Beware: Popular Fraud Scams to Watch for in May and June

As the weather warms and summer plans start taking shape, so do the schemes of fraudsters looking to take advantage of unsuspecting consumers. May and June are particularly active months for a variety of scams—some seasonal, some opportunistic. Staying informed is the best way to protect yourself and your finances. Here are some of the most common fraud scams to watch out for this time of year.

Vacation and Travel Scams

With summer vacation season kicking off, fake travel deals are everywhere. Scammers often create fake travel websites, offer too-good-to-be-true vacation packages, or pretend to be from well-known travel companies offering “last-minute deals.”

Red flags:

  • You’re asked to pay via wire transfer, gift cards, or cryptocurrency.
  • The company doesn’t have a verifiable website or phone number.
  • You’re pressured to “act fast” or lose the deal.

How to stay safe:

  • Book through trusted travel agencies or directly through airlines and hotels.
  • Be wary of unsolicited travel offers via email or social media.

Moving Scams

Summer is peak moving season, and scammers take full advantage. Fraudulent movers may quote low prices to secure your business, then raise rates dramatically once your items are loaded onto the truck. Some may even hold your belongings hostage until you pay an inflated fee.

Red flags:

  • No written estimate or contract.
  • Movers demand a large deposit upfront.
  • The company has no physical address or poor online reviews.

How to stay safe:

  • Use reputable, licensed moving companies.
  • Get everything in writing before the move.

Student Loan Forgiveness Scams

As graduation season arrives, scammers target students and recent grads with fake offers of loan forgiveness or refinancing. These scams often aim to steal personal information or charge fees for services that are free or nonexistent.

Red flags:

  • Promises of immediate loan forgiveness.
  • Requests for personal info or upfront payment.
  • Posing as government agencies with vague or incorrect credentials.

How to stay safe:

  • Contact your loan servicer directly for any changes to your repayment plan.
  • Remember, real student loan assistance programs do not charge fees.

Fake Job Scams

College grads and teens looking for summer jobs are often targeted by scammers offering fake employment opportunities. These scams might involve fake checks, requests for payment for training materials, or schemes to collect personal information.

Red flags:

  • Job offers without an interview.
  • You’re asked to pay for a background check or training.
  • You’re sent a check and told to “keep part” and send back the rest.

How to stay safe:

  • Research the company.
  • Never send money or personal info to an unverified employer.

Charity Scams

With natural disasters or community causes often highlighted in warmer months, scammers impersonate legitimate charities to collect donations. These fraudsters may use real organization names or create convincing copycat websites.

Red flags:

  • High-pressure tactics to donate immediately.
  • Vague descriptions of where the money goes.
  • Refusal to provide documentation or answer questions.

How to stay safe:

  • Give to well-known charities through their official websites.
  • Use tools like Charity Navigator or the BBB Wise Giving Alliance to verify legitimacy.

Stay Alert, Stay Secure

Fraudsters are constantly adapting their tactics, but so can you. Staying vigilant during the busy spring and early summer months can help you avoid falling victim to these common scams.

At Lincoln Park Community Credit Union, we’re committed to keeping your financial life secure. If you ever suspect fraudulent activity on your account or have questions about suspicious offers, contact us right away—we’re here to help.