Recognize and Report Scams
Scammers use different tactics to get victims to fall for their schemes. In some cases, they can be friendly, sympathetic and seem willing to help. In others, they use fear tactics to persuade a victim.
Learn about the different scam tactics, and what to do if you suspect suspicious behavior.
Payment Scams
Be wary if you are urged to make a purchase with the promise of compensation, or if someone offers to make a payment for you, or provides you with bank account info with which to make a payment. If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is. If you use a payment method you are not familiar with, you run the risk of ultimately being held responsible for the amount paid.
Tech Support Scams
Tech support claims your computer has malware and requests payment to fix the defects or access your computer.
Employment Scams
Be vigilant in validating employment opportunities, especially when exclusively online or working from home. Be suspicious if someone claims to have overpaid you for a job, promises to reimburse for equipment, or asks you to send equipment to an IT dept. The equipment may never be returned, and reimbursements or overpayments may be illegitimate, leaving you liable for the funds. Never divulge personal information online to an unreliable source or through deceptive job.
Impersonation Scams
Scammers pose as a legitimate company or a utility company and request personal information or a payment transfer in order to make things "right" on your account. They might also use a fake caller ID that could show up as a legit company's number and/or request remote access to your device. Scammers posing as a utility company might warn you to pay your balance within a limited time or else the utility will be shut off.
Fake House Rental
A house is legitimately listed for sale online, but scammers have set up a fake website and listed the house as a rental. You send your first month’s deposit to a scammer pretending to be the landlord/owner.
QR Code Scams
When scanning QR codes, use your smartphone’s default camera app to avoid scams and potential fraud. Scammers use 3rd party QR code scanner apps and/or the ads within the apps to direct users to fake or malicious websites designed to obtain your personal information.
Fake Websites
Legitimate-looking websites are being created by scammers, and a quick Google search will lead you to a real-looking phone number. When you call, they’ll try to obtain your sign-in details or other information.
Overpayment Scams
You receive an overpayment for an item you’re selling, immediately followed by a request to deposit the check (which turns out to be a bad check) and then send the difference via a wire or gift card.
Check Cashing
You’re approached outside a bank branch and asked to cash a check for someone who claims they don’t have an account or left their ID home. The bad check will be held against your account when it doesn’t clear.
Romance Scams
If you are asked for financial support from a new partner in a relationship that’s been exclusively online, you’re likely a target of this elaborate scheme.
Charity Scams
You receive a request to donate to a charity that you've never heard of and for which you can’t find an official website.
Debt Relief
You receive a request for payment in order to establish a service relationship to pay, settle or get rid of debt.
FTC/IRS Scams
Scam artists are pretending to be IRS officials to get your money. They'll call, email, or text you claiming you owe back taxes or there's a problem with your tax return. They even rig caller ID to make their call look official. They play on your fears.
Investment Scams
You receive a request to invest in a business opportunity with promises of high returns and/or getting rich quickly.
Lottery Scams
You receive a request to prepay fees or taxes in order to receive a large prize you supposedly won.
Grandparent Scams
You receive a call or text message from someone claiming to be a grandchild or loved one asking for money to help with an emergency, plus instructions on where to send the funds.
Puppy Scams
Scammers post fake litters online or pretend to be someone they're not (usually an existing breeder) to take advantage of puppy sales (sans the puppies).
Online Merchant/Marketplace Scams
When responding to ads or interacting in marketplaces on social media, research sellers and products independently to ensure legitimacy. Notice the red flags like a high-ticket item for a price too-good-to-be-true or a buyer who “accidentally” overpaid you for an item or someone asking for personal information or redirecting to an unfamiliar/strange looking URL.
Mortgage Closing
You receive an email or text message that looks similar to your real estate agent’s contact info that indicates there is a last minute change to the wiring instructions, and tells you to wire closing costs to a different account.
Business Email Compromise Scams
You receive an email from your supplier/vendor requesting to send money to a different account. The supplier/vendor email appears to be familiar. But this could be a fraudster who obtained access to the network of your supplier/vendor.
Social Media Scams
Scammers are using social media platforms to target victims with fake investment opportunities, romance scams, and phishing attacks. Be wary of suspicious messages or friend requests from unknown individuals.
Deepfake Scams
Scammers are using AI-generated videos and audio recordings to impersonate individuals, including celebrities, politicians, or business executives. Be cautious of unsolicited calls or messages claiming to be from a well-known figure.
Suspect you’ve been a victim of a scam? Here’s what you do.
- Contact your local Northfield Bank Branch.
- Report the scam to the BBB Scam Tracker and the government via the FTC ReportFraud site.
- You may also want to report scammers directly to the FBI.
Remember:
- If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
- Never give out personal information or send money to someone you don't know.
- Be cautious of unsolicited calls, emails, or messages.
- Research and verify the identity of individuals or companies before engaging in any transactions. Stay informed and vigilant! Click here to view Security Tips.
