Tag Archives: Important Alerts and Scams

Don’t Get Scammed by Fake Airline Customer Service

Posted on by
Reply

A canceled flight or last-minute schedule change can leave you scrambling for help. Scammers know travelers are stressed and looking for a fast solution, so they have been known to create fake airline customer service numbers that appear in online searches, advertisements and deceptive websites.

The person who answers may sound professional, use the airline’s name and ask for details that seem connected to your reservation. Before you share personal information or make a payment, take a moment to confirm that you have reached the airline through an official channel.

How the Scam Works

The scam often begins when a traveler searches online for an airline’s phone number after a delay, cancellation or booking problem. A fraudulent number may appear near the top of the results, including in a sponsored listing. The traveler calls and reaches someone pretending to represent the airline.

The scammer may ask for your booking confirmation, credit or debit card number, passport details or other personal information. They might claim you need to pay a fee immediately to rebook your flight, protect your seat or receive a refund. Some scammers also direct travelers to a fake website or ask them to download software that gives the scammer remote access to a phone or computer.

Watch for These Warning Signs

  • The representative may pressure you to pay immediately or tells you that your reservation will be lost if you don’t.
  • You are asked to pay by gift card, wire transfer, cryptocurrency or a peer-to-peer payment app.
  • The caller requests your online banking password, PIN or one-time security code.
  • You are told to download an app or remote-access software, so the representative can “help.”
  • The person cannot confirm basic reservation details, but continues asking you for sensitive information.
  • The website address is misspelled, contains extra words or does not match the airline’s official domain.

A legitimate airline may need information to confirm your reservation and may charge a valid fare difference or service fee. The key is to verify that you are communicating with the airline before sharing information or approving a payment.

How to Contact an Airline Safely

Use the Airline’s Official App or Website: Open the airline’s mobile app or type its known website address directly into your browser. Avoid clicking a search advertisement simply because it appears first.

Check Your Travel Documents: Your confirmation email, boarding pass or original booking receipt will typically include verified contact details. Be cautious with messages that arrive unexpectedly and direct you to a new phone number or link.

Ask for Help at the Airport: When you are already at the airport, visit the airline’s customer service desk or ask a uniformed employee where to get assistance.

Be Careful on Social Media: Scammers also create fake airline profiles and contact travelers who post publicly about delays or cancellations. Do not move the conversation to a private message or share reservation details until you verify the account through the airline’s official website.

What to Do if You Shared Information

End the conversation and contact the airline through a verified channel. If you provided financial information or approved a suspicious payment, act quickly.

  1. Contact your financial institution or card issuer and explain what happened.
  2. Lock or turn off the affected card and review recent transactions.
  3. Change compromised passwords from a trusted device and enable multifactor authentication.
  4. Report unauthorized activity and keep copies of related messages, receipts and call details.
  5. Consider a fraud alert or credit freeze if you exposed sensitive information.

First Financial members can use First Financial Wallet to lock eligible First Financial cards, set transaction controls, and dispute transactions.* You can also review our fraud prevention guide and additional identity theft information in our online resources, or visit the Important Alerts & Scams section of our First Scoop blog to stay up to date on the latest scams.

If you notice suspicious activity involving a First Financial account, call 732-312-1500 or visit your local branch. A few minutes spent verifying contact information can help keep a frustrating travel problem from becoming a financial one.

*Data rates may apply. Check with your mobile phone carrier for details. First Financial Wallet is available through the First Financial Mobile App and Online Banking.

Article Sources: Consumer Affairs | Federal Trade Commission 

Advance Fee Scams: Warning Signs and How to Protect Yourself

Posted on by
Reply

An advance fee scam typically involves a promise of a loan, credit card or cash advance in exchange for an upfront payment. Once the fee is paid, the promised funds never arrive.

According to data from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), consumers lose billions of dollars to fraud each year. As scammers become increasingly sophisticated, understanding common warning signs can help protect your finances and personal information. Understanding how these scams work can help you protect your finances and avoid becoming a victim.

What is an Advance Fee Scam?

An advance fee scam occurs when a person or company claims they can provide a loan, credit card or financial service, but requires payment before delivering the promised funds.

The fees may be described as:

  • Loan processing fees
  • Insurance fees
  • Application fees
  • Security deposits
  • Administrative costs

In many cases, scammers claim the payment is required to guarantee approval, even if you have poor credit or limited borrowing history. Once the fee is paid, the promised money never arrives.

What are Some Warning Signs of an Advance Fee Scam?

Recognizing these common red flags can help you avoid fraudulent offers.

Guaranteed Loan Approval: Be cautious of any “lender” that guarantees approval without reviewing your financial information. Legitimate financial institutions evaluate several factors such as income, credit history, and repayment ability before making lending decisions.

Requests for Upfront Payment: One of the most common indicators of an advance fee scam is a request for payment before receiving loan proceeds. Remember this simple rule: Never pay money to receive money.

Pressure to Act Quickly: Scammers often create a sense of urgency by claiming an offer is available for a limited time or that immediate action is required. Pressure tactics are designed to prevent consumers from researching the offer or asking questions.

Unsolicited Loan Offers: Unexpected emails, text messages, social media messages or phone calls offering guaranteed loans should be treated with caution.

Requests for Unusual Payment Methods

Be wary if someone asks you to pay using:

  • Gift cards
  • Wire transfers
  • Cryptocurrency
  • Peer-to-peer payment apps

These payment methods can make it difficult to recover lost funds.

How Can You Protect Yourself from Loan Scams?

Before applying for any loan or cash advance, take these precautions:

Verify the Lender: Research the company online and confirm that it has a legitimate website, physical address and customer service contact information.

Read Reviews and Check Credentials: Look for independent reviews and verify that the lender operates legally in your state.

Protect Personal Information: Do not provide sensitive personal or financial information to unsolicited callers, emails or text messages.

Review Loan Terms Carefully: Take time to understand the loan terms, fees, and repayment requirements before signing any agreements.

What Should You Do if You Suspect a Scam?

If you believe you’ve encountered a loan scam:

  1. Stop communicating with the individual or company.
  2. Do not send additional money or information.
  3. Monitor your financial accounts for suspicious activity.
  4. Change passwords if personal information may have been compromised.
  5. Report the incident to the appropriate consumer protection authorities, such as the FTC.

Taking action quickly can help limit financial losses and protect your personal information.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Upfront Loan Fees Legal? Some legitimate loans may include fees that are disclosed within the loan agreement. However, lenders generally do not require consumers to send money before receiving loan funds.

Can Scammers Use Fake Lender Websites? Yes. Fraudsters often create professional-looking websites, emails, and advertisements that mimic legitimate financial institutions. Always verify a lender’s contact information and reputation before sharing personal information or applying for a loan.

What is the Biggest Warning Sign of an Advance Fee Scam? A request for payment before receiving a loan is one of the most common warning signs. If a lender asks for money upfront, take time to verify the legitimacy of the offer before proceeding.

How Can I Verify a Lender is Legitimate? Before applying for a loan, research the lender’s website, verify contact information, read customer reviews and confirm that the company is authorized to operate within your state. Legitimate lenders are transparent about their products, fees, and lending requirements.

Protecting Your Financial Future

Financial scams continue to evolve, making awareness one of the most effective tools for protecting yourself.

Before accepting any loan offer, take time to verify the lender, review the terms, and ask questions. If an offer seems too good to be true, it may be worth taking a closer look.

At First Financial, we’re committed to helping our members make informed financial decisions and protect themselves from fraud through education, trusted financial guidance, and responsible banking practices.

Remember: Legitimate financial institutions will clearly explain their products, disclose applicable fees, and give you time to review your options before making a decision.

To continue learning about financial wellness and protecting yourself from fraud, visit our Tools & Publications page or explore related articles on our First Scoop Blog, including resources on financial security, identity theft protection, and smart money management. If you have questions about our financial products, account security, or potential scams, our team is here to help – contact us today.

Received a Call Saying You’ve Won a Prize? That’s a Scam

Posted on by
Reply

Imagine this: your phone rings, and on the other end is someone telling you that you’ve just won a prize, maybe a brand new car, a big cash payout, or the latest tech. Sounds exciting, right? Unfortunately, it’s almost always a scam. These “you’ve won!” messages are one of the oldest tricks in the book, and they’re unfortunately still fooling people today. Keep reading to learn how to prevent this scam from happening to you, and how to protect your finances from scammers.

How the Prize Scam Works

Scammers will reach out by phone, text, email, or even social media claiming you’ve won something valuable. Sometimes they pretend to represent well-known companies or sweepstakes organizations to sound legitimate. But there’s a catch.

Before you can “claim” your prize, they’ll tell you that you need to pay a fee – which will be used to cover any of the following:

  • Taxes
  • Shipping and handling
  • Processing or insurance

Here’s the truth, real prizes are free. If someone asks you to pay to receive any portion of a prize, it’s a scam.

Red Flags to Watch Out For

Scammers rely on urgency, excitement, and confusion to get you to act quickly. Here are the biggest scam warning signs:

  • You didn’t enter anything: You can’t win a contest you never signed up for. If it feels random, it probably is.
  • You’re asked to pay upfront: Legitimate sweepstakes never charge fees to collect any portion of the winnings.
  • They request personal or financial information: No real prize requires your Social Security Number, bank account information, or credit card details.
  • You’re pressured to act fast: Scammers may say it’s a “limited time offer” to rush your decision to claim the “prize.”
  • They pretend to be someone you trust: The scammer might claim to be from a government agency or a well-known company, but in reality it’s just a tactic to gain your confidence.

Common Prize Scam Tactics

Scammers may seem creative, but their strategies often follow familiar patterns:

  • Fake big wins: “You’ve won $1 million!” or a luxury prize.
  • Impersonation: Pretending to be from companies like Publishers Clearing House.
  • Phishing links: Asking you to click a link to “claim” your reward.
  • Fake checks: Sending a check and asking you to send money back.
  • Foreign lottery scams: Claiming you’ve won a lottery you didn’t enter (and couldn’t legally play).

At the core, the goal is always the same – to get access to your money or your personal information.

How to Protect Yourself

Staying safe from scams comes down to a few simple habits:

  • Slow down, and don’t let urgency push you into a decision.
  • Never pay to claim a prize.
  • Don’t share personal or financial information.
  • Research the company or offer online.
  • Ignore unexpected “winning” messages.

If something feels too good to be true, it probably is.

What to Do if You’re Targeted

If you receive a suspicious call or message:

  • Hang up or delete the message.
  • Do not engage or click links.
  • Block the number or sender.
  • Report it to ftc.gov

If you already sent money or shared any personal information, contact your financial institution immediately so they can help protect your accounts.

Final Thoughts

Scammers count on excitement and distraction to succeed. But with a little awareness, you can stop them in their tracks. At First Financial, we’re here to help you protect your financial well-being. When in doubt – pause, verify, and contact us, because your financial safety is always worth a second look.

Virtual Casting Call Scams: What They Are and How to Protect Yourself

Posted on by
Reply

Dreaming of a role in a movie or TV show? Scammers are taking advantage of that excitement through virtual casting call scams, which is a growing form of fraud that can lead to financial loss and identity theft.

These scams often start with an unexpected message from someone claiming to be a “talent scout” offering a virtual audition for a well-known production. While the opportunity may sound exciting, it’s important to know the warning signs before engaging.

How Virtual Casting Call Scams Work

These scams typically follow a predictable pattern. Be cautious if you notice any of the following:

Unexpected Outreach: Victims receive unsolicited texts or messages claiming they were “discovered” and invited to audition, even though they never applied.

Requests for Payment: Before the audition, scammers ask for payment, credit card details, or gift cards to “secure” a spot or cover administrative fees. Legitimate casting calls do not charge audition fees.

High Pressure Virtual Calls: If a virtual audition does take place, scammers often pressure victims into paying for fake photo shoots, acting classes, or priority representation to move forward.

No Opportunity, No Refund: Once payment is made, the scammer typically disappears, leaving victims without a role, services, or their money.

How to Protect Yourself

To reduce your risk:

  • Don’t respond to unsolicited casting messages.
  • Never pay upfront for auditions or representation.
  • Research casting agencies and opportunities independently.
  • Avoid sharing personal or financial information with unknown contacts.
  • Use your phone’s tools to block and report suspicious messages.

If something feels off or if it seems too good to be true, trust your instincts.

What to Do if You’ve Been Targeted

If you believe you’ve interacted with a virtual casting call scammer:

  1. Stop communicating immediately with the scammer.
  2. Save messages, receipts, and screenshots for your records.
  3. Contact your financial institution or credit card provider right away to report suspicious or unauthorized charges.
  4. Report the message as spam by forwarding unwanted texts to 7726 (SPAM) or using your phone’s “report junk” option.
  5. Delete the message once it’s been reported.
  6. Report the scam to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov to help protect others.

Acting quickly can help limit financial damage and stop scammers from targeting more people.

The Final Takeaway

Virtual casting call scams prey on excitement and opportunity, but awareness is your best defense. Knowing the red flags and taking steps to protect your financial information can help you avoid becoming a victim.

If you ever have concerns about fraud or suspicious transactions on your First Financial accounts – we’re here to help. Contact us with any questions.

Don’t Fall Victim to Task Scams

Posted on by
Reply

In today’s digital world, scams are constantly evolving and one of the newest schemes gaining traction online is known as a “task scam.” These scams often appear innocent at first, offering quick and easy ways to make money from your phone or laptop. But behind the promise of fast cash, lies a setup designed to steal your personal information or your hard-earned money.

At First Financial, your financial security is our top priority. Here’s what you need to know about how task scams work and how to protect yourself.

What is a Task Scam?

A task scam occurs when someone contacts you, often through social media platforms, messaging apps, or online job boards – offering to pay you for completing simple online “tasks.” These might include:

  • Liking or following social media pages.
  • Writing fake product reviews.
  • Rating services or apps you never actually used.
  • Boosting a company’s “online reputation.”

Scammers usually start by sending you a small payment to gain your trust. Once you’re convinced the opportunity is legitimate, they may ask you to “unlock higher commissions” by paying a small fee or completing more tasks that require personal information or banking details.

Unfortunately, once you send the payment or share sensitive information – the scammer will disappear and your money (and sometimes sensitive data) may be gone.

For more details on how these scams work, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) recently published an alert on How to Spot and Avoid Task Scams. It’s a great resource for learning how scammers operate and what red flags to watch out for.

Common Red Flags of a Task Scam

Be cautious if you notice any of these warning signs:

  1. You’re contacted out of the blue by someone offering easy money for simple online work.
  2. You’re asked to pay a fee or make a deposit before receiving more tasks or a larger payout.
  3. The company has no verified website or contact information.
  4. Payments come through gift cards, crypto, or unfamiliar apps.
  5. You’re asked to share banking or personal details to receive payment.

If it sounds too good to be true, it most likely is.

How to Protect Yourself

  • Research the company or contact. Look up names, email addresses, and websites before engaging.
  • Never pay to get paid. Legitimate employers will never ask you to send money to start earning.
  • Avoid sharing personal information. Do not provide bank account or credit card details.
  • Be cautious on social media. Scammers often use fake profiles and impersonate real companies.
  • Report suspicious activity. If you think you’ve been targeted, contact your financial institution right away. You can also report scams directly to the FTC at https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/.

What to Do If You’ve Been Scammed

If you believe you’ve sent money or information to a scammer:

  1. Contact your financial institution immediately. Your bank or credit union can help secure your accounts and prevent further loss.
  2. Change your passwords. Protect your email, banking, and social media accounts.
  3. Report the scam. Notify the FTC and your local authorities.

Taking quick action can minimize damage and protect others from becoming victims.

We’re Here to Help

Your online safety matters. We’re committed to helping our members protect their finances. If you ever receive a suspicious message or request involving one of your First Financial accounts, please contact us. Our team can help you verify legitimate communications, secure your accounts, and guide you through reporting fraud safely.

Stay up to date on the latest in scams by subscribing to our First Scoop Blog, and following along with our Important Alerts and Scams articles.