Unlike most people, scammers never take a summer vacation. And this season, COVID-19 provides a reason for them to work overtime. They turn to news headlines to tailor their schemes. Thieves won't let a global health crisis stop them from trying to separate you from your money.
Keep your eyes open for these scams that are sure to have a pandemic twist.
Teachers, students, and other individuals who often look for supplemental income during the summer months are likely no strangers to employment scams. But this summer, with over 40 million unemployed due to COVID-19, fraudsters are ramping up their efforts to snare victims. Don't respond to job postings that ask for sensitive personal information, boast high hourly rates for minimal work, or require you to click or download suspicious links.
Long-distance traveling might not be trending this summer. However, many people are still looking for a “staycation” opportunity close to home. If you are thinking about getting out of your house and renting a vacation home, be wary of vacation rental ads that sound too good to be true. Always do your research and avoid paying for rentals using credit union wire transfers or prepaid cards. These payment methods allow scammers to take your money and vanish.
With limited access to public beaches, more people are considering creating their own backyard getaway with a budget-friendly above-ground pool. As reputable businesses are running low on inventory, consumers may turn to lesser known companies. If you’re in the market for a pool this season, pay with a secure payment method and beware of advertised prices that are well below what other companies are charging.
Help protect yourself from these and other scams by signing up for free Account Alerts in eBranch. You'll receive text message or email notifications of account activity so you can stop unauthorized access in its tracks. Visit our Security Center to discover more ways to keep your accounts safe.
