Fraud continues to rise, with 2023 marking a 14% increase over 2022 in losses to consumers. It's more crucial than ever to safeguard your finances and identity. Here are the most common scams to be aware of:
Imposter Scams
An imposter scammer may call, text, or email to convince you they are someone in authority. They may even use caller ID to make it look like they are calling from an official government or business' number. To commit identity theft, they try to get you to send money or a gift card or share personal information.
Online Shopping Scams
Online shopping scams involve scammers pretending to be legitimate online sellers, either with a fake website or a fake ad on a genuine retailer site. They may use sophisticated designs and layouts, possibly stolen logos, and even a domain name similar to an authentic retailer.
Sweepstakes Scams
Sweepstakes, prize, and lottery frauds are among the top scams people report to the FTC. These scams usually start with a call or message that says you're a winner (a lie). They say to get the so-called prize you must send money or click somewhere to give your information.
Investment Scams
Investment scams claim you'll likely make a lot of money quickly or easily with little to no risk, usually by investing in the financial markets, cryptocurrency, real estate, or precious metals and coins. These scams often start with free training or seminars, but quickly lead to hefty fees for additional training or coaching that promises to increase your success.
Keep these tips in mind to stay safe:
| • | If you receive unexpected mail, email, or text messages that seem suspicious, independently verify the source before taking any action. | | • | Scrutinize email addresses and hyperlinks in emails. | | • | Avoid sharing personal or financial information in response to unsolicited communications. | | • | Regularly review your transaction history and monitor your accounts through Online Banking or our Mobile Banking App for any unusual activity. | | • | Access Card Controls in our Mobile Banking App to turn your debit and credit cards on or off in the event your card(s) are stolen, lost, or otherwise compromised. | | • | Create notifications for your Innovations accounts, credit cards and loans through our Mobile Banking App for balance summaries, changes in balances, and more. |
We take the security of your information seriously. Remember, our Ignite Rewards Checking account comes with FREE IDProtect®*, your personal guard against identity theft. Activate it today to enjoy benefits like credit file monitoring, identity monitoring, and more.
*Eligibility: Benefits are available to Ignite Checking account owner(s), and their joint account owners subject to the terms and conditions for the applicable Benefits. Some Benefits require authentication, registration and/or activation. Benefits are not available to a "signer" on the account who is not an account owner or to businesses, clubs, trusts organizations and/or churches and their members, or schools and their employees/students. |
