Security Information

The following are red flags of fraud scams. Please be cautious in these situations: 

• You receive a check in the mail that you were not expecting.
• You are overpaid for the sale of an item online and asked to return the funds.
• You are requested to make a payment with gift cards or by sending cash.
• You receive an email, text, call, or social media message requesting you to verify your bank account numbers.
• You are being pressured to share personal information or make a payment immediately.
• You receive a call or a pop-up stating that your computer or device needs repair or updating.

Scammers are trying to take advantage of the current pandemic and IRS payments. Please be cautious in these additional situations:

• You receive an email, text, or social media message requesting to verify your personal or banking information.
• You’re asked to sign your check over to a caller.
• You receive a check and the sender tells you to call a number to verify your personal information in order to cash it.
• You receive an offer to receive your payment faster.
• You receive a solicitation for a donation. Always check on a charity before donating. Go directly to their actual website or call.
• You receive an email or text promoting non-FDA approved cures or at-home test kits.

Remember that scammers often spoof phone numbers to trick you into answering or responding.

Criminals create new ways every year to steal your money and personal information, especially during the holidays. Do your homework before making a purchase or donation.

• Package Delivery Scam – If you receive an email or text for a “Failed Delivery Notification” or something similar, do not open it. The link may contain a virus or may be trying to steal your credentials.
• Online Gift Card Scam – Be wary of gift cards purchased through online auction sites – they are often fraudulent or stolen.
• Are Prices Too Good to be True? – Then they probably are! Be wary of online retailers or ads on social media with prices that are way below the typical price.
• Out of Stock Items – Be wary of online retailers or ads on social media claiming to have items that are out of stock everywhere else – this could be too good to be true!
• Social Media Ads – Be wary of ads within social media. They may spoof known retailers and send you to an unsecured site. It is best to go to the retailer site directly by inputting their site into a browser. Don’t trust the links within social media.