Stay Scam Smart this Summer
06/30/2025
Summer is here, but unfortunately, so is fraud. Fraudsters are more active during certain times of the year, especially around holidays. Don’t let them ruin your summer. Stay alert with these safety reminders from Family Trust.
Fraud Red Flags
Be on high alert if you receive:
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Unfamiliar calls, texts, or emails from someone claiming to be from a business or government agency.
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Requests to click links or provide personal details like your Social Security number, bank info, or login credentials.
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Instructions to keep the communication secret, especially from your financial institution.
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Demands to pay using gift cards, wire transfers, cryptocurrency, or payment services like CashApp, Venmo, PayPal, or Zelle.
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Messages that are urgent, threatening, or aggressive. Scammers often create a sense of urgency, causing individuals to act quickly without thinking.
If something feels off, trust your gut. It's better to pause than to pay.
How You Can Stay Safe
If you notice suspicious activity or are contacted by a potential scammer over the holiday, here are a few steps you can take on your own.
1. Do not Click or Respond
Avoid clicking on any links or replying to suspicious messages. Block the number or email sender if possible.
2. Monitor Your Accounts
Log in to your Family Trust digital banking app or online banking to review your transaction history and spot anything unusual.
3. Set Up Alerts
If you haven’t already, enable transaction alerts in digital banking. You’ll be notified of purchases or transfers in real time.
4. Lock Your Card
If you suspect fraud on your Family Trust card, use our mobile app to lock your card instantly to prevent further use.
5. Report Suspicious Activity
You can report scams directly to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) online at reportfraud.ftc.gov, law enforcement or your financial institution.
If in doubt, hang up or disconnect. Don’t solely rely on information provided by the suspicious contact. Verify information independently, by contacting the organization directly through publicly available contact information.
If you experience fraud with your debit or credit card, call the number on the back of your card for 24/7 support.
A Reminder from Family Trust
We will never:
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Ask for your digital banking username or password
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Request your card number, PIN, or Social Security number through text, phone, or email
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Tell you to lie to our staff, keep a transaction secret, or move money in unusual ways