Avoid Scams
Debit Card Scam
Calls from FVSBank? Not us! FVSBank customers have reported receiving calls telling them that their MasterCard has been locked out. This is an automated call asking customers to enter in their MasterCard number, security code and expiration date to 'unlock' their MasterCard. THIS IS A SCAM. Keeping reading to learn more about the Debit Card Scam.
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Fake Check Scam
No matter the circumstances, don't agree to deposit a check from a stranger and wire money back. If the check bounces, you'll owe the bank any money you withdrew. Keep reading to learn more about the Fake Check Scam.
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Family Emergency Scams
Scammers may pose as relatives or friends, calling or sending messages to urge you to wire money immediately. They’ll say they need cash to help with an emergency-like getting out of jail, paying a hospital bill, or needing to leave a foreign country. Their goal is to trick you into sending money before you realize it’s a scam. Keep reading to learn more about Family Emergency Scams.
Learn more about Family Emergency Scams
Secret Shopper Scam
When you see "work from your home" advertisements on online job boards and/or in the newspaper, be careful. With many of these postings, even filling out the application is a risk. If you are asked for personal information that identifies you, like you social security or driver's license number, or if the 'employer' wants to deposit money into your bank account as part of the job — DO NOT GIVE OUT YOUR PERSONAL FINANCIAL INFORMATION. Keep reading to learn more about Secret Shopper Scams.
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Telephone Scams
Protect yourself against telephone scams. Con artists love the telephone. If you’re retired, one of the biggest threats to your wallet could be that smooth voice on the phone. With all age groups, phone scams are growing. And so are consumer complaints. With retirees, scammers give more time and attention. Keep reading to learn more about Telephone Scams.
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Grandparents Scam
You get a call or an email unexpectedly from someone who claims to be a friend or relative. This often happens to grandparents with the caller claiming to be their grandson or granddaughter. The caller says there’s an emergency and asks you to send money immediately. But beware, there’s a good chance this is an imposter trying to steal your money! Follow these tips to avoid becoming a victim of fraud. Keep reading to learn more about Grandparents Scam.
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Telemarketing Resale Scams
If a telemarketer calls you with a chance to make extra money by re-selling designer clothing, purses, or perfumes from your doorstep, it might seem like the ideal work-at-home situation. For scammers, it’s a great way to steal your money through a scam that’s a classic game of bait and switch. Keep reading to learn more about Telemarketing Resale Scams.
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Tech Support Scams
In a recent twist, scam artists are using the phone to try to break into your computer. They call, claiming to be computer techs associates with well-known companies like Microsoft. They say that they’ve detected viruses other malware on your computer to trick you into giving them remote access or paying for software you don’t need. Keep reading to learn more about Tech Support Scams.
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Scam Proof your Doorstep
Nowadays, you can encounter a scam artist just about anywhere — online, over the phone and even at your door. Here are a few ruses that might come a’ knocking, and tips to avoid getting taken. Keep reading to learn more about how to Scam Proof your Doorstep.
Learn About how to Scam Proof your Doorstep
Prize Scams
You’re just won $5,000! Or $5 million. Or maybe it’s a fabulous diamond ring, or luxury vacation? More likely, it’s a prize scam, and you’ll find the prize isn’t worth much — if you get a prize at all. Here’s one way to think about it: if you have to pay, it’s not a prize. Keep reading to learn more about Prize Scams.
Phone Scams
Every year, thousands of people lose money to telephone scams- from a few dollars to their life savings. Scammers will say anything to cheat people out of money. Some seem very friendly-calling you by your first name making small talk and asking about your family. They may claim to work for a company you trust, or they may send mail or place ads to convince you to call them. Keep reading to learn more about Phone Scams.
Phishing
When internet fraudsters impersonate a business to trick you into giving out your personal information, it’s called phishing. Don’t reply to email, text, or pop-up messages that ask for your personal or financial information. Don’t click on links within them either-even if the message seems to be from an organization you trust. It isn’t. Legitimate businesses don’t ask you to send sensitive information through insecure channels. Keep reading to learn more about Phishing.
Mortgage Relief Scams
The possibility of losing your home to foreclosure can be terrifying. The reality that scam artists are preying on desperate homeowners is equally frightening. Many companies say they can get a change to your loan that will reduce your monthly mortgage payment or take other steps to save your home. Some claim that nearly all their customers get successful results and even offer a money-back guarantee. Others say they're affiliated with the government or your lender and still others promise the help of attorneys or real estate experts. Keep reading to learn more about Mortgage Relief Scams.
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Imposter Scams
Scammers may pose as people you know and trust, and then make desperate appeals for cash to deal with an emergency. Their goal is to trick you into sending money before you realize it’s a scam. Keep reading to learn more about Imposter Scams.
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How to Guard Against Common Scams That Target Seniors
Hundreds of thousands of older Americans are victims of financial fraud and theft every year. Some scammers call seniors posing as a representative from Medicare, their bank, the IRS or another business entity then request credit card details and other financial information. Keep reading to learn more about How to Guard Against Common Scams That Target Seniors.
Learn More about How to Guard Against Common Scams That Target Seniors
Government Imposter Scams
Scammers sometimes pretend to be government officials to get you to send them money. They might promise lottery winnings if you pay “taxes” or other fees, or they might threaten you with arrest or a lawsuit if you don’t pay a supposed debt. Regardless of their tactics, their goal is the same: to get you to send them money. Keep reading to learn more about Government Imposter Scams.
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