What to take away from Fraud Awareness Month

JACKSON, Tenn. — With November starting, it is officially Fraud Awareness Month.

Fraud can come in many different ways as technology advances. Shea Brown, the Director of Community Impact at Leaders Credit Union, says this is a reason we have seen an increase in fraud recently.

The timing of fraud awareness month being in November is no mistake. Brown says there is a reason for this.

“I think it’s really important because the holidays are coming up so there will be a lot more people making purchases online, buying those gifts, and there is just a lot more spending that happens. So we just want to make people aware of different tactics that are out there,” Brown said.

There are indeed many different tactics, whether that be phone calls, texts or emails. However, there is a newer method that fraudsters are using called spoofing.

“Spoofing is where they are impersonating a trusted organization or person. Voice recognition is a part of that, but it could be someone creating a Facebook account. And it’s the same name, same picture because they have spoofed that Facebook account. They are trying to get information out of you acting as a trusted individual or a trusted organization,” Brown said.

Some tips for dealing with fraud include not clicking on unknown links, keeping all of your devices updated, and making sure you verify the sender’s identity.

Be cautious before you share any personal details. Also, do not share your login information with anyone.

Brown also has a useful tip.

“Slow down and think. Don’t feel pressured because they want to make you feel that pressure and sense of urgency. So definitely take a minute and think. Don’t just act immediately,” Brown said.

Brown also says that if you are ever in doubt, just hang up and call a known, published phone number.

A reminder that if you are being pressured to act immediately, it is probably a scam.

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