Author: Devonte Longmire
Overview
It seems like every day there’s a new story about someone falling victim to a scam, and it can be very worrying. Many people, especially those who are not as familiar with the latest technology, find themselves targeted by clever criminals who pretend to be from your bank or a trusted company. These scammers are always trying new ways to trick you into giving them your money or personal information.
This article is here to help you understand how these scams work and, more importantly, how you can protect yourself. We will walk through the common signs of banking scams you might encounter over the phone, through email, in a text message, or even involving money transfer services like Zelle. Please know that it is not your fault if you have ever felt confused or worried by a suspicious message. These scams are designed to be confusing and stressful for everyone, and learning to spot them is a valuable skill that anyone can develop.
Why This Question Matters
For many older adults and beginners, dealing with banking scams can be particularly challenging for several reasons. There’s often a natural tendency to trust authority figures, and scammers exploit this by pretending to be from your bank or a government agency. The rapid changes in technology also mean that the methods scammers use are constantly evolving, making it hard to keep up if you’re not deeply immersed in daily tech news.
Furthermore, reading small print on screens, navigating complex websites, or trying to understand technical jargon can be difficult. Scammers often use confusing language or create a sense of urgency, which can make it very hard to think clearly and calmly. There’s also a deep fear of making a mistake, especially when it involves your hard-earned savings, and this fear can sometimes lead people to act quickly without fully checking things, which is exactly what scammers want. It is completely normal to feel overwhelmed, but with a few simple guidelines, you can significantly reduce your risk.
Key Things Seniors Should Consider
When you receive an unexpected call, email, or text that seems to be from your bank, there are several crucial things you should always consider before you do anything else. First, pay close attention to the sender’s address in emails or the phone number displayed. While scammers can sometimes “spoof” numbers to make them look legitimate, a real bank email will always come from their official domain name, not a strange collection of letters and numbers.
Secondly, carefully read the message or listen to the caller’s tone. Scammers often use poor grammar, misspellings, or unusual phrasing. They will frequently create a sense of extreme urgency, telling you that your account will be closed, or money will be lost if you don’t act immediately. Legitimate banks rarely, if ever, demand immediate action without giving you time to think. They also will never threaten you or use aggressive language.
Perhaps the most important thing to remember is that your bank will never call, email, or text you unsolicited to ask for sensitive personal information like your full Social Security number, your online banking password, your Personal Identification Number or PIN, or to ask you to transfer money to a “safe” account. If anyone asks for this kind of information, it is a scam, full stop. Always be skeptical of promises that seem too good to be true, like winning a lottery you didn’t enter, or demands that you pay a fee to release a large sum of money.
Simple Recommendations
The very first and best recommendation is always to pause and take a deep breath. Never let anyone rush you into making a decision, especially if it involves your money or personal information. Scammers thrive on creating panic, so giving yourself a moment to think is your strongest defense.
If you receive a suspicious call, email, or text that claims to be from your bank, do not respond directly to that message or call the number they provide. Instead, hang up or delete the message, and then find your bank’s official phone number. You can find this number on the back of your debit or credit card, on your monthly bank statement, or by looking it up on their official website (make sure it’s the real website, perhaps by typing the address yourself). Call that official number and speak to a representative directly to verify if there’s any real issue with your account.
When it comes to email and text messages, a golden rule is to never click on any links within a suspicious message. These links can lead to fake websites designed to steal your login information or install harmful software on your device. If the message claims you need to log in to your bank, always open your web browser and type in your bank’s website address yourself, rather than clicking a link. For services like Zelle, remember that it is designed for sending money to people you know and trust, like family and friends. Never use Zelle to send money to someone you don’t know, especially if they are pressuring you to do so to resolve a supposed banking issue or to receive money.
What To Avoid
To protect yourself from scams, there are several key things you absolutely must avoid doing. First and foremost, never ever click on links in emails or text messages that seem suspicious or are from an unknown sender, especially if they claim to be from your bank. These “phishing” links are traps.
You should also never give out sensitive personal information such as your banking passwords, account numbers, your Social Security number, or your credit card PIN over the phone, in an email, or in a text message, unless you are absolutely certain you initiated the contact with your bank and verified their identity. A legitimate bank will never ask for this information unsolicited. Avoid sending money, especially through services like Zelle or by purchasing gift cards, to strangers who claim to be from your bank, a utility company, or a government agency. These are almost always scams.
Do not allow yourself to be pressured into making quick decisions. Scammers create urgency to bypass your good judgment. If someone tells you that you must act “now” or face dire consequences, it is a huge red flag. Also, be aware that caller ID can be faked, a technique called “spoofing.” Just because your phone says the call is from your bank, it doesn’t mean it actually is. Always use the official number to call back. Finally, avoid ignoring your gut feeling. If something feels off or too good to be true, it almost certainly is.
Final Thoughts
Navigating the world of banking and technology can feel like walking through a minefield of potential scams, but with a little knowledge and a calm approach, you can protect yourself very effectively. The most important lesson to take away is to always be cautious, never rush, and always verify any suspicious communication directly with your bank using a trusted contact method.
Remember, your bank will never ask for your passwords or PINs, and they will never demand immediate payment through unusual methods or threaten you. By being aware of these common tactics and by taking the simple step of calling your bank directly when in doubt, you empower yourself against these criminals. Stay vigilant, trust your instincts, and know that you are not alone in facing these challenges. If you ever feel unsure, please reach out to your bank directly or talk to a trusted family member or friend.
Tech Teacher 
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