Protect Yourself from Social Engineering Scams
Social engineering is when a scammer manipulates your emotions with urgency, fear or trust to get you to act before you can think things through. Instead of ‘hacking’ your accounts, they try to hack your judgement. Social engineering scams have increased significantly in recent months. We know how overwhelming these situations can feel. At Choice Bank, our priority is to support you. If you’ve been targeted by a scam, we’re here to help you safely exit the situation and explore options for recovering lost funds.
Spotting Red Flags Early
Scammers often aim to make you feel rushed or pressured, so you don’t have time to question what is happening. Watch for signs like:
- Unusual or unexpected requests
- Someone asking for personal information or money out of the blue
- Messages that don’t sound like the person or company they claim to be
- Directions that invovle secrecy or urgency
If something feels ‘off’, trust that feeling. It is often your first and best warning sign.
Common Tactics Used for Scammers
Social engineering scams come in many forms, but there are consistent warning signs. Be cautious if someone you’ve never met in person asks you to:
- Send money to an unfamiliar individual or account
- Purchase and share gift card numbers
- Send cash through the mail
Scammers often pose as trusted individuals such as;
- Investment advisors
- Potential romantic partners
- Law‑enforcement or government officials
- Utility or cell phone providers
- Credit card or banking representatives
They will reach out unexpectedly via:
- Text message
- Social media
- Phone calls
In many cases, scammers impersonate trusted institutions such as:
- Credit card companies
- Cell phone providers
- Government agencies or law enforcement
If you are not 100% certain about who you’re talking to, hang up immediately. Then call the organization back using a verified phone number. A legitimate representative can confirm whether the contact was real.
If You Believe You’ve Been Scammed
You are not alone. These scams are sophisticated, and people from every background fall victim to them. Feeling embarrassed is extremely common but please don’t let that stop you from reaching out. The Choice team and law enforcement (when appropriate) can help you:
- Stop further communication
- Secure your accounts
- Review transactions
- Understand possible next steps toward recovery
We are here to support you every step of the way! If you believe you’ve fallen for a scam or notice suspicious activity, contact us immediately at: (888) 894-1357 or help@bankwithchoice.com.