You get a text saying there’s a problem with your debit card. A caller claims to be from your financial institution and says they need to verify your identity. An email warns that your account will be locked unless you click a link right away.
What do you do?
When it comes to your money and personal information, knowing when to pause can make all the difference.
October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month, and it’s the perfect time to brush up on your online safety habits. Scammers are always finding new ways to gain your trust, get their hands on your information, and access your money. The good news? Knowing the warning signs can help you stay one step ahead.
Here are five common scams to watch for and what you can do to protect yourself.
Security Code Scams
One-time passcodes are designed to help keep your accounts secure, but scammers have figured out ways to turn that extra layer of protection against you.
Here’s how it usually goes…You receive a call or text from someone claiming to be from Great Basin. They say there’s suspicious activity on your card and ask you to read them a code you just received. They may sound convincing and may even make it seem like they’re helping you stop fraud. That’s how they get you!
Don’t share that code. A scammer could use it to add your card to a digital wallet, gain access to an account, or make purchases without your permission.
Remember, your security codes are your business. Keep them private and for your eyes only.
Fake Fraud Alerts
A text pops up on your phone: Did you authorize a $450 purchase? Reply YES or NO.
It’s understandable to feel concerned. After all, you want to protect your money. But scammers know that fear can make people act before they think.
Fake fraud alerts often ask you to reply, click a link, or call a number to resolve a supposed problem. From there, a scammer may try to collect your personal information or convince you to share a verification code.
If there’s genuinely suspicious activity, you’ll want to address it. Give us a call directly at 775-333-4228 to make sure you’re talking to the right people!
Phishing Scams
A phishing email or text might imitate a bank, retailer, delivery service, or government agency. It may include familiar logos, professional-looking graphics, and a link that takes you to a fake website designed to steal your login details.
Before you click, take a closer look and watch for these warning signs:
An unexpected message asking you to verify personal information.
A link or email address that doesn’t match the organization’s official website.
Spelling errors, unusual wording, or unexpected attachments.
Threats that your account will be suspended if you don’t act immediately.
Impersonation Scams
Scammers don’t just impersonate financial institutions. They may pretend to be government officials, utility companies, tech support representatives, or even friends and family, and AI is making this even easier and more believable.
You might hear that you owe an unexpected fee, that your computer has a virus, or that a loved one urgently needs financial help. Some scammers even claim your money is at risk and tell you to transfer it somewhere “safe.”
Here’s a trick that may help: set a special code word or phrase with your friends and family. If they genuinely need help, they’ll say the word or phrase.
Online Shopping and Delivery Scams
Scams can show up while you’re doing something as ordinary as shopping online or tracking a package.
These messages and websites may look real, but they can be designed to steal your payment information or personal details. Remember to only pay or track links through the retailers direct link. And, as always, if it seems too good to be true, it probably is!
Cybersecurity doesn’t have to be complicated, even if it seems like it. Whenever you’re in doubt pause, slow down, and think before you click!
At Great Basin, we’re committed to helping our members protect what matters most. If something doesn’t feel right, reach out to us directly. We’re here to help.