In Focus – SCCCU Blog

You just opened an email that appeared to be from your financial institution, or possibly even the IRS. Your finger hovered over the link before you stopped and thought, “How do I know if this is real?”

That’s a smart question. Scammers have become skilled at making their messages appear and sound legitimate. Their emails seem official, their websites appear professional, and their calls can sound completely convincing.

The good news is that once you learn a few common tricks, those red flags become much easier to spot. Let’s review the basics so you can stay ahead.

The Classic: Phishing for Personal Information

Phishing is essentially fishing; however, instead of targeting trout, scammers are after your Social Security number, bank login, or credit card information. They cast a wide net with emails, texts, or calls designed to trick you into clicking links or spilling details. But it's important to remember a few things:

• The IRS will NEVER contact you via email or text about a bill, refund, or stimulus check. If you see an “IRS” message in your inbox, delete it.
• Scammers are skilled at capitalizing on major news events, including stimulus checks, student loan forgiveness, and even natural disasters. If it’s in the headlines, then there’s a guarantee that someone’s building a fake website or email to match it.
• Don't click on links in suspicious emails or texts. Instead, visit the official site directly.

And while you’re at it, use strong, unique passwords for every site. That way, even if one account gets compromised, the rest stay locked up.

Bogus Charities

This type of scam is especially rotten. After hurricanes, wildfires, or some other crises, scammers swoop in pretending to be charities. They might call you, text you, or slide into your DMs with a heart-tugging plea for donations. Just use care! A legitimate charity will provide you with an Employer Identification Number (EIN), which you can double-check on IRS.gov or with Charity Navigator before you give a dime. If you can’t verify them, don’t donate.

Phone Call Threats

One of the most alarming scams involves a phone call from someone claiming to be with the IRS, insisting that you owe money and must pay immediately to avoid legal trouble. These callers often sound convincing and may even demand payment through gift cards or wire transfers. Remember, the IRS will NEVER call you to demand payment or threaten you over the phone; they only communicate by mail. If you receive a call like this, hang up right away and report it to the proper authorities.

Social Media Traps

Social media can be a great way to stay connected, but it also provides scammers with new opportunities to target you. A fake friend request might look like it’s from someone you know, but once accepted, that person could try to collect your personal information or use details like your birthdate, address, or photos to commit fraud—sometimes even filing a fake tax return in your name. To protect yourself, only accept friend requests from people you actually know, avoid sharing personal details like your birthday publicly, and keep your accounts private whenever possible.

Scams That Target Seniors

Older adults are prime targets because scammers assume they’re less tech-savvy. The IRS has noted that fraud rates decrease significantly when seniors have a trusted friend or family member looking out for them. If you’ve got parents or grandparents, talk to them. Encourage them to let unknown calls go to voicemail. Help them set up a “refusal script” near the phone (something like: “I don’t do business over the phone”). That may be all it takes to stop a scam in its tracks.

Ghost Tax Preparers

Not all tax preparers are legitimate. Some so-called “ghost” preparers attract clients with low fees or promises of large refunds, then file returns without signing them because they’re unlicensed and operating illegally. If a return they file turns out to be fraudulent, you’re the one responsible for any penalties or interest. To protect yourself, always work with a licensed professional, and review the IRS guidelines for choosing a qualified preparer at IRS.gov.

Imposter Scams: The Big One

The Federal Trade Commission reports that imposter scams are the most common type of fraud, costing consumers hundreds of millions of dollars every year. Scammers often pose as trusted sources—like Amazon, your financial institution, your employer, or even your pastor—to trick you into sharing personal or financial information. For example, you might receive a text claiming there’s a problem with your Amazon account. When you call the provided number, the scammer uses the opportunity to steal your login credentials, install malware, or obtain your payment details. The safest approach is simple: if you didn’t initiate the contact, don’t trust it. Instead, log in directly through the company’s official website or call the company's verified phone number.

Other Common Frauds to Avoid

• Sweepstakes and Lottery Scams: If anyone says you’ve won money but need to pay taxes or fees upfront, it’s a scam.
• Romance Ruses: Scammers cozy up on dating apps or social media, build trust, and then ask for money. They’re often “working overseas” or “serving in the military” and can’t meet in person.
• Tech Support Scams: Pop-ups that claim “Your computer is infected” and provide a phone number to call. Real companies don’t cold-call or cold-pop you with offers of tech support.
• Fake Shopping Sites: That too-good-to-be-true jacket ad? If the URL isn’t secure (i.e., no https:// or padlock icon) or the company appears shady, skip it. Google the company name plus “scam” before you make a purchase.
• Emergency Family Calls: Scammers pretend to be a loved one (or a hospital/jail worker) and ask for urgent money. Hang up and call your family directly.
• Job Offer Scams: No interview? No official application portal? A demand for financial info right away? Walk away. Real jobs require real steps.

How to Avoid Getting Hooked

1. Don’t click links in texts or emails. Always visit the official site directly.
2. Don’t pick up calls from numbers you don’t know. Let voicemail handle it.
3. Use a refusal script. Something simple like “I don’t share information over the phone.”
4. Pause before acting. Scammers thrive on urgency. Slow down and double-check.
5. Talk about scams. Share stories with friends and family. The more we normalize these conversations, the more difficult it becomes for scammers to succeed.
6. Remember, it’s never your fault. If you get scammed, the blame is on the criminal, not you. Call it theft, because that’s what it is.

Don’t Let Scammers Steal Your Sense of Security

Scams come in all shapes and sizes, from fake calls and suspicious texts to overly enticing offers. The trick is not to fall for it! Stay alert, question everything, and verify before you act. Scammers thrive on urgency and fear. Take a breath, think it through, and protect your peace of mind and your wallet.