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Banking: Scams Are Getting Harder To Spot - What to Know


Know what’s happening: Scammers are getting more resourceful and convincing every day.


Watch out for scammers impersonating banks and companies you trust

Scammers pretend to be from a company you know and trust, even having the company’s number appear on your caller ID. They contact you about a ‘problem’, such as fraud on your account that must be resolved immediately in order to protect you. They often trick you into making transfers or sending money as they instruct you on how to “fix” the problem.


How it can happen:


Help protect yourself

 

Always be suspicious of legitimate looking or sounding calls, texts or emails from companies saying there’s a problem with your account or anyone asking for personal information to confirm who you are. Hang up and don’t click links in texts or emails or call any phone numbers you are given. Instead, find the company’s contact information on their website and call the number listed there to ask if there’s a problem with your account.


Watch out for the latest tech support and computer virus scams

 

Scammers pretend to be tech support from a well-known company. They either call, text or try to trick you into clicking on a link in an email, text or pop-up window, claiming there’s a problem with your computer like a virus or a billing issue. To fix it, you inadvertently give them remote access to your computer.

 

Help protect yourself

 

Scammers know “virus alerts” immediately put computer users into a panic. Never click on virus alerts, even if they look like they come from your computer company or an anti-virus protection company. If you think your computer was impacted, talk to a reputable service provider.

Scam alert: Check fraud

 

Be careful when using checks

What's happening?

 

Scammers can steal your written checks from your mailbox, or if you deposit them but don't dispose of them properly. Then, they can use chemicals to erase and rewrite checks to themselves, sell your personal info or use it to create counterfeit checks.

 

If you write a check, remember these tips:

  • Use a permanent pen so the information is hard to erase.

  • Make sure to fill out the payee and dollar amount space completely or draw a line to the end of the space. Also, sign your checks the same way every time.

  • Mail your check from inside the post office.


Knowing about scammers' tricks can help you stay one step ahead of them


Here are some of the latest schemes to avoid:


Watch out for scammers impersonating banks

 

What's happening?A scammer calls or texts pretending to be from Chase and says you need to send money to another account using a wire transfer. They may claim it’s to reverse fraud on your account. Don’t fall for it – it’s a scam!

 

We will never ask you to send money to yourself.

 

Tips to help you stay safe:

  • Know who you're talking to: You can verify that you're speaking with us by hanging up and calling the number on the back of your Chase card or your account statement.

  • Take a moment: Think about what they're asking for, and verify they are who they say they are, especially if it feels urgent or pressured — it could be a scam.

  • Be careful when sending money: It's important to verify you're not sending money to a scammer. Once you send money you may not be able to get it back.

 

Keep tabs on common scams

 

To help protect yourself, always be suspicious of calls, emails, texts or any communication you receive from someone you don't know — particularly if they want money or your personal information. See below for examples of common scams and tips to be more secure.

 

For sale, hot deal

 

"Get a great price on these exclusive sneakers. You can pay using cash or a payment app."

 

TIP: Be wary of great "deals" on social media sites. Once you send money you may not get it back.

 

Someone you 'know'

 

"I'm with the IRS, and you owe back taxes. If not paid immediately, a lawsuit will be filed against you."

 

TIP: Be cautious if you’re told to take action right away. Think about what they’re asking for and verify that they are who they say they are.

 

'Accidental' payment

 

"I didn't mean to send you that money! Please send it back to me right away."

 

TIP: Never return any unexpected funds without calling Chase first.

 

Romance

 

"I'm having a medical emergency and need money. I promise to pay it back quickly. Can you help?"

 

TIP: Don't send money to anyone you've only spoken to online or by phone.

 

Computer virus

 

"We've detected malware on your computer. Give me access remotely so I can fix that for you."

 

TIP: Never give anyone remote access to your computer unless you can 100% verify who they are.

 

ATM withdrawals

 

"Hey, don't forget to use the tap feature on the ATM. I can show you how it works."

 

TIP: Don't accept help from strangers at the ATM. Pay attention to your surroundings and watch out for people looking at your screen.

 

You've won!

 

"Congratulations! You've won the lottery! We will need to collect taxes prior to your payment."

 

TIP: Do not send money to claim a prize. Chances are it's a scam.

 

Home closing

 

"These are the wire instructions to close on your house."

 

TIP: Be very cautious of last-minute changes to payment instruction and call your agent or loan officer directly to verify wire instructions before you send money.

 

Investment

 

"You've registered to receive notifications on investment opportunities. Are you ready to invest? I have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!"

 

TIP: Research the person or company you're dealing with, and make sure they're legitimate.





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