Scam Alert: Pause. Think. Verify.
One small pause could protect U from a big mistake.
Scammers are getting better at making fake messages look—and feel—real.
They may pretend to be your financial institution, a government agency, a delivery company, a business U know, or even someone U love. But no matter who they pretend to be, there’s one thing many scams have in common:
They want U to act before U have time to think.
They create urgency. They make U nervous. They tell U something needs to happen right now.
That’s your cue to slow down.
Three Red Flags to Watch For
1. They create urgency.
There’s suspicious activity on your account. U owe money. Your package can’t be delivered. A family member needs help. Your account will be closed.
Whatever the story, the goal is often the same: get U worried enough to act without stopping to verify what’s happening.
Don’t let someone else’s urgency become yours.
2. They offer something that seems too good to be true.
Sold-out concert tickets at an unbelievable price? A prize U don’t remember entering to win? An incredible deal that won’t be available five minutes from now?
That little voice saying, Wait, is this real? is worth listening to.
Before U send money or share personal information, verify the offer independently.
3. They ask U to pay in an unusual way.
Someone asking for gift cards, cryptocurrency, a wire transfer, or a payment app to resolve an urgent problem or claim a prize is a major red flag.
Once money is sent through some of these methods, it can be extremely difficult—or impossible—to get back.
Before U Act: Pause. Think. Verify.
Pause.
Scammers count on U reacting quickly. Give yourself time.
Think.
Does the message make sense? Were U expecting it? Is someone creating unnecessary urgency or asking for information they shouldn’t need?
Verify.
Don’t use the phone number or link the person contacting U provides. Instead, contact the organization directly using a phone number, app, or website U already know and trust.
Those few extra moments could make all the difference.
A Few More Ways to Protect U
Keep a close eye on your accounts and turn on transaction alerts when they’re available.
Be cautious with unexpected links and attachments, even when a message appears to come from someone U know.
And never share passwords, PINs, or one-time verification codes with someone who unexpectedly contacts U.
Most importantly, if something feels off, stop. U never have to make a financial decision just because someone on the phone, in a text, or in an email tells U it’s urgent.
Think U May Have Been Targeted?
If U think your financial information or UMe account may have been compromised, contact us right away using a trusted UMe contact method.
Even if you’re not sure whether something is a scam, it’s okay to check with us first. We’d much rather help U verify something than have U take a chance.
One Last Thing
Scammers are counting on speed.
U have something more powerful: the ability to pause.
Take a moment. Ask questions. Verify independently. And share what U know with the people U care about—because helping each other recognize scams is one more way we can keep our comm-U-nity safer.
At UMe, protecting U is personal.
SOURCES
- Federal Trade Commission: Consumer Advice – Imposter Scams
- Federal Trade Commission: How to Recognize and Avoid Phishing Scams
- Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA): Avoiding Social Engineering and Phishing Attacks
- FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3): Common Scams and Crimes
- Consumer Financial Protection Bureau: Fraud and Scams
Disclaimer: U matter to Me (to all of us) at UMe — and that’s why we do our best to deliver helpful information on our blog. Please note the following: (1) UMe Credit Union works hard to make certain that the information we post here is as accurate as humanly possible. But as you know, information can change and evolve quickly. While we try to update the blog on a regular basis, the content of some older posts may not be correct or up-to-date. (2) Some destinations on the World Wide Web that we link you to will exist on external websites. UMe Credit Union does not officially endorse any connected sites, nor do/did we compensate or get compensated by any entities to be featured in our posts (unless otherwise noted). (3) Everyone’s situation is unique and we advise you to consult with our personal bankers or your finance, tax, or legal professional for advice individualized to you!