How to Protect Yourself from Today’s Most Common Fraud & Scams

Scammers are getting smarter, faster, and more convincing than ever before. From fake text messages to phone calls pretending to be your financial institution, fraud attempts are becoming part of everyday life. At Lincoln Park Community Credit Union, we believe knowledge is one of the best tools to help protect your finances and personal information.

Here are some of the most common scams happening right now and simple ways to stay safe.

Text Message Scams (Smishing)

Have you ever received a text saying your debit card has been locked or that suspicious activity was detected on your account? These messages often include a link and urge you to act quickly.

Scammers create a sense of panic to trick people into clicking harmful links or entering personal information.

Stay Safe By:

  • Never clicking links from unknown texts
  • Avoiding sharing account details through text
  • Calling your credit union directly using a trusted phone number if something feels suspicious

Phone Call Scams (Spoofing)

Fraudsters can now make it look like they are calling from a real business or even your credit union. They may ask for online banking credentials, card numbers, or security codes.

Remember: legitimate financial institutions will never ask for your password or verification code over the phone.

Stay Safe By:

  • Hanging up if something feels off
  • Calling back using the official number listed on the company’s website
  • Never giving out login credentials or one-time passcodes

Fake Online Marketplace Listings

Summer is a popular time for buying concert tickets, vacation rentals, lawn equipment, and used vehicles online. Unfortunately, scammers know this too.

Be cautious when deals seem too good to be true or when sellers pressure you to send money quickly through payment apps.

Stay Safe By:

  • Meeting sellers in safe public places
  • Using secure payment methods
  • Researching sellers before sending money
  • Avoiding wire transfers or gift cards as payment

Email Phishing Attacks

Some scam emails look incredibly real and may use official logos or urgent language. They often ask you to “verify” your information or reset your password.

Stay Safe By:

  • Double-checking the sender’s email address
  • Looking for spelling or grammar mistakes
  • Avoiding clicking suspicious attachments or links

Protecting Yourself Starts with Awareness

Fraudsters rely on fear, urgency, and confusion. Taking a moment to slow down and verify information can make all the difference.

At Lincoln Park Community Credit Union, we’re committed to helping our members stay informed and financially secure. If you ever receive a suspicious message or think your account may be compromised, contact us immediately.