How to Protect Yourself from Impersonation Scams
In today's digital age, scams are more sophisticated and prevalent than ever. They can start with a phishing text or email from a fraudster pretending to be a government entity, bank, or credit union.
As shared in the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s (FBI) Internet Crime Report, in 2023 alone, 880,418 complaints were received from the American public citing online fraud perpetrated by cybercriminals. The potential losses of $12.5 billion to cybercriminals is a staggering 22% increase in losses from the previous year, 2022. While you may think it is only elders falling prey to scammers, younger generations — Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z — reported higher instances of falling prey to fraud.
To protect yourself and your loved ones from falling victim to such scams, it's crucial to stay informed and vigilant.
Here are some common scams circulating today:
- Payment App Scams (Zelle, Venmo, Cash App):
Treat all transactions via payment apps as you would cash. Never use a payment app for online transactions with strangers.
- Job Scams:
Beware of enticing job offers that request sensitive information or involve financial transactions before you start working.
- Delivery Imposter Scams:
Log into your account directly rather than clicking on links to verify the legitimacy of any communication claiming to be from Amazon, USPS, UPS, or FedEx.
- Tech Support Scams:
Be cautious of unsolicited messages or calls offering tech support and requesting remote access to your computer. Do not click on any links or respond with any personal information.
Remember, CHROME will never ask for login information, multifactor (2FA) codes, or PIN numbers. If you receive a call or text requesting this information, do not respond. Contact us at 724.228.2030, and select option 1, to verify any suspicious communications.
Recognizing a scammer is half the battle.
Here are some red flags to watch out for:
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Sense of Urgency: Scammers often pressure victims to act quickly.
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Threats or Scare Tactics: They may use fear to manipulate you into providing sensitive information or making a payment.
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Sob Stories and Excuses: Fraudsters often spin elaborate tales to gain sympathy and trust.
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Calls from "Authorities:” Be wary of calls or messages from organizations claiming to be law enforcement or government agencies.
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Request for Sensitive Information: Legitimate entities will never ask for sensitive information like passwords or Social Security numbers via phone or email.
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Insisting on Nontraditional Payment Methods: Avoid transactions that involve gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency, as they are often irreversible.
Best Practices to Protect Yourself:
- Verify Requests: Always verify requests for information or transactions by contacting the organization directly using trusted contact details.
- Educate Yourself: Stay informed about the latest scams and share information with friends and family.
- Trust Your Instincts: If something feels off, step back and investigate before taking action.
At CHROME Federal Credit Union, we understand the importance of protecting our members from fraud and scams. Our Trusted Contact service is designed to provide an additional layer of security. By designating a trusted contact person, you empower us to quickly reach out if we notice any suspicious activity on your account. This proactive approach helps us work together to safeguard your financial well-being.
Remember, protecting yourself from scams requires diligence and awareness. By staying informed and adopting safe practices, you can reduce the risk of falling victim to fraudsters seeking to exploit your trust and financial security. Together, we can build a safer digital world for everyone.
Want to learn more? Read our blog article, Cyber Security 101: Passwords.
Cybersecurity continues to be a top priority of CHROME Federal Credit Union and our members. If you receive a suspicious communication, call our CHROME Care Team at 724.228.2030, and select option 1, to verify it's legitmacy. CHROME will never call or text and ask for Personal Identifiable Information like account numbers, passwords, or social security numbers. To read more about CHROME Confidence, visit this page.