Fraud Prevention
Fraud Prevention
Romance Scam Prevention Tips
According to the FBI, in 2021, some 24,000 victims across the United States reported losing approximately $1 billion to romance scams. And the FBI notes the actual amount is likely higher as many people do not report romance scams.
These tips include:
· No matter how long you have been communicating with someone online or on a dating app, only send money to people you know and with whom you have established a close and personal relationship. Never send money to anyone you have only communicated with online or by phone.
· Research the person’s photo and profile using online searches.
· Beware if the person asks you to leave the platform where you “met” and communicate directly by text or phone.
· Proceed with caution if the person attempts to isolate you from friends and family.
· Beware if the person promises to meet in person but then always comes up with a reason to postpone.
An additional note: If someone becomes a victim of romance or another form of fraud, they should report it as soon as possible to their financial institution and local law enforcement.
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) cautions: Don’t click on that random text. It’s a scam.
We’re here to help if you suspect you’re a victim to a scam effecting your account(s) or if you’re suspicious of any communications, calls, or texts you’ve received.
Today’s most common consumer scam is the Imposter Scam. The scam begins with a text or a call; the scammer pretends to be a person or business you trust to convince you to send them money or share personal information. Zeal, as well as any other legitimate business, will never contact you to request sensitive information such as: Your Online Banking password/username, PIN(s), or account number – and we’ll never request that you wire us money.
The Imposter Scam: Read more.
Don’t fall victim to fraud. What to Know. What to Do.
Recognize the signs of a scam.
Don’t fall for a scam. Read “How to Avoid a Scam” at Consumer.FTC.Gov.
Contact us.
To report any suspicious communication(s) or activity on your account(s), email: Fraud@ZealCU.org.
Set up alerts on your accounts.
Set up alerts on your Zeal Accounts from a PC
Request a free credit report.
You can get a free credit report every 12 months from each of the three nationwide credit reporting companies. Order all three reports at once, or one every four months. To order, visit www.annualcreditreport.com or call 877-322-8228.
Stay protected.
Stay aware of common consumer scams and fraud tactics. Check back here, and at Consumer.FTC.Gov , often to stay current on the most common consumer scams and how to avoid them.
More helpful resources:
Steps to take to prevent fraud
