Fraud Education Center

Definition: The act of threatening to release sensitive, embarrassing, or explicit information about an individual unless a demand (usually money) is met.

Example: A hacker claims to have access to information, personal photos or videos and demands money to prevent them from being released to an unauthorized person(s).

Next Steps:

1. Report to Authorities: Immediately contact your local law enforcement or cybercrime unit.
2. Gather Evidence: Take screenshots, save emails, and record any communication as evidence.
3. Change Accounts and Passwords: If your accounts were compromised, change your passwords immediately and enable two-factor authentication.

Definition: A cybercrime where attackers use email to impersonate a trusted source to deceive companies into transferring money, making payments or otherwise disclosing sensitive information to them.

Example: A fraudster impersonates a trusted vendor and tricks the accounts payable department into making a payment to a fraudulent account.

Next Steps:

1. Verify the Source: Contact the trusted source directly (using a known contact method) to confirm if the email request is legitimate.
2. Report the Incident: If money was transferred, report it immediately to Park State Bank and law enforcement.
3. Enable Email Security Measures: Use email filters, multi-factor authentication, and advanced security software to reduce the risk of future attacks.

Definition: Scammers pose as wealthy business professional or social media personality, in an attempt to deceive victims into making fraudulent investments, especially common by way of cryptocurrency.

Example: A scammer contacts you, pretending to be an affluent person, and convinces you to invest in a fake app that promises high returns.

Next Steps:

1. Report the Scam: Report the scam to relevant authorities, such as the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) or your local consumer protection agency.
2. Park State Bank or Crypto Platform: Notify us or your cryptocurrency platform about the fraudulent transaction to see if any funds can be recovered.
3. Seek Legal Assistance: Consult with a legal professional if significant funds were lost, especially if there’s the potential to trace the scammers.

Definition: Fraudsters impersonate charitable organizations, especially during holidays, to solicit donations under false pretenses.

Example: A scammer sends an email asking for donations for a charity supporting disaster victims, but the money is pocketed by the fraudster.

Next Steps:

1. Verify the Charity: Ensure the charity is legitimate by checking its credentials, such as its registered nonprofit status and reviews.
2. Report to Authorities: Notify local authorities or consumer protection agencies if you suspect fraud.
3. Monitor Your Accounts: Keep an eye on your financial accounts for any unauthorized transactions.

Definition: An unauthorized intrusion where malicious software is used to disrupt, damage, or gain unauthorized access to a computer system, often encrypting data and demanding a ransom for its release.

Example: A pop-up is clicked which then infects the user’s device (i.e. computer, tablet, cellular device, etc) with a virus that steals information or locks the device.

Next Steps:

1. Disconnect from the Network: Immediately disconnect the infected device from the internet to prevent further data theft or spread of malware.
2. Report the Attack: Report the attack to local law enforcement or cybercrime agencies.
3. Restore from Backup: If possible, restore your system or files from a clean, recent backup to minimize data loss.
4. Do Not Pay the Ransom: Paying the ransom may not guarantee your files will be restored, and it encourages further criminal activity.
5. Scan for Malware: Use reputable antivirus or anti-malware software to scan and remove any malicious software.
6. Update Security Measures: Implement or update cybersecurity protocols such as firewalls, antivirus software, and regular backups to prevent future attacks.

Definition: Cybercriminals use emails or text messages to steal or compromise sensitive information.

Example: You receive an email or text that looks like it’s from a trusted source (i.e. credit card company, utility provider, or even Park State Bank), asking you to click a link and verify your account. The link is a phishing attempt that steals your login credentials.

Next Steps:

1. Do Not Click on the Link: Avoid clicking on any suspicious links or opening attachments in phishing emails or text messages.
2. Verify the Source: Contact the organization directly using trusted methods (such as their official website or phone number) to confirm if the communication is legitimate.
3. Report the Phishing Attempt: Forward the suspicious email or text message to your email provider or telecommunications company to report it.
4. Change Your Credentials: If you’ve accidentally shared login credentials, change your passwords immediately, and enable two-factor authentication on your accounts.

Definition: Fraudulent services promise to settle or reduce debt in exchange for upfront fees, but do not deliver any real help.

Example: A scammer promises to reduce your credit card debt by 50% for an upfront fee, but after you pay, they disappear and do nothing.

Next Steps:

1. Do Not Pay Upfront Fees: Avoid paying any upfront fees for debt settlement or relief services, as this is a common sign of a scam.
2. Contact Your Creditors Directly: Reach out to your creditors or loan providers to discuss payment options or negotiate directly with them.
3. Report the Scam: File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) or your local consumer protection agency to help warn others.
4. Check Your Credit Report: Regularly check your credit report to ensure no fraudulent activities or accounts have been opened in your name.
5. Seek Legitimate Help: Consult a reputable nonprofit credit counselor for assistance with managing debt or improving financial health.

Definition: Scammers use counterfeit checks to trick individuals or businesses into accepting payments for nonexistent products or services.

Example: A scammer buys something from you online and sends a fake check for more than the agreed price, asking you to refund the difference.

Next Steps:

1. Do Not Deposit the Check: Do not deposit the counterfeit check or send any money, even if the scammer insists.
2. Verify the Check: Contact the Park State Bank directly to verify the authenticity of the check before proceeding with any transaction.
3. Report the Fraud: Notify the relevant authorities, such as your local law enforcement or the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, if the fraud involved mailing.
4. Protect Your Bank Account: Inform your us about the incident and monitor your accounts for any unauthorized transactions.

Definition: Fraudulent job offers or investment schemes that promise high earnings but ultimately exploit the victim.

Example: You receive an email offering a job with a very high salary, but they require an upfront payment for training or equipment, and the job never materializes.

Next Steps:

1. Do Not Pay for Job Offers: Never pay upfront for training, equipment, or any other fees related to a job that you’ve been offered.
2. Research the Company: Verify the legitimacy of the company and the job offer by researching them online or checking reviews.
3. Report the Scam: Report the fraudulent job offer to your local consumer protection agency, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), or the job board where the scam originated.
4. Monitor Financial Accounts: Keep an eye on your bank accounts for any signs of unauthorized payments or identity theft.

Definition: Scammers pose as family members or friends in urgent need of money, often by creating a fabricated crisis.

Example: A scammer calls, pretending to be your grandchild, claiming they're in a car accident and need money to pay for bail.

Next Steps:

1. Verify the Situation: Call or text the person directly using a known number to confirm if they are truly in crisis.
2. Do Not Send Money Immediately: Never send money or share financial details without verifying the situation first.
3. Alert Family Members: Let other family members or friends know about the scam attempt, so they can help investigate.
4. Report the Scam: Report the scam to local law enforcement or consumer protection agencies.

Definition: Fraudsters ask victims to purchase gift cards (e.g., Visa, Walmart) and send the codes as payment.

Example: A scammer pretends to be a government official or tech support, asking you to buy gift cards to settle a supposed fine or debt.

Next Steps:

1. Do Not Buy Gift Cards: Never buy gift cards for someone you don't personally know or for an unexpected request.
2. Verify the Request: Call or message the person directly using a known contact method to verify if the request is genuine.
3. Report the Scam: Report the incident to the authorities, such as the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), and inform the store where the gift cards were purchased.
4. Monitor Financial Accounts: Check your credit card or bank statements for any unauthorized transactions related to the scam.

Definition: Scammers impersonate legitimate organizations, government entities, or technical support to trick victims into providing money or personal information.

Example: A scammer calls pretending to be from the IRS, demanding immediate payment for back taxes, threatening arrest if not paid.

Next Steps:

1. Verify the Caller or Message: Contact the organization or entity directly using official contact information (e.g., website or phone number) to verify the legitimacy of the request.
2. Do Not Provide Personal Information: Avoid sharing any personal, financial, or login details until you are certain the request is legitimate.
3. Report the Scam: Report the incident to relevant authorities, such as the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) or local law enforcement.
4. Block the Scammer: Block the number or email address from which the fraudulent communication was received.

Definition: Scammers claim you’ve won a lottery or prize but require a fee or personal information to claim the winnings.

Example: You get an email claiming you’ve won a large sum of money, but they ask you to pay a "processing fee" before you can receive the prize.

Next Steps:

1. Do Not Pay Any Fees: Legitimate lottery or prize winnings never require payment of a processing fee or tax upfront.
2. Verify the Prize: Check the legitimacy of the prize by contacting the official lottery organization directly using their official website or customer service.
3. Report the Scam: Report the fraudulent claim to the relevant authorities, such as the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), or the lottery provider.
4. Block the Scammer: If the scammer contacted you via phone, email, or text, block them to avoid further communication.

Definition: Scammers recruit individuals to transfer illegally obtained money from one account to another, often using services like PayPal, Venmo, or CashApp.

Example: A scammer asks you to receive money via PayPal and then transfer it to another person, not knowing it’s illicit.

Next Steps:

1. Stop All Communication: Cease all communication with the scammer immediately and stop transferring any funds.
2. Report the Scam: Contact the authorities, such as the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) or your local law enforcement, to report the situation.
3. Monitor Financial Accounts: Keep an eye on your bank accounts and payment services for unauthorized transactions or suspicious activity.
4. Notify Park State Bank or Payment Provider: Inform us or service like PayPal, Venmo, or CashApp that you’ve been involved in a scam.

Definition: Fraudsters post fake vacation rentals online, collecting payment without providing the promised accommodation.

Example: You find a great vacation rental online, send payment, but upon arrival, there’s no property, and the listing is gone.

Next Steps:

1. Verify the Listing: Research the rental property or check for reviews from legitimate sources before sending any money.
2. Use Trusted Platforms: Always use reputable booking sites that offer buyer protection when booking vacation rentals.
3. Report the Fraud: Report the scam to the website or platform where the listing appeared, as well as to consumer protection authorities.
4. Request a Refund: If you’ve already paid and the listing is fraudulent, try to contact the payment provider or platform to request a refund.

Definition: Scammers create fake online relationships to manipulate victims into sending money for fake emergencies or trips.

Example: You meet someone online, and after a few months of "chatting", they ask you for money to visit you.

Next Steps:

1. Stop Communicating: Cease communication with the scammer immediately and avoid sending money.
2. Report the Scam: Report the scam to your local law enforcement, as well as to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
3. Inform the Dating Platform: If you met the scammer on an online dating site, report the profile to the platform for review and removal.
4. Review Your Finances: Check your financial accounts for any unauthorized transactions and report them to us or your payment service.

Definition: Fraudsters promise to sell goods, services, or event tickets that do not exist.

Example: You pay for concert tickets online, but the tickets are fake, and the seller disappears after receiving payment.

Next Steps:

1. Do Not Pay for Tickets in Advance: Avoid paying for event tickets or goods until you are certain the seller is legitimate, and the items are real.
2. Verify the Seller: Research the seller, read reviews, or check with official ticket vendors to confirm the validity of the listing.
3. Report the Fraud: Report the fraudulent seller to the platform or website where the listing was found, as well as to local authorities or the consumer protection agency.
4. Request a Refund: If you paid for fake tickets, try to request a refund from the platform or payment provider used for the transaction.