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FDIC-Insured - Backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government
FDIC-Insured - Backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government
These days, scammers can send messages that look real, create fake websites, and even make phone calls that sound like someone you know. It’s easier than ever to get caught off guard.
The good news is that most scams follow the same patterns. Once you know what to look for, you’ll be much harder to fool.
Let’s walk through five scams happening right now, what to watch for, and how to protect yourself.
1. Fake Calls Using AI (Voice Scams)
You get a call. It sounds like your child, your boss, or even your bank. They say they need help - fast.
What you may not realize is that scammers can now use technology to copy real voices. That makes these calls feel very real.
They may ask you to send money right away, often through wire transfer or gift cards – which make it extremely difficult to try to get the money back.
2. Email and Text Scams (Phishing)
You’ve probably seen messages like these before:
“Your account is locked—click here now”
“You have a delivery waiting”
“There’s a problem with your account”
These messages are designed to get you to click a link. From there, you may be sent to a fake website that looks real—but is built to record and steal any information you provide.
Phishing is one of the most common scams today and happens millions of times each year.
3. Business and Payment Scams
This one often targets people paying bills or running a business. You might get an email that looks like it’s from a company you trust.
It may say:
“We’ve updated our payment details”
“Please send payment to this new account”
But the message is fake. Spelling errors and poor grammar within the email can be a clear indicator that something is not right. If you send the money, it goes straight to the scammer.
These scams lead to billions of dollars in losses each year.
4. Identity Theft and Account Takeover
This scam doesn’t always happen at once.
Instead, scammers collect bits of your personal information over time, such as your passwords, email, or Social Security Number. Then, they use it to log into your accounts.
Once they’re in, they can:
Move money
Change your login details
Even open new accounts in your name
This type of fraud is growing as more personal data is stolen online.
5. Fake Job Opportunities
You see a job posting online or get a message about a job opportunity. It may look like a great offer – good pay, flexible hours, and quick hiring. But it’s not real.
Scammers may ask you to:
· Share personal information (like your Social Security Number)
· Pay for training or equipment
· Deposit a check and send part of the money back
These scams are becoming more common, especially on job sites such as Indeed or Glassdoor as well as social media.
Even though these scams may look different, they often share the same warning signs.
Watch out for:
Urgency – “Act now or something bad will happen”
Pressure – “Don’t tell anyone” or “Do this right away”
Unusual payment requests – Gift cards, wires, payment apps, or cryptocurrency
Unexpected messages – Emails, calls, or texts you didn’t expect
Requests for personal information – Passwords, codes, or account details
If you notice even one of these, take a step back and pause before moving forward. Scammers create a sense of urgency hoping you will not pay attention to the unusual requests before it’s too late.
You don’t have to be an expert to protect yourself. These simple habits go a long way:
· Slow down - Scammers want you to act fast. Give yourself time to think.
· Verify before you trust - If something seems off, contact the person or company using a number or website you know is real.
· Keep your information private - Never share passwords, codes, or account details through email, text, or phone.
· Use stronger security - Turn on multi-factor authentication (MFA) whenever possible. It adds an extra layer of protection.
· Trust your instincts - If something feels strange, it’s okay to stop and double-check.
If something doesn’t feel right—or if you think you may have been targeted by a scam - don’t wait. Please reach out to your local law enforcement or contact your bank right away.
📞 Call us at (866) 454-9228
🏦 Visit your nearest branch
💻 Contact us through our website www.cnext.bank
We’re here to answer your questions and help protect your accounts.
Remember, scammers are always looking for new ways to trick people - but most of their tactics rely on the same thing: catching you off guard.
Take a moment. Ask questions. Verify before you act. That small pause can make a big difference.
