How to Protect Yourself from Common Scams

Scammers are constantly finding new ways to deceive people, often by impersonating trusted sources such as law enforcement, the IRS, utility companies, or even SharePoint Credit Union staff. They use phone calls, text messages, and emails to trick victims into providing personal information or making fraudulent payments. Stay vigilant and be cautious of unexpected communications—especially if they request payments through gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency.

Scammers can also spoof phone numbers to make their calls appear legitimate. If you ever feel unsure about a call, hang up and contact the company directly using a verified phone number. Remember: SharePoint CU will never call and ask for your online banking information.

Your security is our top priority. If you ever have questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out to us directly. To learn more about scams, visit: Scam Checker Coach.

Phone Scams: Avoiding Common Tricks

Scammers often try to manipulate you into saying “yes” so they can record your voice for fraudulent purposes. Here’s how to protect yourself:

• Don’t Confirm Anything with “Yes” – Instead of answering “yes,” respond with, “Who is this?” or “What is this about?”
• Avoid Answering “Can You Hear Me?” – If someone calls and asks this, just hang up.
• Use Non-Committal Responses – Try “I don’t confirm anything over the phone” or “I need more information.”
• Verify Before Speaking – If a call seems suspicious, hang up and contact the company directly through a verified number.
• Never Give Personal Information – If they ask for account details or verification codes, it’s a red flag.

Best Practice: If a call feels suspicious, hang up and call the company back using an official number from their website.

Email and Text Scams: Watch Out for Fake Links

Scammers frequently send fake links to gain access to your devices and personal information. If you receive an unexpected email or text with a link, do not click it—especially if you weren’t expecting it.

Fake Text Scams

Toll Scam

A recent scam involves fraudulent texts claiming to be from "EZPass." These messages are not actually from EZPass but are designed to trick you into clicking a link and making a payment toward a fake charge. Always verify directly with the company before taking any action.

Scammers often send fake package delivery notifications via text or email, claiming to be from companies like UPS, FedEx, or USPS. These messages typically contain a link urging you to track a package or resolve a delivery issue.

Warning Signs of a Package Delivery Scam: 

Unexpected delivery notifications when you’re not expecting a package
Links asking you to enter personal or payment information
Urgent language pressuring you to act quickly

What to Do: Do not click the link—it may install malware or steal your information
Verify directly by checking the company’s official website or contacting them
Report the scam to the delivery service or the FTC

Unexpected Amazon Package: Brushing Scam or Fraud?

If you received a package from Amazon that you never ordered, it could be part of a brushing scam or a fraudulent order made with stolen information.

Brushing Scam:

• Scammers send you items you didn’t order so they can post fake reviews using your name.
• Your personal info (like name and address) might have been found online, but your payment wasn’t used.
• You don’t need to return the item, but be cautious about your data being exposed.

Fraudulent Order:

• Check your Amazon account for any unauthorized purchases.
• If you see an order you didn’t place, report it to Amazon immediately and change your password.

Stay alert and protect yourself from scams. If something feels off, trust your instincts and verify before taking any action!