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Common Scams

Learn about the common scams impacting FCSAmerica’s customers and what you can do to help detect and prevent these frauds.

Recognizing and Avoiding scams

What is a scam?

An illegal and dishonest scheme to manipulate a person into providing sensitive information and/or funds.

How do I know it is a scam?

Scams are a daily part of our lives and with advancements in technology they are constantly evolving. It is crucial to be aware of the red flags involved in all scams to protect yourself.

Scams impersonate people and organizations you know and trust.
Scammers incite emotion by fabricating and presenting either a prize (excitement) or a problem (fear) that they will help you in resolving.
Scammers unexpectedly contact their victims requesting immediate action.
Scammers often request funds be paid via cryptocurrency, gift cards or wires.
Scammers often request sensitive personal and/or financial information.
Scams often appear too good to be true.

Common scam types to know

Social Engineering

Social engineering scams, like baiting with fake prizes or security alerts, trick people into revealing confidential information or installing harmful software.

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IT Scams

Scams that target users with fake pop-up warnings and impersonated tech support calls, and discover tips to recognize red flags, protect your information, and respond if affected.

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Business Email Compromise

Email-based attacks target employees with access to financial or sensitive data, using tactics like website spoofing, email spoofing, and compromised accounts to deceive victims and steal funds.

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Lottery and Sweepstakes Scams

Scams that trick victims into believing they've won a prize but must pay fees or taxes to claim it, often targeting vulnerable groups with urgent demands for quick action.

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Romance Scams

Scams that prey on emotional vulnerability by creating fake online relationships, using pressure tactics and often times AI-generated content to request money under false pretenses.

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Charity Scams

Scams that impersonate legitimate organizations to solicit fake donations, using high-pressure tactics, emotional appeals, and alternative payment methods for personal gain.

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Impersonation Scams

Scams that involve fraudsters posing trusted organizations or agencies to trick victims into providing sensitive information or urgent payments through phone, text, email or online messages.

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Public Records Scams

Scams that use public information to impersonate trusted organizations, tricking victims into buying unnecessary or fake services through unsolicited calls, emails or visits.

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Fake “For Sale” Scams

Scams that trick buyers into paying for equipment or goods they never receive, using stolen photos, false listings, and mismatched seller information to appear legitimate.

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Investment Scams

Investment scams lure victims with false promises of substantial returns. These scams may involve traditional investments, such as stocks, real estate, or precious metals, as well as newer assets like cryptocurrency.

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Guiding Principles for Fraud Prevention

Our three guiding principles for fraud prevention are a significant step in helping identify and prevent losses from fraud, including scams. Please use these general principles in assessing whether an event or message could be a scam.