How to Protect Yourself from Scammers

Scenario 1:

I was scrolling on social and saw a sale ad for one of my favorite brands. It looked just like other ads I’d bought from before. The discount was really good, so I clicked on it and went to what looked exactly like their website, even with the free shipping headline.

When I went to check out, I thought it was odd I couldn’t find a place for my credit card, just options for digital payment platforms like Zelle^®. But I thought no big deal and paid with Zelle^®. I got suspicious when I didn’t get a confirmation email right away like I usually do. I waited about three weeks, but the merchandise never showed up. I tried to put in a claim for fraud with my bank, but I was told there’s no way to get my money back.

Help protect yourself:

Always type in a company’s website address yourself to see if special sales or promo codes are listed there. If not, the ad you’re seeing and the website it’s taking you to are likely a scam. Where possible use your credit or debit card which offers protection features that may not be there if you pay by other means.

Scenario 2:

I got a giant yellow “alert” that covered my computer screen, saying my computer had been hacked. My cursor was even moving on its own, so something definitely seemed wrong. Another alert appeared that looked legitimately from the same brand as my computer, telling me to call the tech support line.

The man who answered was very professional and said they’d been seeing this attack happening a lot lately. He had me go to a website that had all sorts of cyber security information on it and click on a link. He said it would let him see my screen to gauge how bad the attack was. He had me sign into some unimportant websites like a movie site and my pet store. He said everything looked fine, but I should sign into my bank account to also check it. He said he couldn’t see my password as it showed up with just those dots in the password field. 

I told him there were no unusual transactions on my account, so he said it looked like it was all a false alarm and hung up. Little did I know, that when I gave him remote access to my computer, he was able to see everything I typed. The scammers later signed into my bank account and transferred thousands out.

Help protect yourself:

Scammers know “virus alerts” immediately put computer users into a panic. Never click on virus alerts, even if they look like they come from your computer company or an anti-virus protection company. If you think your computer was impacted, talk to a reputable service provider.

Be careful when using checks. Scammers can steal checks from mailboxes and those not properly disposed of after being deposited. Then, they can use chemicals to erase and rewrite the checks to themselves. They can also sell your personal info or use it to create counterfeit checks.

Check-writing tips:

Use permanent ink so it's harder to erase.

Don't leave empty space before the payee or dollar amount.

Draw a line through the extra spaces.

Sign the same way every time.

Mail checks from inside the post office.

Keep documents safe.

Review statements regularly.

Monitor your accounts and verify the payee and check amounts.

Consider alternative payment methods like Chase Online℠ Bill Pay, Zelle^® 

Watch out for scammers impersonating banks:

A scammer calls or texts pretending to be from Chase [or from other banks] and says you need to send money to another account using a wire transfer. They may claim it’s to reverse fraud on your account. Don’t fall for it – it’s a scam! We will never ask you to send money to yourself.

Tips to help you stay safe:

Know who you're talking to: You can verify that you're speaking with us by hanging up and calling the number on the back of your Chase card or your account statement.

Take a moment: Think about what they're asking for, and verify they are who they say they are, especially if it feels urgent or pressured — it could be a scam.

Be careful when sending money: It's important to verify you're not sending money to a scammer. Once you send money you may not be able to get it back.

To help protect yourself, always be suspicious of calls, emails, texts or any communication you receive from someone you don't know — particularly if they want money or your personal information. See below for examples of common scams and tips to be more secure.

Be cautious of unsolicited calls or texts: If a charity reaches out unexpectedly, say you'll call back using the number listed in the CharityWatch, for more information, Opens overlay or the BBB Wise Giving Alliance, for giving options, Opens overlay. 

Phishing: Watch out for suspicious calls, emails and texts:

"Phishing" is when you get an email that looks reputable but asks you to call a fraudulent number, respond to the email or go to a website and enter personal information. You may be asked to look at an attachment, which then gives bad actors access to your computer if you open it.

Suspicious messages may have typos or grammatical mistakes. Don't click on links or attachments in an email if you're not sure who it's from.

You can report a suspicious email to us by reporting it to phishing@chase.com. You may also want to report suspicious calls, emails, and text messages by visiting, https://ReportFraud.ftc.gov, Opens overlay. 

ATM withdrawals:

"Hey, don't forget to use the tap feature on the ATM. I can show you how it works." Don't accept help from strangers at the ATM. Pay attention to your surroundings and watch out for people looking at your screen. 

Computer virus:

"We've detected malware on your computer. Give me access remotely so I can fix that for you." Never give anyone remote access to your computer unless you can 100% verify who they are.

Watch out for charity scams:

Scammers come out of the woodwork to prey on people who are looking to help relief efforts when disaster strikes. Charity scams can appear as fraudulent websites, phishing emails, text messages, crowdfunding sites, phone calls, and postal mail. Being informed is key to protecting your donations. Tactics scammers use 

Impersonation: They mimic established charities or create new ones with similar names.

Emotional appeals: They use heart-wrenching stories and pictures.

Technology: They create and share links to websites that look like they’re legitimate charities.

Tips to help you stay safe:

Verify the charity: Check the legitimacy of the charity and access their official website through CharityWatch, Opens overlay or the BBB Wise Giving Alliance, Opens overlay.

For sale, hot deal:

"Get a great price on these exclusive sneakers. You can pay using cash or a payment app." Be wary of great "deals" on social media sites. Once you send money you may not get it back.

Someone you 'know':

"I'm with the IRS, and you owe back taxes. If not paid immediately, a lawsuit will be filed against you." Be cautious if you’re told to take action right away. Think about what they’re asking for and verify that they are who they say they are.

'Accidental' payment:

"I didn't mean to send you that money! Please send it back to me right away." Never return any unexpected funds without calling Chase first.

Romance:

"I'm having a medical emergency and need money. I promise to pay it back quickly. Can you help?" Don't send money to anyone you've only spoken to online or by phone.

You've won!:

"Congratulations! You've won the lottery! We will need to collect taxes prior to your payment." Do not send money to claim a prize. Chances are it's a scam.

Home closing:

"These are the wire instructions to close on your house." Be very cautious of last-minute changes to payment instruction and call your agent or loan officer directly to verify wire instructions before you send money.

Investment:

"You've registered to receive notifications on investment opportunities. Are you ready to invest? I have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!" Research the person or company you're dealing with, and make sure they're legitimate.

Spoofing: Look out for scammers in disguise:

Scammers can "spoof" phone numbers. The caller ID can say the call or text is from Chase even though it's not. They do this to trick people into providing their personal or financial information or to get you to send money.

Remember: 

Even if your caller ID says a call or text is from Chase, it could be a scam. When in doubt hang up and call us!

-Chase Bank