Protect Yourself from Fraud

These days, you can't be too careful. Protect yourself from scammers and fraudsters by educating yourself about the games they play. Learn to recognize the signs of a scam and don't let it happen to you.

Scams take many forms and the resources below outline some of the most common tactics and scenarios used. Despite the different approaches these criminals take, they share many general characteristics. This helpful resource from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) outlines 10 steps you can take to avoid becoming a victim of fraud: 10 Things You Can Do to Avoid Fraud.

Keep reading below for more specific setups and how to avoid being taken advantage of. The more you know, the better protected you are.

10 Steps to Avoid Fraud

Fraud Education Resources

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Lost or Stolen Cards

If your GOLD credit or debit card is lost or stolen, call us right away at 484-223-4200. We'll freeze the card and order you a replacement. If you're calling outside of normal business hours, just press 1 after the voicemail begins to be transferred to our 24/7 fraud center. 

Call us at 484-223-4200

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Coronavirus Scams

Scammers are taking advantage of fears surrounding the Coronavirus. They’re setting up websites to sell bogus products, and using fake emails, texts, and social media posts as a ruse to take your money and get your personal information.

Visit the FTC's Coronavirus Scams Page 

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Health Care Scams

Scammers follow the headlines. When it’s Medicare open season, or when health care is in the news, they go to work with a new script. Their goal? To get your Social Security number, financial information, or insurance number.

Health Care Scams

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Identity Theft

If someone steals your personal information, they can pretend to be you and spend money from your accounts or open up new lines of credit in your name. They rack up the purchases then leave you to foot the bill.

Identity Theft - What to Know, What to Do 
Identity Theft Recovery Plan 

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Imposter Scams

You get a call or an email. It's from someone you know or you think you know. But is the person who you think it is? Is there an emergency or a prize? The person calling you may be pretending to be someone else.

Imposter Scams 
IRS Imposter Scams 

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You've Won Scams

You get a card, a call, or an email telling you that you won! But here’s what happens next: they tell you there’s a fee, some taxes, or customs duties to pay. Either way, you lose money instead of winning it.

You've Won Scams

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Phone Scams

Scammers will cheat you out of your money over the phone. In some scams, they act friendly and helpful. In others, they might threaten or try to scare you. Don't give out your personal or account information over the phone.

Phone Scams

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Grandchild Scams

You get a call: “Grandma, I need money for bail.” Or money for a medical bill. Or some other kind of trouble. But is the caller who you think it is?

Grandchild Scams

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Romance Scams

Scammers, both male and female, make fake dating profiles, sometimes using photos of other people. They build relationships before they disappear with your money.

Romance Scams

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Charity Scams

How can you tell what charity is legitimate and what’s a scam? Scammers want your money quickly and will pressure you to donate right away. They often refuse to send you information about the charity, give you details, or tell you how the money will be used.

Charity Scams

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Home Repair Scams

Someone knocks on your door or calls you. They say they can fix your leaky roof, install new windows, or provide the latest energy-efficient solar panels. They might find you after a natural disaster and will pressure you to act quickly. 

Home Repair Scams

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Money Mule Scams

Never agree to move money for someone who contacts you, even if they promise a relationship,  job, or prize. If you deposit a scammer’s check, it might clear. But later, when the bank finds out it’s a fake check, you’ll have to repay the bank.

Money Mule Scams

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Tech Support Scams

You get a pop-up or email saying your computer is infected. It tells you there are viruses on your computer. You have to call a number or risk losing your personal data. Don't call the phone number or click the link.

Tech Support Scams

 

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