"I'm with Credit Union West, calling to notify you of a fraudulent charge on your checking account. We need your online banking password to verify your account."
🚩 You can spot this imposter when they ask for your debit card PIN, banking password, or other personal information to verify your identity. Please be aware, Credit Union West will never ask for your debit card PIN or your Online Banking password.
"I'm with the IRS. I can get your stimulus check to you faster for a fee." Or, "You need to pay a fee in order to cash your Stimulus Payment."
🚩 The IRS will never charge a fee to issue a refund or payment. They will never contact you by phone, email, text or social media to ask for verification of your personal and/or banking information.
"I can help you with errands, it's no trouble. I just need your credit card for your items." Or, "I can pick up your prescriptions and groceries. You don't need to leave your house if you give me your debit card."
🚩 Be cautious of anyone that asks for your PIN or credit card information so they can pay for your items. Or, ask for your personal information such as date of birth and social security number to verify your identity for the pharmacy.
"Glad I got you! You recently responded to one of our ads about purchasing our product. Would you like to place an order?"
🚩 Be cautious if you're asked to purchase an item you never heard of and to pay for it with a money transfer, gift card, PayPal, or Zelle before the item is received.
"Hi, the reason for my call is to see if you would donate."
🚩 You can spot this imposter who requests a donation to a charity that you've never heard of and you cannot find an official website.
"Grandma, I need your help. I need some money, fast!"
🚩 You receive a call from someone claiming to be a family-member or loved one asking for money to help with an emergency and instructions on where to send the funds. Don’t send money unless you’re sure it’s the real person who contacted you. Be sure to verify the story with your family-member or loved one by calling them from a saved phone number, email, or in-person.
"Your Social Security benefits are going to be suspended. You need to pay a fee to verify your checking account."
🚩 Spot this scam requesting a payment to verify your checking account or pay a fee to maintain regular benefit payments. The SSA will never ask you to pay a fee, especially by gift card, wire transfer, internet currency, or by mailing cash.
"We've detected malware on your computer. Let's get this fixed for you."
🚩 You receive a request from tech support claiming your computer has malware and they request payment to fix the for you. Be cautious of individuals who request access to your computer, especially if the request was unsolicited.
"Your email was randomly selected to participate in a drawing. Please send us your details."
🚩 You receive a request to prepay fees or taxes in order to receive a large prize you supposedly won.
"I can help reduce or eliminate your debt."
🚩 Be cautious if you receive a request for payment in order to establish a service relationship to pay, settle, or get rid of debt.
