Common Scams to Watch Out For

Here are the most frequent scams targeting your account holders. Use this section to stay alert and help others recognize what’s happening before damage is done.

Impersonation Scams

• Scammer pretends to be from your bank, a government agency, law enforcement, or a tech support team
• May claim there’s fraud on your account or that you must act quickly to secure your money
• Use caller ID spoofing, cloned emails, or “authority tone” to rush victims

Romance Scams

• Scammers build emotional bonds online and then request money for emergencies
• Often refuse to video chat or meet in person
• May continue manipulating victims over weeks or months

Investment & Crypto Scams

• “Guaranteed” returns with little to no risk
• Pressure to move money into crypto wallets or offshore platforms
• Fake trading dashboards that show fake profits

Rental & Real Estate Scams

• Scammer posts fake apartment or house listings and requests deposits up front
• No in-person showing available or excuses for why they can’t meet
• May use stolen photos and pressure you to “act now”

Marketplace & Seller Scams

• Fake buyers sending overpayments, asking to refund difference
• Fake sellers taking money but never delivering the product
• Requests to use unusual payment apps or methods

Job & Employment Scams

• Fake recruiters offering remote work, asking for banking info or upfront fees
• Offers that sound too good to be true with very fast hiring processes
• Check fraud: sending you a check and asking you to send back part of the funds

Lottery, Prize & Refund Scams

• Claiming you’ve won a prize or refund — but must first pay fees or taxes
• Often involves fake checks, government impersonation, or tech companies

Tech Support & Remote Access Scams

• Victim gets pop-up or cold call claiming their device is infected
• Scammer gains access to computer and may “show” fake problems
• Leads to theft of bank info, remote control, or fake security plan charges

Account Takeover & Credential Phishing

• Victims are tricked into clicking fake login pages or giving codes
• Scammer gains access to email, bank, or social media accounts
• Used for identity theft, financial fraud, or impersonating the victim

Phone, Text, and QR Code Scams

• “Smishing” texts with fake delivery, refund, or login links
• QR codes on fake invoices, parking meters, or phishing signs
• Calls that claim legal action or suspension of services