HELP.

Be on the lookout for these scams:

Identity Theft — Someone gets your personal information and charges a bill, or several, to your name. They may use your credit card, medical card, or Social Security number along with your name. If you start getting suspicious mail, such as paperwork for an account you didn’t apply for, or a bill for a service you did not request, someone may have stolen your identity.

Unwanted Calls and Text Messages — You get a call from a number you don’t recognize and answer it only to hear a robocall on the other end. Most often, this call is not the person or company they say they are. Hang up immediately, do not push any buttons (or in the case of a text message, do not click any links). You may have access to blocking services from your phone carrier, you can ask them to find out more.

Impersonator Scams — There are many methods to this type of scam, and scammers may impersonate tech support, a romantic interest, a grandchild, government official or office, or a business. Be very cautious and suspicious when a person or company starts asking or demanding you pay them money online, over the phone, or through texting.

Learn more about scams and fraud with these additional resources:

And remember, pass it along — to family, friends, neighbors, and the FTC so we can all fight scammers together.

 

You can also check out this helpful video from the FTC’s Pass It On campaign!