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Spot the Scams

 

Scams are designed to look believable. Scammers may pose as people or organizations you trust, create a sense of urgency, or pressure you to act before you have time to think. Knowing their tactics can help you recognize when something isn’t right.

   

Know the Warning Signs 

Scams can take many forms, but certain behaviors should make you stop and take a closer look.

Something Feels Urgent

  • Scammers may tell you there is a problem that must be handled immediately and pressure you to act.

The Story Triggers a Strong Reaction 

  • Fear, excitement, and sympathy can be used to influence your decisions.

Someone Wants Private Information or Access

  • Be cautious of unexpected requests for passwords, PINs, verification codes or remote access to your phone or computer.

The Payment Request Seems Unusual

  • Be wary when someone insists on a wire transfer, payment app, gift card, cryptocurrency or moving money to another account.

You're Told Not to Check With Anyone Else

  • Requests for secrecy or instructions to stay on the phone while moving money are serious warning signs.

The Person Seems Familiar, But You Can't Be Sure 

  • Caller ID, email addresses, websites and even voices can be manipulated. Verify unexpected requests another way.

Common Scams to Watch For

Bank Impersonation Scams 

  • How it works: Someone calls or texts claiming to be from your bank and says there is suspicious activity on your account. They may ask for confidential information, a verification code or tell you to move your money.

    Watch for: Urgent demands, requests for private information or instructions to transfer money. A familiar name or number on caller ID does not prove the person is legitimate.

Email, Text and Phone Scams 

  • How it works: A message or call directs you to click a link, open an attachment, call an unfamiliar number or provide personal information. A link may lead to a fake website designed to look legitimate.

    Watch for: Unexpected messages, suspicious links or attachments, threats or requests to sign in and “verify” information. Contact the organization using a website or phone number you already know.

Payment App, Wire, and "Safe Account" Scams 

  • How it works: A scammer convinces you to send money through a payment app or wire transfer, sometimes claiming you must move it to protect it from fraud.

    Watch for: Anyone asking you to send money to yourself, move money to a “safe account” or pay someone you don’t know and trust. Once money is sent, it may be difficult or impossible to recover.

Fake Check and Overpayment Scams 

  • How it works: Someone gives you a check and then asks you to send part of the money back, buy gift cards or pay another person. The check may later be returned as counterfeit or stolen—even if the funds initially appear in your account.

    Watch for: An unexpected check, an amount greater than expected or instructions to send money before the check has fully cleared. Common versions involve fake jobs, mystery shopping, prizes and online sales.

Romance Scams

  • How it works: A scammer builds an online relationship with you and gains your trust. Eventually, they ask for money for an emergency, travel, or medical expenses.

    Watch for: Someone you’ve never met in person asking for money, repeated reasons they can’t meet or video chat, unexpected financial emergencies, or requests to send money in unusual ways.

Family Emergency Scams 

  • How it works: A scammer pretends to be a family member or someone calling on their behalf and claims there is an urgent problem that requires money. They may say there has been an accident, arrest, or other emergency.

    Watch for: Pressure to send money immediately, requests for secrecy or instructions not to contact other family members. Scammers can use technology to imitate familiar voices, so verify the situation by contacting your family member directly using a number you already know.

Investment, Job, and Online Marketplace Scams

  • How it works: Scammers promote an investment, job, product or rental that appears unusually profitable or affordable. They may ask for an upfront payment, move communication away from a trusted platform or send a check and ask you to return part of the money.

    Watch for: Guaranteed returns, advance fees, prices that seem too good to be true, pressure to act quickly or requests to pay outside the website where the offer appeared.

When Someone Claims to Be River Bank & Trust

Caller ID can be faked. River Bank & Trust will never call, text or email and ask you to provide your Online Banking password, PIN or one-time verification code—or instruct you to move money to a “safe” account.

If something doesn’t seem right, end the conversation and contact your local River Bank & Trust office or banker using a number you know is correct.

Think Before You Act

  • Pause—Don't let urgency, fear or excitement rush you into making a decision. 
  • Verify—Contact the person or organizaiton another way using a trusted phone number or official website. 
  • Talk to Someone—Tell a family member, friend or banker what happened. Talking it through may help you recognize something that doesn't add up. 

Need help? If you've shared information, sent money, or noticed suspicious account activity, visit Fraud Help to act quickly.