Warning Signs & How to Stay Safe

Fake Wealth Personas

Scammers flaunt luxury lifestyles to appear credible and lure in victims.

Ignore Appearances

Scammers often fake these lifestyles to gain your trust. Don't trust it.

Build Fake Relationships

Scammers contact victims through social or dating apps, creating emotional bonds before introducing a way to access their money.

Question Connections

Stay cautious when someone you’ve just met online starts talking about financial opportunities or asking for access to your accounts.

Create Urgency

Scammers push urgency, claiming limited-time opportunities or financial threats to manipulate victims into quick action.

Pause and Think

Be cautious when anyone pressures you to act fast with your money—talk to someone you trust before making financial decisions.

Fake Platforms

Fraudulent platforms mimic legitimate tools or services to appear trustworthy and gain deeper access to your financial information.

Verify Before You Register

Only use official apps or websites from trusted financial institutions. Check that platforms are regulated and listed with the SEC, FINRA, or your state’s regulator. Avoid links from messages—search for them directly.

Steal Your Money

After building trust, scammers use various tactics like asking for a wire or Zelle transfer, adding themselves as a signer, or tricking you into giving access to your online banking.

Stay In Control

Never send money, share login info, or change account settings based on someone's instructions—especially if you've only met them online.

We’ve gathered trustworthy resources to help you protect your funds, verify platforms, and report fraud. Whether you're just being proactive or have encountered issues, these tools can guide you:

• Investor.gov – An official SEC site offering educational materials on investing and tools to check if an investment professional is registered.

• IdentityTheft.gov – If your personal info was compromised, this site can guide you through recovery.

• FINRA BrokerCheck – A free tool to research the background and experience of brokers, investment advisors, and firms.

• ReportFraud.ftc.gov – The FTC's platform to report scams, fraud, and bad business practices, helping to protect others and prevent further fraud.

• CFTC Whistleblower Program – Allows you to report violations of the Commodity Exchange Act, with the possibility of financial rewards and protections.

• IC3.gov – The FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center for reporting cyber crimes, including cryptocurrency fraud.

If you've lost access to your funds or suspect you've been scammed:

• Contact your Financial Institution – Reach out to their customer support immediately to report the issue and seek assistance.

• File a report with local law enforcement – Provide them with all relevant information about the scam.

• Consult a trusted financial advisor – They can offer guidance on steps to take and how to protect your remaining assets.

Remember, it's crucial to act quickly and report any suspicious activity to the appropriate authorities. Staying informed and vigilant is your best defense against scams.

hcnbank.com/cybersmart • (951) 766-4100

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