Fraud

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.

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.

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.

Tips to Guard Against Fraud

Here are some top scams to steer clear of.

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.

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.

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.

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.