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The digital world is a powerful way to connect with friends, family, and even celebrities. Unfortunately, it is also a preferred tool for scammers. Here are some common scams we’ve seen affecting our customers:

Fake Social Media Personas
Scammers create fraudulent social media profiles that closely resemble those of real influencers. If someone claims to be the “real” influencer but has a slightly different handle, and a newer account than the account that regularly posts, it’s a red flag.

Email Account Takeover
Some sophisticated scams begin with phishing attacks that compromise a victim’s email account. Once scammers gain email access, they can change account permissions, modify signers, transfer money, or send fraudulent payment requests while impersonating a legitimate business. Verifying any of these actions, prior to making the change, by contacting the individual in a way other than email can prevent significant losses.

Spoofed Phone Numbers
Scammers can manipulate caller ID to appear as if they are calling from a trusted number. They may pose as a long-lost relative, an old friend, a bank employee, or even a government official. The scammer often convinces them to send money—often in cryptocurrency.

Some Simple Ways to Avoid Falling Victim to Scams in the Digital Age

Be Wary of Emotional Manipulation
Scammers often try to provoke strong emotions, such as fear, excitement, or urgency, to cloud your judgment. If someone contacting you triggers a heightened emotional response, pause and ask yourself why. If they insist you must take immediate action, be especially cautious.

Verify Unexpected Contacts
If you receive an unsolicited message or call from a financial institution or government agency, do not engage. Instead, politely end the conversation and contact the organization directly using the official contact information from their website.

Keep a Realistic Perspective
Be mindful of who you are and where you are in life. Sure, Scarlett Johansson might one day leave the lights and glamour of Hollywood, but she’s probably not reaching out to a middle-aged man living in the Magic Valley. And as much as the tabloids love a good romance story, it’s highly unlikely that Johnny Depp is suddenly looking for love with someone who is a decade his senior.