Don’t Take the Bait: How to Protect Yourself Against Scammers

We all know the warnings: keep your banking information away from unreliable sources, don’t click suspicious links in emails, and be wary of telemarketing calls.

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Nowadays, scams are everywhere.

Scammers are adapting faster with each new wave of technology, and sometimes the last line of defense is you. 

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It can seem daunting, but Community South is here to provide you with the best tactics to protect yourself against scammers and keep your private information safe!

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Identity Protection: As Simple as 1, 2, 3

Identity theft is one of the fastest-growing crimes in the US— chances are you, or someone you know, has been a victim of it. Identity theft scammers are tricky, but there are ways to catch them before they do lasting damage. 

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Tip #1: Check your bank statements and transaction history.‍

Check your bank statements and transaction history regularly. Identity thieves rely on our lives getting busy and us leaving our bank accounts unmonitored. Keep scammers at bay by regularly checking your statements and transaction history. If you see something suspicious, notify your financial institution immediately!

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Tip #2: Turn on transaction alerts.

Checking your account is easy with transaction alerts! Receive notifications every time there’s a purchase using your account. Best case scenario, it’s you purchasing your groceries. Worst case scenario, it’s an identity thief, and you can notify your financial institution as soon as possible. 

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Tip #3: Review your credit score.

‍Review your credit score on www.annualcreditreport.com regularly. The best way to ensure identity thieves aren’t wreaking havoc on your private banking information is to check your credit report regularly. The best part— it’s free! Using ww.annualcreditreport.com, you can check your credit report for free three times a year with each of the three credit bureaus. Notice incorrect information? Contact your financial institution immediately!

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Cut the Line: How to Combat Phishing 

Phishing lets scammers lure you in with a false sense of security or urgent messages, and leave you floundering after they’ve stolen your personal information. Phishing is one of the most common types of scams due to the wide variety of attacks phishers use. 

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In this section, we’ll give you some easy tips to cut the line before they reel you in!

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Tip #1: Never click on suspicious links in emails or text messages.

Recently, scammers have sent widespread texts and emails targeting Florida residents. They pretend to be the FLHSMV or DMV, demanding recipients pay off their tolls or traffic tickets, and supply a link where they can do so. In this case— or any situation where you receive an “urgent” message from an unknown source —do not click the link. Scammers rely on you clicking the link to steal your personal information. Instead, type the agency’s URL in yourself, or contact the agency for more information. 

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Tip #2: Review requests for personal information closely.

When unknown sources request your personal information via text, email, or phone call, be sure to review the information they provide closely. Some scammers trick you into thinking a family member is in trouble to spur you into action. Always check with family members and your financial institution to verify if these requests are legit.

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Tip #3: Be skeptical about “urgent” calls and messages.

‍Phishers often pose as government agencies, such as the IRS, to convince you to send them money. Scammers will claim it’s time-sensitive, and if you don’t send the money immediately, you could be sent to collections or face arrest. They rely on you getting scared and sending money without thinking twice. Contact your financial institution or the agency directly before taking any action. ‍

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Don’t let scammers get their hooks in you! You can never be too careful when avoiding scams, but these tips and tricks are a great place to start. For more information on anti-scam best practices, visit the NCUA Fraud Prevention Page.