The Four P’s of Common Scam Signals
Do you know how to recognize the common signs of a scam? Familiarize yourself with these four scam signals to protect yourself against potential scammers.
1. PRETEND
Scammers frequently PRETEND to contact you on behalf of the government, your financial institution, a charity, or other companies you’re associated with through a technique called “spoofing.” The phone number or email may appear as though it’s coming from that particular institution, but if you’re unsure if it’s legitimate, hang up and call the official number on the entity’s website to confirm the legitimacy of the communication.
2. PLAY
Scammers often send links or attachments to manipulate you into giving up your personal information, such as your username and password, or your financial information. These can even appear to be related to loan applications with promises of quick or easy approvals. Never click on these links or attachments if you don’t recognize the sender, or if the communication seems fishy. If you want to apply for a loan with Advancial, visit our website!
3. PRESSURE
Scammers will PRESSURE you to act on something immediately before you have time to think. They will say anything and everything to keep you on the phone in order to make you feel that your only option is to give them what they want. They might say you’re being investigated by the police or government, or they may say your computer has been hacked or your accounts have been frozen. If this happens, hang up immediately. Think rationally before acting rash!
4. PAY
They often insist that you pay by sending money through a money transfer application (i.e. Venmo, CashApp, Zelle®) or by putting money on a gift card and then giving them the number on the back. Some will send you a check, tell you to deposit it, and then send them money through a postal money order or other means before the initial check can bounce or be frozen. By the time you realize it’s a scam, your money is gone. If it sounds too good to be true – it probably is!
As a reminder, Advancial will NEVER contact you and ask for your personal or account information. If you receive a call, email or text from someone claiming to be with Advancial asking for your information, don’t respond and contact our Member Service Center immediately at 800.322.2709. We will never be upset with you for being cautious. Trust your gut – it’s better to be safe than scammed!
1. PRETEND
Scammers frequently PRETEND to contact you on behalf of the government, your financial institution, a charity, or other companies you’re associated with through a technique called “spoofing.” The phone number or email may appear as though it’s coming from that particular institution, but if you’re unsure if it’s legitimate, hang up and call the official number on the entity’s website to confirm the legitimacy of the communication.
2. PLAY
Scammers often send links or attachments to manipulate you into giving up your personal information, such as your username and password, or your financial information. These can even appear to be related to loan applications with promises of quick or easy approvals. Never click on these links or attachments if you don’t recognize the sender, or if the communication seems fishy. If you want to apply for a loan with Advancial, visit our website!
3. PRESSURE
Scammers will PRESSURE you to act on something immediately before you have time to think. They will say anything and everything to keep you on the phone in order to make you feel that your only option is to give them what they want. They might say you’re being investigated by the police or government, or they may say your computer has been hacked or your accounts have been frozen. If this happens, hang up immediately. Think rationally before acting rash!
4. PAY
They often insist that you pay by sending money through a money transfer application (i.e. Venmo, CashApp, Zelle®) or by putting money on a gift card and then giving them the number on the back. Some will send you a check, tell you to deposit it, and then send them money through a postal money order or other means before the initial check can bounce or be frozen. By the time you realize it’s a scam, your money is gone. If it sounds too good to be true – it probably is!
As a reminder, Advancial will NEVER contact you and ask for your personal or account information. If you receive a call, email or text from someone claiming to be with Advancial asking for your information, don’t respond and contact our Member Service Center immediately at 800.322.2709. We will never be upset with you for being cautious. Trust your gut – it’s better to be safe than scammed!
