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Scammers are getting smarter and more convincing every day. They send messages that look real, call from numbers that seem familiar, and create stories that sound urgent. Whether it’s a text about a package delivery, or a call claiming to be from your credit union, their goal is the same: to trick you into giving up personal information or money.
The good news? By recognizing the signs, you can stay one step ahead and protect yourself from becoming their next target.
Scams to Watch Out For Right Now
Bank or Credit Union Imposter Scams
One of the most common scams right now involves criminals pretending to be your financial institution. You might get a call or text that looks like it’s from Red Canoe, or your other financial institution, warning of suspicious activity on your account. The message may even use your name or partial account details to seem legitimate. Then, they’ll ask you to “confirm” your information or share a one-time passcode. Don’t do it. This is a scam. Red Canoe will never contact you asking for, account information, or verification codes. If you’re ever unsure, hang up and call us directly at (800) 562 - 5611, or using the number on our website or the back of your debit card.
Package Delivery Scams
Another trending scam is the package delivery scam. You receive a text or email saying your delivery couldn’t be completed, and there’s a link to “reschedule.” Clicking that link can install malware or take you to a fake website that steals your information. If you weren’t expecting a delivery, or something about the message seems off, delete it and visit the shipper’s official website directly to check your tracking information.
Tech Support Scams
Tech support scams often start with a pop-up message or phone call claiming your computer is infected with a virus. The scammer will offer to “fix” the issue if you pay a fee or grant them remote access to your device. Once they’re in, they can steal your personal information or lock you out of your system. Legitimate tech companies will never contact you out of the blue or ask for remote access. Close the pop-up, restart your computer, and run your own antivirus software instead.
Prize or Gift Card Scams
Prize and gift card scams often start with a message, email, or even a social media post claiming you’ve won something exciting like a new phone, a large cash prize, or even a vacation. The catch? You have to pay a “processing fee” or “tax” before you can claim it. The scammer might ask you to buy gift cards and send them the codes or request payment through digital apps like Venmo, Zelle, or cryptocurrency.
They do this because these forms of payment are nearly impossible to trace or recover once sent. Sometimes, scammers will even pretend to represent well-known companies or government agencies to make the offer sound legitimate. But here’s the truth: real prizes don’t require upfront payment. If you didn’t enter a contest, or if someone is asking you to pay to receive a reward, it’s a scam. Hang up, delete the message, and never share personal or financial information with them.
Romance Scams
Romance scams continue to rise, especially through dating apps and social media. Scammers create fake profiles using stolen photos and carefully crafted stories to gain your trust. They might say they live far away, are working overseas, or are serving in the military. Over time, they build an emotional connection and then ask for money, often claiming it’s for an emergency, medical bill, or travel expenses to come see you.
They use affection and sympathy to lower your guard, and they may even talk with you for weeks or months before ever asking for money. Once they do, they’ll pressure you to keep the situation private and act quickly, which are two classic scam tactics.
If someone you’ve never met in person asks for money, gift cards, or financial help of any kind, it’s almost always a scam. Don’t send funds or share personal details like your bank account or online banking information. Trust your instincts and talk to a friend, family member, or even your financial institution before taking any action.
The Red Flags to Watch For
No matter the type of scam, they all have a few things in common. Scammers use emotion, especially fear, excitement, or urgency, to get you to act before thinking. They’ll often tell you there’s a problem that needs immediate attention, like “Your account will be frozen” or “You need to confirm this right now.”
They also use pressure. They’ll tell you not to tell anyone, not your family, friends, or even your credit union. They might say something like, “Keep this between us,” or “If you tell anyone, your account could be locked.” These are huge warning signs. Legitimate organizations will never ask you to keep a financial situation secret or rush you into making a decision.
If someone is trying to make you act fast, pay in unusual ways, or keep quiet, stop and take a step back. Scammers succeed when you feel panicked, so give yourself time to think and verify what’s really going on.
How to Protect Yourself
The best way to protect yourself is to slow down and stay alert. If something feels off, it probably is. Don’t click on links or respond to messages from people you don’t know. Always reach out directly to the company or financial institution using a phone number or website you trust.
Keep your accounts secure by using strong, unique passwords and enabling multi-factor authentication wherever possible. Monitor your account activity regularly for any unfamiliar charges or transactions. If you notice anything suspicious, contact Red Canoe or your other financial institutions right away. We can help you take steps to protect your account.
Stay Scam Smart
Scammers are always coming up with new tricks, but their tactics often follow the same pattern: pressure, secrecy, and urgency. Recognizing that pattern is one of the most powerful ways to protect yourself and your accounts.
They create pressure by convincing you something is wrong or that you must act immediately. They use secrecy by telling you not to tell anyone. Not your family, not your friends, and not even your credit union. They build urgency by insisting that your account, money, or personal information is at risk if you don’t respond right away.
Whenever you see these three warning signs together, it’s time to stop and think before you act. Real organizations will always give you time to verify information and make decisions. Scammers want you to rush, but slowing down can save you from losing money or personal information.
Remember, Red Canoe will never ask for your personal details or one-time codes through a call, text, or email. If something doesn’t feel right, pause before acting and contact us directly. We’re here to help you stay informed, stay protected, and stay scam smart.
