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From the latest viral products to can’t-miss online deals, trends move fast. Whether it's the hottest new collectible, concert tickets, or a once-in-a-lifetime investment opportunity, there's always something capturing our attention online.

Unfortunately, scammers are paying attention, too.

According to Gina Barton, Security Officer at First Federal Bank, fraudsters often build their scams around what's already popular because people are more likely to trust something that everyone else seems to be talking about.

"Just because something is trending doesn't mean it's trustworthy," Barton says. "Scammers know how to make fake websites, advertisements, text messages, and phone calls look legitimate. Taking a few extra seconds to verify before you click can make all the difference."

The good news? Most scams have something in common. They try to get you to act before you have time to think.

The Scams You’re Most Likely to See

Scammers come in many forms, but their goal is almost always the same—to gain your trust and convince you to share personal information or send money.

Romance scams begin with what appears to be a genuine relationship online before turning into requests for financial help. Investment scams promise quick wealth through cryptocurrency or other "exclusive" opportunities that sound too good to pass up. Imposter scams involve someone pretending to be your bank, a government agency, or even law enforcement, while business email scams target companies by impersonating trusted coworkers or vendors.

Scammers don't target just one group of people. While older adults are often targeted, young adults, families, business owners, and anyone active online can become victims. Fraudsters frequently use fake family emergencies, phony technical support, government impersonation, and other convincing tactics to create panic and pressure people into acting quickly.

Social media has also become a common place for scammers to connect with potential victims. Fake profiles, cloned accounts, and fraudulent messages can make it difficult to know who you're really interacting with online. Before sharing personal information, sending money, or clicking on links, take a moment to verify the person's identity through a trusted source. Even if a message appears to come from someone you know, it's always worth confirming that the account is legitimate.

While these scams may look different, they all rely on creating a sense of urgency and trust.

Pause Before You Click

Think about how often you click on a link without a second thought. Maybe it's a flash sale on social media, a package delivery update, or a text claiming there's an issue with your bank account.

Before clicking, pause and ask yourself:

• Was I expecting this message?
• Does this seem unusually urgent?
• Can I verify this another way?

Instead of clicking a link, visit the company's website directly by typing the web address into your browser or calling the phone number listed on its official website.

Watch for These Red Flags

Most scams include one or more warning signs:

• Unexpected texts, emails, or phone calls.
• Pressure to act immediately.
• Requests for passwords, verification codes, or personal information.
• Demands to send money in unfamiliar ways.
• Messages asking you to keep the situation secret.
• Links or downloads you weren't expecting.

If something feels off, trust your instincts. It's always okay to slow down and ask questions.

If You Think You've Been Scammed

Don't panic—but don't wait.

Contact your bank as soon as possible. The sooner your financial institution knows what's happened, the more options may be available to help protect your accounts. Barton also recommends changing passwords for any compromised accounts, reviewing recent transactions, and continuing to monitor your accounts for unusual activity.

If your personal information has been exposed, consider placing a fraud alert with the major credit bureaus. You can also report internet-related scams to the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) or learn more about current fraud trends through trusted resources like the FBI and Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.

Staying Scam Smart

Technology continues to change, and scammers continue to evolve with it. But protecting yourself doesn't require being a technology expert.

A little skepticism goes a long way.

Slow down before clicking a link. Verify unexpected requests through a trusted source. Use strong passwords and multi-factor authentication. Most importantly, remember that it's perfectly okay to take a moment before responding.

As Barton reminds customers, "The best thing you can do is pause before acting."

Because when it comes to protecting your personal information, or your financial well-being, being scam smart never goes out of style