Common Scams and How to Avoid Falling Victim

There are many scams and fraudulent activities out there that can put your financial well-being at risk. Read on to learn about the most common scams and how you can keep yourself and your finances safe and secure.

Phishing Scams

Phishing scams are sneaky attempts by fraudsters to trick you into revealing your personal information. These types of scams can take the form of emails, texts, or calls from scammers posing as legitimate sources. These may ask you to click on a link, download an attachment, or provide sensitive information like your login credentials, account info, Social Security number, or credit card details.

To avoid falling victim, use caution when asked for personal information and verify the sender’s contact information for authenticity. Always remember, Fidelity Bank and other legitimate sources will never ask for your sensitive information over unsolicited emails, texts, or phone calls.

Investment Scams

Investment scams often involve a scammer promising high returns on an investment, but in reality, the investment is either fake or doesn’t exist. These scams can take many forms, such as a pyramid scheme or an overseas investment opportunity.

Investment scams can be convincing, but don’t be fooled by promises of high returns. Be skeptical of any investment opportunity that seems too good to be true, and research the company or investment before investing any money. A trustworthy investment opportunity will provide you with all the relevant information you need to make an informed decision.

Charity Scams

Charity scams often involve a scammer posing as a charity or non-profit organization and asking for donations. These scams may come in the form of an email, text, phone call or even a door-to-door solicitation.

Charity scams can tug at your heartstrings, but it’s important to do your research before donating any money. Always verify the charity or non-profit organization before donating and never give out personal information, such as your social security number or bank account information. Legitimate charities will provide you with details about their mission, programs, and finances.

Lottery Scams

Lottery scams can come in many forms, but they all have one thing in common: they ask for personal information or payment to claim a prize. These scams may come in the form of an email, text message, or phone call.

Remember that legitimate lotteries or sweepstakes don’t require payment or personal information in order to claim a prize, and be wary of any unsolicited emails or phone calls informing you that you’ve won. Legitimate sweepstakes or lotteries will always provide you with clear information about how to claim a prize, without asking for personal information or upfront fees.

 

By being aware of the most common types of scams and taking steps to protect yourself, you can greatly reduce your risk of falling victim to these scams. Remember to always be skeptical of unsolicited emails or phone calls, and never give out personal information or payment without doing your research first.

If you have any questions or concerns about online safety, fraud prevention, or the security of your account, please feel free to contact us or check out our FAQ page.