Hard times can bring out the best in people – and the not so best. Scammers will try to take advantage of these moments and try to manipulate you. Be prepared!

Here are four popular type of scams and how to handle them:

Scam: Robocall

Scammers are using illegal robocalls to pitch everything from scam Coronavirus treatments to work-at-home schemes.

What to Do: Hang up

If you don’t recognize the number, don’t answer. If you accidentally do, don’t press any numbers. The recording might say that pressing a number will let you speak to a live operator or remove you from their call list, but it might lead to more robocalls instead.

Scam: Undelivered Goods

Online sellers claim they have in-demand products, like cleaning, household, and health and medical supplies. You place an order, but you never get your shipment.

What to Do: Fact check

Know who you’re buying from. Check out the seller by searching online for the person or company’s name, phone number and email address, plus words like “review,” “complaint” or “scam.” If everything checks out, pay by credit card and keep a record of your transaction.

Scam: Phishing

Scammers use fake emails or texts to get you to share valuable personal information – like account numbers, Social Security numbers, or your login IDs and passwords.

What to Do: Keep up to date

Protect your computer by keeping your software up to date and by using security software, your cell phone by setting software to update automatically, your accounts by using multi-factor authentication, and your data by backing it up.

Scam: Fake Charities

When a major health event – like the Coronavirus – happens, you might be looking for ways to help. Scammers use the same events to take advantage of your generosity.

What to Do: Do your homework

These organizations can help you research charities. When you give, pay safely by credit card – never by gift card or wire transfer. Don’t let anyone rush you into making a donation.

It is our hope that we can provide guidance and assistance to those in need and vigilance against those that wish to take advantage of troubled times. Take care and be safe.

If you have any further questions regarding Spectrum Credit Union’s security measures, please check out our Security Central.