Watch Out for summer Scams

Watch out for Summer Scams!

Stop Mailing Checks: Digital Payments are Safer & Smarter

Mailing checks puts your sensitive banking information (name, address, bank, routing, and account numbers) at high risk of theft. Hundreds of checks are stolen daily from mailboxes and post office drop boxes.

Instead, opt for safer digital payment methods:

• Electronic Bill Pay: Pay bills directly through your bank's online portal or the billing company's website.
• P2P Apps: Use services like PayPal, Venmo, or Zelle for person-to-person transfers. Link these to a credit card for added security if possible.

When using P2P apps, protect yourself:

• Only send money to people you know. Do not accept transactions from strangers.
• Treat P2P payments like cash: Receive services/products before paying.
• Transfers are final: Banks generally cannot recover funds sent via P2P.
• Double-check recipient details (name/phone/amount) before sending.
• Keep your app updated and enable multi-factor authentication.
• Set up transaction alerts and monitor your checking account closely. Never share verification codes.

Don't Get Fooled by Fake Tickets!

Excited for that summer concert or ball game? Beware: digital ticketing, while convenient, has made it easier for scammers to sell non-existent tickets online. They post fake ads, create convincing but invalid digital tickets, and leave you stranded at the gate.

Here's what to watch out for:

• Social media/Marketplace Ads: Be highly skeptical of ticket offers on platforms like Craigslist or Facebook.
• Payment Apps Only: If the seller demands payment via a payment app (like Venmo or Zelle) instead of a credit card, it's a major red flag. Credit cards offer fraud protection.
• "Sold Out" Shows: If a seller has tickets to a "sold out" event at a suspiciously good price, it's likely a scam.

Protect Yourself:

• Buy from Reputable Sellers: Stick to well-known platforms like Ticketmaster.
• Use NATB Resellers: If buying on the resale market, only deal with sellers who are members of the National Association of Ticket Brokers (NATB) – their authenticity is guaranteed.
• Verify URLs: Always double-check the website's URL to ensure it's legitimate before purchasing.

Thinking you're a victim of fraud? Here's what to do:

• Contact Financial Institutions: Immediately notify your bank or credit card company to dispute charges.
• Alert the Platform: Notify the website or social media platform where the scammer contacted you to help remove their profile.
• File a Police Report.
• Report Online Fraud: If it involved the internet, file a report with the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3).
• Submit a Complaint: File a fraud report at https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/.
• Victim of Check Fraud: Alert Your Bank Immediately. Notify the Payee (If Your Check Was Stolen). If your check was stolen or altered, contact the intended recipient to make alternative payment arrangements.

• Report to Federal Agencies:
• FTC: File a fraud report at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. If identity theft is involved, visit IdentityTheft.gov.
• IC3: For internet-related fraud, report to the FBI's IC3.gov.
• USPIS: If the fraud involved mail, report to the U.S. Postal Inspection Service at uspis.gov/report.
• Contact Credit Bureaus: Place a fraud alert on your credit reports with Experian (1-888-397-3742), TransUnion (1-800-680-7289), and Equifax (1-888-766-0008). Consider a credit freeze for stronger protection against identity theft.

Important Reminders:

• Document Everything: Keep detailed records of all communications and events.
• Beware of Recovery Scams: Never pay anyone who promises to recover your money for a fee.
• Monitor Statements: Regularly check your bank and credit card statements for suspicious activity.

For more fraud tips, follow LifeStore Bank on Facebook.