Tag Archives: Important Alerts and Scams

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

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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

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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

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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.

Calls About a Loan You Never Applied For? What to Know

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Have you recently received a call (or many) claiming you have a pending loan application you never submitted? You’re not alone. Many consumers have reported getting these types of calls and while they might sound legitimate, they’re often a sign of a scam or an unethical sales tactic.

What’s Really Going On

If you’re getting calls about loans you never applied for, it’s usually one of two things:

  1. A scammer attempting to steal your personal information. These callers may say they need to “verify your identity” or “finish your loan application,” and ask for sensitive information like your Social Security Number, bank account details, or date of birth. Once shared, that information can be used to commit identity theft or fraud in your name.
  2. A high-pressure sales pitch from a questionable lender. Some companies use aggressive marketing tactics to contact consumers who never inquired about a loan, hoping to push them into accepting an offer on the spot. They may use phrases like “you’ve been preapproved” or “your loan is ready for funding,” to create a false sense of urgency.

Red Flags to Watch Out For

Be cautious if the caller:

  • Asks for personal information over the phone, especially if it’s out of the blue and you haven’t applied for any loans.
  • Pressures you to act immediately or threatens penalties for “not completing” your loan application.
  • Claims to represent a well-known lender, but can’t provide clear verification.
  • Uses generic or suspicious contact information (such as a Gmail address or a masked phone number).

What to Do if You Get One of These Calls

  • Hang up and don’t share personal information. Never confirm your identity or provide sensitive details, unless you initiated the call to a lender you are working with on a known loan application.
  • Verify directly with your financial institution. If you’re unsure, call your bank or credit union using a verified number from their website.
  • Report the scam. You can file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at reportfraud.ftc.gov or your state’s consumer protection office.
  • Monitor your credit reports. Check your reports regularly for new accounts or inquiries you don’t recognize. You can do this for free at annualcreditreport.com.

Protect Yourself with a Trusted Lender

When you need a loan, always work with a reputable financial institution that prioritizes your safety and privacy. At First Financial, we’ll never contact you out of the blue asking for personal information or pressure you about a loan you didn’t apply for. Our team takes fraud prevention seriously and is here to help you navigate your financial needs with confidence.

Stay informed. Stay secure. And remember, when it comes to unexpected loan calls – it’s always better to hang up and dial your trusted lender directly, than to hand over your personal or financial information to a fraudster.

If you’re ever unsure about a loan offer or you’d like to explore legitimate borrowing options, visit us at firstffcu.com or contact our team directly. Keep Thinking First!

Unemployment Scams: How to Protect Yourself

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Unemployment benefits are meant to help people without a job during tough times. Unfortunately, scammers have been known to sometimes take advantage of the system by filing for these benefits using someone else’s personal information. Even if you never applied for unemployment, you could suddenly receive benefits notices, tax forms, or even payments tied to your identity. That’s a big red flag. Keep reading to learn how to spot an unemployment scam and ways you can protect yourself and your finances.

How to Spot an Unemployment Scam

There are often a few telltale signs something isn’t right. If you applied for unemployment, you might find that your application was denied because someone already filed under your name, or that your benefits were approved – but the money never arrived.

If you didn’t apply, you may receive letters from the state unemployment office, a notice from your employer that someone used your identity, or even a 1099-G tax form showing unemployment income you never received. In some cases, money may even show up in your bank account, followed by a call from someone claiming it was a mistake.

Why This Matters

Unemployment scams often lead to bigger problems. Identity thieves may use your personal details to commit other types of fraud, damage your credit, or create headaches at tax time. If you do ever need unemployment benefits in the future, your claim could also be delayed or denied.

How to Protect Yourself

To avoid an unemployment scam from happening to you:

  • Only share sensitive information like your Social Security Number or bank details through official, trusted channels.
  • Always file for unemployment directly through your state’s unemployment agency website.
  • Monitor your credit reports for suspicious activity and consider freezing your credit if you suspect fraud.
  • Watch for IRS forms that don’t match your situation, such as a 1099-G for benefits you didn’t receive.
  • Report suspicious activity right away to your state unemployment office, your employer, and the FTC.

First Financial is Here for You

At First Financial, we take your security seriously. Our team works around the clock to protect our members’ accounts, monitor unusual activity, and provide resources if you think you’ve been a victim of fraud. If you ever suspect an unemployment scam or identity theft regarding one of your First Financial accounts, reach out to us immediately – we’re always here to help safeguard your finances.

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.

Beware of Crowdfunding Scams: What You Should Know

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Crowdfunding platforms like GoFundMe, make it easy to contribute to worthy causes – but that ease can also open the door to scams. During times of disasters and emergency, there are spikes in fraudulent campaigns. In recent years, millions of dollars have been lost to fake charities and crowdfunding scams. These schemes prey on generosity during times of crisis, making it especially important to verify before giving. At First Financial, we believe in empowering smart giving. Here’s how to protect yourself and your finances before you click “donate.”

Red Flags – Spotting a Fraudulent Crowdfunding Campaign

  • Vague or inconsistent campaign details: Legitimate campaigns include clear names, addresses, and purpose. Scams often feature contradicting or minimal information.
  • No digital footprint: If you can’t find anything about the organizer or beneficiary online, proceed cautiously. Fake campaigns often lack verifiable details.
  • Organizer’s social presence is minimal or new: Profiles with few followers or that were recently created can be red flags, so proceed with caution.
  • Poor communication: Scammers will often ignore or give vague answers to your questions.
  • Pressure to act immediately: Messages demanding quick donations, especially citing urgent causes – are often phishing or scam attempts.

Vet Before You Donate

  1. Investigate the organizer: Search their name along with words like “scam,” “complaint,” or “review.”
  2. Understand the cause fully: Know exactly what the funds are for and whether there’s a refund policy if the project fails.
  3. Ask for proof: Request evidence that the beneficiary or project exists and that funds will be used as claimed.
  4. Consider giving directly: Donating straight to established charities may be safer and more transparent.
  5. Stay local: Support causes involving people you know personally or local community efforts that you can verify.
  6. Check platform protections: Many platforms offer refund guarantees if fraud is confirmed, and they monitor campaigns for suspicious activity.

What to Do if You Suspect a Scam

If you suspect a scam, report it immediately to the crowdfunding platform, then warn others by using comments or social media posts to spread the word and protect your community. You should also request a refund, as many platforms do have processes in place to return your money should a campaign prove to be fraudulent.

Additionally, crowdfunding scams should be reported to the FTC and your state’s attorney general.

Safe, Thoughtful Giving

Crowdfunding campaigns can support incredible causes, but that impact only holds when the campaign is authentic. Before donating – always pause, investigate, and verify. To stay up to date on the latest scams, subscribe to our First Scoop Blog.