Stay Safe This Summer: Simple Ways to Protect Yourself from Scams 

Summer is a time for travel, fun, and making memories, but it’s also a time when fraud tends to increase. Scammers take advantage of busy schedules, last-minute decisions, and urgency. 

The good news? A few simple habits can help you stay protected. 

When Something Feels Off…Trust That Instinct 

If you ever feel unsure about a transaction or request, it’s okay to slow down. Fraudsters often rely on urgency and pressure to get you to act quickly without thinking things through. 

Instead, take a moment to pause and ask a few questions: 

• Who am I sending money to?
• How did I connect with this person or business?
• Have I worked with them before?
• Can I independently verify this request?

Even a short pause can make a big difference. 

Use the “Stop. Think. Verify.” Approach 

Before sending money or sharing personal information, remember: 

• Stop – don’t rush, even if the situation feels urgent 
• Think – does this make sense, are there any red flags 
• Verify – confirm the request using a trusted source 

Scammers often try to create panic or urgency, don’t let that pressure guide your decision. 

Common Situations to Watch For 

Be especially cautious in these situations: 

• Sending money through apps (Zelle®, Venmo®, Cash App®, etc.) to someone you don’t know 
• Last-minute travel bookings, especially vacation rentals that seem too good to be true 
• Requests to urgently send money to a new person or business 
• Messages asking you to override security warnings or act quickly 

When in doubt, it’s always safer to double-check. 

Safer Ways to Protect Yourself 

• Use trusted and verified booking platforms when planning travel 
• Avoid sending money to strangers or unfamiliar businesses 
• Be cautious of unexpected requests, even if they appear to come from someone you know 
• Always verify using official contact information, not what’s provided in a message 

We’re Here to Help 

You don’t have to figure this out alone. If something doesn’t feel right: 

• Pause the transaction if possible 
• Call us before sending money, we’re happy to take a quick look with you 
• Ask us about ways to safely complete your transaction 

Even a quick conversation can help prevent a loss. 

Fraud prevention isn’t about stopping every transaction, it’s about creating a moment to pause and make sure everything checks out. 

A simple question or quick verification step can make all the difference. In many cases, 30 seconds of caution can save thousands of dollars. 

When in doubt, reach out to our team, we’re here for you.