At Union State Bank, we want to help you stay alert, stay safe, and protect what matters most. Knowing the warning signs can help you avoid becoming a victim.
1. “You’ve Won a Free Vacation!”
If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
Scammers often use fake vacation giveaways or travel prizes to trick people into sharing personal information or paying hidden “fees” upfront. You may receive an email, phone call, or social media message claiming you’ve won a cruise, resort stay, or airline tickets.
Before celebrating, take a moment to verify the source. Legitimate contests don’t usually ask for sensitive information or payment to claim a prize.
2. Requests for Gift Card Payments
One of the biggest scam red flags is being asked to pay with gift cards.
Scammers love gift cards because they’re difficult to trace and nearly impossible to recover once the code is shared. They may pretend to be a business, government agency, tech support company, or even a coworker or family member in need.
Remember: legitimate businesses and financial institutions will never demand payment through gift cards.
3. Texts Claiming There’s a Problem With Your Bank Account
Fraudulent text messages and emails are becoming more common. These messages may claim there’s suspicious activity on your account or that your debit card has been locked. Often, they include a link asking you to “verify” your information.
Union State Bank will never ask you to provide sensitive personal or financial information through unsolicited text messages or emails. If you receive a suspicious message, contact us directly using a trusted phone number or website.
4. Urgent Pressure to Act Immediately
Scammers want you to panic.
Whether it’s a phone call threatening account closure or a message claiming you must act “right now,” urgency is a tactic designed to keep you from thinking clearly. Pressure and fear are major warning signs of fraud.
Take a moment to slow down, verify the information, and talk to someone you trust before taking action.
A little caution can go a long way. Before you click links, share information, or send money:
- Verify who you’re communicating with
- Protect your personal and financial information
- Be cautious of unexpected messages or offers
- Reach out to us if something doesn’t feel right
At Union State Bank, we’re here to help you protect your finances and your peace of mind all summer long. When in doubt, reach out to us and we will be glad to help navigate you in the right direction.
