Fraud

Before You Borrow: Five Lending Scams To Avoid

A loan can help cover an unexpected expense, consolidate debt or pay for a major purchase. But scammers know people looking for a loan may be focused on getting approved quickly or drawn in by an unusually low rate. They use that urgency to steal upfront payments, personal information or both.

Before you apply, here are common lending scams to watch for and simple ways to protect yourself.

Talk Money Safety With Your College Freshman

Starting college is a big step. Your student will make more choices on their own, including how to pay bills, apply for jobs and manage everyday spending. That also means they may face more scams.

Five School-Year Scams To Watch For

If you’re a school employee and get a lot of work emails, it’s easy to be distracted when you’re in scroll mode. Scammers count on that. They send messages that look urgent, familiar or helpful, so you’ll click before thinking.

The good news is you don’t have to be a cybersecurity expert to protect yourself. A few simple habits can help you recognize the most common scams and how to respond.

A Guide To Scam Protection

Scammers are getting smarter, faster and more convincing. One rushed decision can put your money and personal information at risk.

The good news? Most scams follow the same patterns, and you can stop them before they cause damage.

Vacation Rentals: Book the Stay, Skip the Scams

Whether it’s an ocean view, a mountain cabin or enough space for everyone to spread out, the right vacation rental can make a trip even better. But rental scams happen and a little awareness goes a long way. Before you book, here are things to look out for and tips to protect your payment.

One-Time Passcode (OTP) Scams

Scammers continue to find new ways to trick people into sharing personal information. One method we’re seeing more often involves one-time passcodes, also called OTPs.

An OTP is a short, temporary code used to verify your identity. While it’s meant to protect your account, scammers may try to convince you to share it with them so they can gain access.

Knowing how these scams work can help you recognize them quickly and take the right steps to protect yourself.

What Homeowners Should Know About Contractor Scams

Using a home equity line of credit (HELOC) can be a smart way to finance home improvements. But choosing the right contractor is just as important as choosing the right loan. Understanding common scam tactics can help you protect your project, your budget and your home’s value.

Hiring well means recognizing the warning signs that a contractor isn’t the right fit — or worse, a scammer.

How To Protect Kids and Teens From Fraud

Kids and teens spend a lot of time online, which creates an opportunity for fraud. These attempts aren’t always obvious; they can show up in games, social media, job offers or college planning — often during big life changes that come with strong emotions and quick decisions. 

With open conversations and a few rules, you can help young people slow down, double-check and feel comfortable asking for help.  

Protect Yourself From Tax Scams

Don't fall for these tax scams.

Watch Out for Social Media Scams

Social media is a great way to connect — but it’s also a place where scammers look for victims. They’ll promise quick cash, easy jobs and low risk investments. The truth? Scammers are getting better at impersonating real people or even someone you know.

How To Steer Clear of Online Shopping Scams

In 2024, the Better Business Bureau found that online shopping scams made up 30% of all reported fraud.  

How To Recognize and Avoid Cyber Scams

Be careful if someone you don’t know asks for your personal or financial details. Scammers may try to trick you into sharing private information. Stay alert and never share personal details with people you don’t know.

Tips To Avoid Today's Top Scams

Now more than ever, you need to stay vigilant to protect your personal and financial information.

A Guide To Social Engineering Scams

These scams involve tricking you into sending money to someone you don't know.

Stay Safe From Crypto Investment Scams

Cryptocurrency scammers have stolen more than $1 billion since 2021.

5 Ways to Avoid QR Code Scams

All it takes is one careless scan to expose your personal data, drain your bank account or infect your device with malware.

Payment Scams

These scams involve tricking you into sending money to someone you don't know.

Romance Scams

This is a type of fraud in which someone creates a fake online persona to gain your trust and steal your money or personal information.

Stay Safe Online: Six Tips to Protect Your Identity

Sometimes we let our guard down, getting too comfortable when we should always stay vigilant.

Gen Z’ers Are Falling for Online Scams

A Deloitte survey shows Gen Z'ers are at least three times more likely to fall for online scams than Baby Boomers.

Tech Support Scams

They may claim your computer is infected with a virus or other malware and offer to fix the issue for a fee.

Don't Fall for these Impersonation Scams

Fraudsters create the illusion of legitimacy to convince people to hand over sensitive financial data or money.

Top 10 Tax Scams

Tax time can be stressful, so beware of these scams.

Secure Transactions: Use the Right Way to Pay

There are plenty of options to transact, some more secure than others.

Mobile Shopping

If you're a mobile shopper, there are plenty of resources to help you keep your financial information secure, while monitoring your spending and saving habits.

10 Resolutions for a Fraud-Free 2024

Here are 10 New Year’s resolutions to reduce your risk of fraud in 2024. 

IRS Warns Taxpayers of Mail Scam

This scam is designed to trick potential victims into believing that they are owed a refund.

Security Tips for College Students

Study these tips to keep your personal information personal and protect your stuff while you're away from home.

Guard Against Social Security Scams

Fraudsters are making inroads via a caller ID “spoofing” scheme pretending to be a representative from the Social Security Administration.

Impersonation Scams

Be cautious of impersonation attempts by individuals posing as SchoolsFirst FCU employees. They might even request sensitive details like your Social Security or credit card number.

Online Shopping Scams

Some scammers create fake websites that look like legitimate online stores, and they use these websites to trick people into entering their credit card information.

Package Delivery Scams

These scams will say you have a package waiting for you, and you to click on a link to receive it.

Employment Scams

These scams often involve someone posing as a potential employer in order to get your personal information or money.

Fight Back Against Holiday Scams

Learn how to protect your finances from holiday scams and send fraudsters on their merry way — empty-handed.

Steer Clear of P2P Scams

It's great to use person-to-person (P2P) payment services, but if there's money involved, you can be sure fraudsters are not far behind.

Don't Get Skimmed at the Gas Pump

The gas station can be fraught with fraud.

Security: Freezes, Fraud Alerts and More

Now more than ever, it’s important to stay vigilant when it comes to keeping your finances secure.