Scamming is all around us and it is on the rise. Protect yourself by remaining alert and suspicious of e-mails, texts, calls or other forms of communication from people and organizations you do not know. This is especially true if they are asking for money or personal information. It is important to be alert while also understanding you are not alone.
Stay abreast of the latest scams, and get advice to help you avoid, report, and recover from them. Visit the Federal Trade Commission's consumer advice page for a wealth of information.
Vishing (voice phishing) and smishing (SMS phishing) are tactics used by fraudsters to impersonate trusted organizations via phone calls or text messages. Their goal is to build a rapport with victims and manipulate them into revealing sensitive personal or financial information. Criminals may use text messaging or various messaging apps, such as WeChat, WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger. They may also use technologies like Voice over IP (VoIP) and Caller ID spoofing to disguise their identity, making calls or messages appear as if they originate from legitimate sources—even mimicking local numbers.
• Be cautious of unsolicited calls or texts from unknown numbers.
• Verify suspicious contacts by calling the official number listed on the organization’s website.
• Avoid clicking on links in unexpected messages.
• Direct any inquiries about orders or deliveries to the contact information provided on official websites or confirmation emails.
• Never share one-time passcodes unless a transaction is personally initiated.
• Be skeptical of urgent or emotionally charged calls, especially those claiming a family emergency – AI-generated voices can mimic loved ones.
• Recognize that fraudsters often use fear and urgency to manipulate victims.
To minimize fraud risk during the holiday season, your cardholders should:
• Shop Securely: Use only trusted websites. Avoid entering payment details on unfamiliar or suspicious sites.
• Use Secure Networks: Always shop online using a secure Wi-Fi connection or VPN.
• Avoid Skimming Devices: Prioritize chip or contactless payments. If a terminal forces a swipe, it may be compromised.
• Limit Personal Information Sharing: Avoid oversharing online, as personal details can be used to guess security questions.
• Verify Deals: Be cautious of “too good to be true” offers via email or SMS. Confirm promotions directly with the retailer.
• Monitor Financial Activity: Regularly review account statements and credit reports. Consider enrolling in a credit monitoring service.
Access your credit reports or freeze them at: www.equifax.com, www.experian.com or www.transunion.com.
• Update Contact Information: Ensure your financial institution has your current contact details and respond promptly to fraud alerts.
• Protect Physical Mail: Monitor your mailbox and shred sensitive documents, including pre-approved credit offers.
• Use Strong, Unique Passwords: Employ different secure passwords for financial accounts, social media, and mobile devices.
We’re frequently asked how to stop unwanted solicitations from mortgage lenders, credit card companies, and other credit providers. The most effective way to reduce or eliminate these offers is to opt out using the following resources:
Mail solicitations:
Visit OptOutPrescreen.com or call
1-888-567-8688
Phone solicitations:
Visit DoNotCall.gov or call
1-888-382-1222
. Be sure to register all active phone numbers, including home and cell. Please note that some exceptions apply. Companies you currently do business with, as well as certain nonprofit organizations (such as religious, political, or community-based groups seeking donations), are exempt from these restrictions. To stop solicitations from these organizations, you’ll need to contact them directly.
For additional help, you can also reach out to the
Association of National Advertisers (ANA)
at DMAchoice.org.
