Fraud education

You get a text or email claiming to be from your “bank.” Supposedly, there’s an “issue” with your account. To resolve it, you’re told to send a person-to-person payment with Zelle® or share your online login details. Don’t.

Your bank will never make an unsolicited request for sensitive info or tell you to transfer money.

A fictitious “breeder” posts pictures of an adorable litter of puppies. You’re excited to adopt one and pay in advance, but the seller scampers off with your money.

Don’t trust a contact who won’t talk to you over the phone or wants to be paid in gift cards or another unusual payment type.

An online love interest builds your trust, then asks you to send money for an “emergency.” or provides you with investment advice (such as investing in crypto).

Social media profiles can be faked. If you haven’t communicated face-to-face, use caution.

Someone on social media promises easy money – if you send them a little cash first. After you pay, they block you.

If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

As theft of mailed checks increases nationwide, here are tips to keep your mailed payments secure:

• Criminals are targeting mail collection boxes for check theft, so reduce your risk by walking into your post office and handing your mail to the person across the counter.
• You can also minimize mail fraud risk by using your post office’s indoor collection slot.
• If you need to use an outdoor mail collection box, drop off your payment right before the collection time.
• Avoid using blue collection boxes on holidays and weekends to limit your mail’s exposure to potential theft.

Crypto investment scams promise huge returns with "zero risk," and often start with an ad, post, or message on a social media platform. Once hooked, you are convinced to send money to purchase crypto but those crypto “investments” go straight to a scammer’s wallet.