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Protecting Yourself Against Scams: Now And Always

Summary Scam tactics change, but strong security habits can keep you protected. Learn practical ways to reduce risk and make more confident financial decisions.Key Takeaways
  • Stay informed about evolving scam trends.
  • Verify before sharing information or sending money.
  • Use security tools and account protections whenever possible.
  • Trust your instincts when something doesn't feel right.
Fraudsters are working overtime to find new ways to steal from you. Stop them in their tracks with the following tips.
  • Know that if it sounds too good to be true, it might be. A “surprise” payment has strings attached.
  • Don’t assume that if a caller knows some of your personal information, they must be legit. Fraudsters are very good at tracking this information down – and using it to gain your trust.
  • Never provide personal information. No legitimate organization will call or email you to confirm your account or personal information – and this includes government agencies.
  • Hang up and call Summit yourself. Many times, the caller will try to pressure you or scare you into sharing information. Hang up the phone and call your financial institution to verify (or report) the suspicious activity.
  • Check out anyone that claims to be from a government agency. Use the to confirm it's legit.
  • Know you’ll never need to pay a fee for a government grant. Be suspicious of any so-called government agency requesting a processing fee.
  • Understand government agencies will never contact you through a social media outlet, such as Facebook.
  • Don’t click on a link you’re unsure about. Know the company or government agency is legit but you’re not sure the email is? Contact the company/agency directly using a phone number or website you know is real.
  • Use good passwords and PINs – and change them regularly. Don’t use names and numbers that are easy to guess (birth date, house number, sequence, etc.) And don’t use one password for everything.
  • Protect your credentials. Don’t share your login information and don’t give information out over the phone or email unless you initiated the call or transaction. Don’t keep your PIN in your wallet!
  • Don’t trust payment requests that ask you to use gift cards. Scammers love them because they’re fast and anonymous. No legitimate company uses gift cards for payments.
  • Keep an eye on your accounts. Don’t wait for a monthly statement, use online banking.
  • Sign up for transaction alerts. These are a quick and easy way to know if there’s suspicious activity.
If your personal information has been compromised, you should contact your financial institution immediately. For Summit members, call 800-236-5560. If you have questions, check out our  . You might also be interested in Stay alert: Scammers are impersonating Summit with increasingly convincing tactics. Learn the red flags and protect your information... Fraudsters are posing as the FBI or major companies to steal money—never send cash or wires to unknown callers... Summary Unexpected messages can be more than an inconvenience—they can be a scam. Learn how to spot phishing attempts and make confident decisions before... Summary Tax season creates opportunities for scammers looking to steal personal and financial information. Stay alert and protect your identity by recognizing... Hosting dinner parties. Heading to your in-laws’. Hustling to order those perfect gifts. It’s the season for cheer and goodwill, and unfortunately also... Scammers are getting better and better at making fake links look legit. So before you click on that URL (the string of letters that makes up a web address)... Hey there, fellow fraud-fighters! Have five minutes to bust some common myths about scams? Because the more you know, the more you can stop fraudsters... Summary Your Social Security number is one of your most valuable pieces of personal information. Learn how scammers try to access it and what you can... Summary Artificial intelligence is creating new opportunities—and new risks. Learn how scammers are using AI tools and stay ahead. Key Takeaways AI can...