Author Archives: Business Development Rep Samantha

Your Utility Company or a Utility Scam?

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There isn’t a single person who wants to receive the dreaded notification that due to missing a payment, their service—whether it be electric, gas, or even cell phone, is about to be shut off. Whether you are the most organized person in the world or have a tendency to miss payments here and there, this notification would likely send you searching through your bank account statements or bills to confirm if it’s really true. However, if you have someone claiming to be employed by your utility company on the other end of the line, you may not think you have the time to sift through your own records and feel compelled to make the situation “right” then and there. With utility scams on the rise, take a moment to consider these scenarios and red flags that can alert you to a scammer pretending to be your utility company.

What a Utility Scam Looks Like

You may or may not be expecting a phone call from your utility company. If you know you missed a payment to one of your utility providers, it is that scammer’s lucky day and they have you right where they want you. On the other hand – if you haven’t recently missed a payment, it might be a little trickier for the scammer to convince you. The person on the other end of the line would typically begin by telling you that you have missed a payment, which will cause your service to be shut off if you do not render payment immediately. The person is impersonating your utility company and would have no way of knowing this, but you likely don’t know that yet. As you begin to ask for more information, they become increasingly unprofessional and agitated. They take this tone with you in an effort to scare you into paying before you can ask questions. The scammer knows that the less time you have to doubt their intentions, the better. It is common for the scammer to impose a “time limit” on receiving payment before your service is shut off, with victims of utility scams frequently reporting that scammers give them 45-minutes to one hour. They are hoping you will be eager to make a payment before your service is turned off. Once the scammer receives payment, they will send you on your way – and it could be hours, days, or weeks before you realize you have been scammed.

Red Flags

  • Uncommon Payment Methods: A common red flag associated with utility scams is the use of payment methods that are hard to track, such as reloadable cards, gift cards, wires, or cryptocurrency. Scammers want to receive money through these payment methods because they have fewer protections for buyers in place, making it hard for you to get your money back and easy for the scammers to avoid detection. It is common for scammers to demand that you go to a specific store and buy a specific gift card, so be sure to listen for this request structure if you have a potential scammer on the line. They might request that you stay on the phone with them the entire time you are making the payment to ensure you don’t call anyone for help. Always follow the status quo and second guess anyone who wants to receive payment in non-conventional ways. If your utility company has only accepted payment through card, check, or online bill pay in the past—why would they change now? Furthermore, question why a large service provider would accept a gift card or cryptocurrency as payment.
  • Sense of Urgency: The scammer will display a sense of urgency since they know that their chances of receiving payment dwindle to 0% if you get off the line. They do not want you to call back, knowing that when you hang up you might confide in someone or contact the utility company they are impersonating. If you are truly behind on paying your utility company, they are more likely to work with you in establishing a payment plan to get you back on track as opposed to threatening to immediately terminate your service.
  • Unusual Method of Communication: In the day and age where every facet of our communication is becoming increasingly digital, receiving a text from your utility provider might not sound the alarm. You might be used to receiving a text reminding you of an upcoming bill, or a text confirming your bill was paid. However, be weary of someone claiming to be a representative that is tasked with collecting payment from you. Initiating payment over text is not safe, and a real utility company would not expect you to authorize a payment over text. When in doubt, call the number that you know belongs to the utility company and ask if they have recently initiated communication with you.

What to Do if You Encounter a Utility Scam

  • If You’ve Sent Payment to a Scammer: Unfortunately, scammers often have you make payments in ways that are nearly impossible to get refunded. Even if the situation feels hopeless, there are resources to help those who have sent payment to a scammer. The FTC’s page If You Paid a Scammer is dedicated to showing you the steps to take to get your money back, depending on the method you used to pay.
  • If You Want to Report Contact with a Fake Utility Company: You should first reach out to your utility company to alert them to the fact that a person or group is impersonating them. Obtain the contact method you use to reach them, such as a customer service phone number or email address, from a trusted source. You should then report it to the FTC at ftc.gov and to your state attorney general. Lastly, spread the word—if it happened to you, it could easily happen to someone you know.

First Financial wants to help you safeguard your personal and financial information. If you have any concerns or have reason to suspect that your sensitive information has been compromised, don’t hesitate to contact us at 732.312.1500 or visit us at your local branch.

The Digital Economy and the Reinvention of Side Hustles

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Side hustles existed long before the COVID-19 pandemic, typically born out of a need to supplement income as opposed to pursue a passion that previously felt out of reach. Before the emergence of rideshare or grocery delivery platforms, one might have supplemented their income by reselling used items at a garage sale or offering their lawnmowing or pool cleaning services to a small circle of friends or neighbors. The pandemic, coinciding with the growth of platform-centered businesses, created the perfect storm needed to not only propel side hustles back into the spotlight – but shine them in a new light. Not only could you pursue something you are genuinely passionate about, you could also make some money doing it. Although the pandemic is thankfully behind us, one thing remains certain — side hustles are here to stay, and they look much different than ever before.

What is a Side Hustle?

A side hustle is generally viewed as a means of generating extra income outside of your primary job. However, a more modern definition suggests that in addition to that – a side hustle provides flexibility and the pursuit of personal passions. For some, flexibility and pursuit of passion might be immeasurable in comparison to supplementary income — causing side hustles to be pursued out of choice rather than necessity.

And Why are They so Popular?

Many factors have come into play to increase the popularity of side hustles among the general population, such as:

  • Digital Economy and Technological Growth: The definition of digital economy is constantly evolving, but generally refers to humans and technology working together to generate business. For example, ridesharing apps like Uber or Lyft have created a market of people willing to provide an on-demand car service to consumers and becoming connected via an app.
  • Generational and Attitude Shifts: Young workers such as those in Gen Z, are one of the few generations that have increasingly experienced an entirely remote or hybrid school and work environment. Additionally, due to recent economic conditions – many young workers have been faced with a difficult introduction to the job market and have been turning to dynamic workplaces to meet their needs. Lastly, younger generations especially tend to put a greater emphasis on well-being and mental health, which might be better afforded by a side hustle if done the right way.
  • Cost of Living: Let’s face it — living is more expensive than ever before. Especially for those living paycheck to paycheck, a side hustle might be an attractive option to bridge the gap between saving for what you need and saving for what you really want.
  • Identity Builder: Side hustles can act like a tattoo of sorts — offering onlookers an insight into one’s interests and passions. It’s a great conversation starter, too.

2025’s Most Popular Side Hustles

The rapidly growing and advancing of technology and digitization has created many opportunities for individuals looking to bring their passions to the right market. Here are some popular side hustles worth considering if you have skills or passions you’re looking to capitalize on in the new year:

  • Freelancing: Freelancing refers to offering your work or services on a per-job or per-task basis, allowing you to potentially work on multiple projects for multiple clients. Whether you have a knack for writing or a passion for computer code, there could be someone out there requiring your services. Some popular platforms to connect freelancers with clients are Freelancer and Upwork.
  • Platform-Based: There has been a rise in platforms that connect consumers with people offering on-demand services, such as Uber or Lyft for ride sharing, DoorDash or GrubHub for food delivery, and Instacart for grocery transport. There’s even a platform called Rover for those animal-lovers who want to pet sit or walk for fun, and earn a little money while doing it. These platforms afford you flexibility when you work by allowing you to create your own schedule. If providing goods to people is more your thing — Etsy and eBay are platforms that allow you to sell various new, used, or handcrafted items to people around the globe.
  • Content Creation: Many individuals have created a side hustle out of posting relatable content on various digital platforms. You have to find your niche — what type of content you would like to provide your potential audience with. Whether you would like to post relatable content about your family or relationship, or tell the world all the fun facts you have up your sleeve, someone might want to watch your content and certain platforms will pay you to post it. Creating content can help you form partnerships with your favorite brands, too — if they want you to represent their product or service.
  • Affiliate Marketing: Affiliate marketing typically refers to content creators and brands working together to promote products or services. These brands gain access to a representative who promotes their product or service to an audience of people willing to listen. An individual can get paid for affiliate marketing in various ways, one of which is when you refer a member of your audience to the brand you are promoting and it leads to a sale. There are many affiliate programs out there — you just have to do your research and make sure it’s right for you!

First Financial is here to help if you are looking to take your passion-project turned side hustle to the next level. Whether you’re looking to start with the basics, or your business has become more established over the years and you’d like to learn more about financing with a Business Loan – we’re here to support your business every step of the way. If you’re ready to take the next step, don’t hesitate to contact business@firstffcu.com, visit us at a local branch, or call 732.312.1500.

It’s a Scammer’s Wonderland: Holiday Charity Scams

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With everything that has happened over the course of the year, there are no shortage of causes that will ask for your help this holiday season. Unfortunately, scammers are not concerned about getting on Santa’s “Nice List,” and are instead taking advantage of people looking to spread holiday cheer to those who need it the most. Let’s break down some common charity scams and red flags to look out for – to ensure scammers don’t dull your holiday spirit this year.

Common Holiday Charity Scams

  1. Back to the Basics—Phone Calls and Texts: Holiday charity scams often begin with an unsolicited phone call or text message, where the individual on the other end of the conversation claims to be from a charity. Don’t throw caution to the wind—while they may claim to come from a real and reputable organization, there are many words that, when strung together (like ‘project’ and ‘love,’ for example), sound like the name of a real charity aiming to do good. The scammer will typically make vague and sentimental claims but cannot seem to elaborate on the charity’s mission or how your donation will be used. They might even begin the conversation by trying to convince you that you’ve donated to them before by sending you a “Thank You” text or email, which might encourage you to donate to them “again.” The caller ID might even appear to be from your local area code or a specific charity, but this is something a scammer can easily spoof. Once they convince you to divulge your information, they will use your funds for anything but the cause they claim you will be supporting. Be wary of interacting with supposed “charities” over phone call or text message, especially if you have never heard of them before.
  2. Crowdfunding, Social Media, and Fundraising Platforms: Crowdfunding involves raising funds online person-to-person, and there are many platforms that allow just about anyone to create campaigns to benefit a specific cause—think GoFundMe. Crowdfunding campaigns are often set up by an organizer to benefit an intended party, whether that is an individual, family, those impacted by a specific event, or even a business. Once people donate to a crowdfunding campaign, it is up to the organizer to disburse the funds to the intended recipient or cause. However, an organizer who is looking to scam others – might use stolen stories or images they found on the internet to corroborate the purpose of the campaign, or not have any intentions of forwarding the funds to the intended party. Make sure to research the organizer of the campaign, the purpose of the campaign, and the intended use of the funds before giving up your personal and financial information. You can also search the images or stories used to ensure they haven’t popped up on crowdfunding platforms in the past.

Tips to Spot Holiday Charity Scams

Although you can’t entirely prevent unsolicited contact from scammers, there are many red flags to be aware of that can signal you’re being taken for a ride.

  1. Sense of Urgency: Fraudsters may convey a sense of urgency to rush you into making a donation or pressure you into falling for their scam. This can sound like a false deadline to donate that is quickly approaching or attempting to guilt you into donating to the cause. A real charity would let their purpose and digital footprint do the talking and not feel compelled to pressure you or rush you to donate.
  2. Think Before You Pay: As with many other scams, the use of unconventional payment methods are red flags for potentially fraudulent activity. A legitimate charity would likely collect donations via check or credit card—not cryptocurrency, a gift card, or by wiring money. A good practice is double checking your bank statements after you donate to a charity to ensure you are only charged for the amount and frequency you authorized.
  3. Spelling and Grammar Mistakes: While this pertains to text messages, emails, and crowdfunding platforms, it is important to note—be mindful of spelling errors or grammatical errors in communications from the charity or crowdfunding campaign organizer. A real charity or organization likely does a twice-over on all communications, as this is foundational to their reputation and how they are perceived by the public. Although it’s easy to brush off as a mistake, these are not the mistakes legitimate charities or organizations typically make.

Want to Donate to a Real Charity this Holiday Season?

It’s worth going the extra mile to ensure you are donating to the cause you care about, especially since donating often involves divulging your personal and financial information. The FTC’s page Donating Safely and Avoiding Scams is a great hub of information and resources that can help you research charities and steer clear of charity scams. Although it might feel awkward asking for a few minutes to research before you donate to a cause, especially if you have someone on the other end of the line – a real charity will allow you to take all the time you need to leave you feeling empowered and confident in donating to their cause. Using research tools like BBB Wise Giving Alliance or Charity Navigator can save you the headache of being left wondering if you donated to a fraudulent person or scheme. Additionally, if anything about your interaction seems off-putting, don’t hesitate to start from scratch and contact the organization or charity directly from contact information found through a trusted source.

First Financial is here to help you make sure your donations end up in the hands of those who need it the most. If you are worried your personal or financial information has gotten into the hands of ill-intended parties, don’t hesitate to contact us at 732.312.1500 or visit us at your local branch.

There’s Deals and Then There’s Nightmares: Black Friday Scams

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As people around the United States hurriedly gobble down their Thanksgiving dinner in hopes of securing their spot in store lines, scammers are gearing up to take advantage of one of the most lucrative weeks of the year. While scammers are likely not lining up at storefronts, blending into the crowds of Black Friday deal-seekers, they are doing one thing—preying on the people who conduct their Black Friday and Cyber Monday shopping online.

Here are some current scams you can protect yourself from this upcoming Cyber Week.

1. Fake Shipping Notification Emails and Text Messages

The holiday season provides the types of distractions scammers need to carry out their defrauding attempts. The FTC has urged consumers to heighten their awareness of potential fake shipping notification emails and text messages, whereby scammers capitalize on common emails or texts you might expect to see after a spree of online shopping. You might receive an email or text message saying you missed a delivery attempt, or need to update shipping preferences so that your item can be shipped to you. The email or text message will often claim to be coming from a large retailer, such as Amazon, or a courier such as USPS. However, once you click the link within the message, it will either collect the personal and financial information you enter or install harmful malware on your device.

Here are some tips for protecting yourself against fake shipping notification emails and texts:

  • If you are not expecting a package delivery: Do not click on the link or further interact with the message.
  • If you are expecting a package delivery: Contact the retailer or shipping company using a phone number or website that you know is real—never use the information contained within the message. Additionally, you can go to the site you ordered the item to check the shipping and delivery status.

2. Counterfeit Products

Although the saying, “If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is,” is regarded as cliché—it does have some truth to it. Picture this: an item you have been eyeing has finally slashed its price on Black Friday, but it is sold out on numerous reputable platforms. You navigate over to Amazon in hopes of finding it, and you find that not only is it in stock, but at a cheaper price point, too! There are two red flags present here, both the fact that such a sought-after item is in stock through such a high-traffic retailer and it is selling for cheaper than other reputable websites have it listed for. If you click the “Add to Cart” button and go through with purchasing the item, you’ll find that it is often counterfeit or made with low quality materials — the chief reason it was heavily discounted to begin with, and that is if you receive the item at all.

If you didn’t catch those red flags, here are some tips to prevent yourself from purchasing a counterfeit or low-quality item:

  • Remain Wary of Low-Priced Items from Unknown Brands: If a seller has an unknown name, or one that is not associated with the product, do your due diligence.
  • Read Verified Product and Seller Reviews: If a seller doesn’t have reviews or their products have few, if any, ratings and verified reviews – steer clear. The same goes the opposite way — stay away from products or sellers that have an unusual number of 5-star ratings without detailed comments.

3. Website Spoofing

When you look up your go-to online shop, you expect that it will be one of the first few results due to its popularity, and how often you visit it (no shame there)! When you add items to your cart and provide your personal and financial information during checkout, you probably don’t think twice when you click “Place Order.” Maybe it was after the fact that you thought something seemed a little off, such as an outdated user interface or incorrect grammar. You might have fallen victim to website spoofing, where a scammer creates a fraudulent website that mimics the real website you intended to visit, stealing the information you entered or downloading malicious software onto your device.

Here are some ways to spot website spoofing before your personal and financial information falls right into the lap of a scammer:

  • Incorrect Spelling and Grammar: Businesses often hire entire teams dedicated to webpage design to ensure that so much as a comma is not out of place. If you are noticing even a few incorrect spelling or grammar choices, the website you are visiting is likely not the intended one.
  • Marketing is Inconsistent: Strong and consistent branding is key to successful marketing, and professional organizations will ensure that the business name is spelled correctly, slogans and taglines are always consistent, and brand colors are never a hue off.
  • Unsecure Site: Ensure the site you are visiting has a “lock” or green icon next to the URL, as well as https:// in the URL. This is often a solid piece of evidence indicating that the website is legitimate, since it means the link is encrypted and your sensitive information is protected. However, browsers can be deceived as well — so consider this factor in addition to others when determining if a website is legitimate.

While scams can come in all shapes and sizes, here are some general tips that can help protect you from many scams this upcoming Cyber Week:

  • Avoid Using Public Wi-Fi Whenever Possible: Whether while making purchases, or entering your personal or financial information online.
  • Credit Cards > Debit Cards: Credit cards generally offer more fraud protection than a debit card, and credit card purchases aren’t deducted right from your checking account.
  • Strong Passwords Make All the Difference: Avoid using the same password for any two accounts, and make sure it is a password that would be hard for a scammer to crack.
  • Ensure Your Software is Up to Date: Device, app, and software updates often push out the latest and greatest protections, minimizing vulnerabilities that scammers can try to take advantage of.

First Financial is here to help if you believe your personal or financial information, or one of your First Financial accounts has been compromised. Don’t hesitate to contact us at 732.312.1500 or visit one of our local branches. Stay safe when shopping this holiday season!

Yes – People are Still Falling Victim to eBay Scams

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In a day and age where consumers report at least $10 billion of fraud related losses per year, it is more important now than ever to equip yourself with the tools to detect potential fraud before it happens to you. The FTC revealed that not only did consumers report a 14% increase in fraud related losses, but that online shopping issues were the second most reported category of fraud in 2023. With that in mind, an online shopping and auction platform such as eBay is no stranger to the prevalence of fraud occurring in their online space. Even though it may not be as popular as it once was, surprisingly individuals are still falling victim to eBay scams. If you weren’t aware, eBay is an online marketplace that brings buyers and sellers together to conduct online transactions. With 132 million active buyers worldwide – shopping 2.1 billion seller listings, it comes as no shock that scammers find eBay a lucrative environment to find victims. Look out for these common eBay scams, as well as red flags that can alert you to potential scams, to protect yourself and your wallet if you buy or sell on the platform.

Common eBay Scams

While this is not an all-inclusive list of scams you can expect to see on eBay, these are some of the most common to watch out for.

  • You Send Payment and the Seller Takes Your Money: This one is exactly what it sounds like; you pay for an item on eBay, and never receive the item from the seller. eBay has a Money Back Guarantee program in the case of an unresponsive seller shipping you the incorrect item, or no item at all. However, there are certain eligibility requirements that must be met to take advantage of this guarantee. For example, you must have used approved payment methods and paid via eBay checkout in the transaction, must have attempted to contact the seller, and must have given three business days for the seller to resolve the issue. Additionally, certain items are not eligible for the Money Back Guarantee, which can be found
  • The Seller Ships with an Incorrect Name: This scam involves the fraudster preying on your “good Samaritan” mentality. In this scenario, the seller would ship the package to the correct address, but intentionally use the wrong name to make you believe you received the incorrect package. The fraudster is hoping you return the package to the post office or shipping company, as this voids eBay’s Money back Guarantee since it is considered a refused or returned package. The fraudster gets to keep your payment, and you can’t leave feedback – since it would be considered resolved.
  • Misleading/Counterfeit Listings: A misleading listing is one that entices you to believe you are receiving one thing, but you end up receiving something else – or maybe even nothing at all. The problem with misleading listings is that oftentimes the seller does include the details somewhere in the listing, but it might not be clear to buyers. A counterfeit listing is one that includes a counterfeit item that is advertised as being the real deal. Making purchases online has its downside, such as being unable to verify the authenticity of goods prior to purchase. These “knock-offs” are usually advertised at very attractive prices, so it is good practice to be wary of items that are heavily marked down when they have a much higher market value.
  • Overpayment Scams: We’ve written about overpayment scams in the past, and they’re prevalent on eBay too. In this situation you’re selling an item, and a buyer contacts you and offers you more than you are asking for the item and only if you would take a personal check. In turn, you’re only getting a giant headache in the form of a phony check that will never clear. In addition, you’ve already shipped the buyer your item which they’ll of course keep, and you’ll most likely be responsible for the bounced check or incurred fees from your bank besides.

Red Flags to Look Out For

Unfortunately, the tactics scammers employ to defraud unsuspecting people is constantly evolving. However, keeping some of these red flags top of mind – can help you detect a scam before it happens to you.

  • Short Duration Listings: eBay says to be wary of items that have only been listed for one day. While eBay says there are exceptions to this, such as tickets for an event happening that same day, fraudsters know their luck will run out the longer their item is listed for. The short duration of these listings is often paired with the fraudster expressing a sense of urgency to close the deal.
  • Heavily Discounted/Sold-Out Items: The saying, “If it seems too good to be true, it probably is,” applies on eBay, too. Be cautious of listings showing heavily discounted items, such a luxury handbag, or a popular item that has been sold out, such as the latest gaming console.
  • Sellers Wanting to Conduct Business Off eBay: Whether it’s attempting to personally contact you or enticing you to make a payment off eBay’s online platform, fraudsters know off-eBay communications get them closer to their ill-gotten gains. eBay notes that once communication is taken off their platform, your purchase will not be protected by the Money Back Guarantee. It is always a best practice to utilize eBay messages to communicate with sellers, and use approved payment methods during eBay checkout to complete your transaction.
  • Unsafe Payment Methods: eBay has been in the game a long time, making them an expert in knowing which payment methods are safe. eBay says to take caution with sellers who request payment into overseas accounts, prepaid or gift cards, or cryptocurrency – because oftentimes these transactions cannot be traced. It is always a best practice to go by the list of payment methods offered at eBay checkout. Unsafe payment methods also include personal checks or person-to-person digital payments (Venmo, Zelle, Cash app).

While this list of red flags is a good start in learning to recognize fraud, go with your gut too. Just because something isn’t online or on this list, doesn’t mean it’s not a scam. The more you educate yourself on the actions and tactics of scammers, the more you will be able to tell when something just isn’t right.

What to Do if You Believe You Fell Victim to an eBay Scam

eBay is aware of the scammers infiltrating their platform and has procedures in place to assist customers that believe they have been defrauded.

eBay has a Security Center that is dedicated to providing customers with tips and resources for protecting their information, staying safe from scammers, reporting concerns, and even reporting fraud or stolen goods to law enforcement. There is a great deal of information dedicated to staying safe from scammers, including tips on how to recognize fake emails, web pages, and scams, as well as procedures buyers and sellers should follow in conducting transactions. If you’re looking for a quick way to report a fraudulent seller directly to eBay, click here.

At First Financial, we’re always thinking first about how to best protect the personal and financial information of our valued members. If you ever come across anything suspicious on any of your First Financial accounts, or want assistance in determining if an offer, website, or service is legitimate – give us a buzz. Don’t hesitate to contact our member services department at 732-312-1500 or visit one of our local branches.

Last Minute Scams Ahead of the Presidential Election

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With the 2024 Presidential Election just days away, you might be hearing a lot of political chatter on the news, online, and among those you socialize with. While this might be an exciting or nerve-wracking time, one thing remains true for all voters alike – scammers are getting more desperate to try and scam you out of your personal information and hard-earned money as their chance to use the election as a disguise withers away.

As we mentioned in our recent blog post covering political scams, advances in technology, and especially in artificial intelligence (AI), can make some of these scams harder to spot. These scams can take place in many forms, and although most will take place online, it’s important to remain vigilant even on the phone or with someone standing right in front of you. While you’re taking the time to learn some last-minute facts about our presidential candidates, take some time to learn about these last-minute attempts that scammers will make to defraud you ahead of the election.

Cybersecurity Election Scams

Technological advancement is good, but like anything else – can also have a downside, especially when malicious actors try to use it to their advantage and to your detriment.

  • AI-Related Scams: As we mentioned a few weeks ago, deepfakes – which are videos or audio recordings that seem realistic but are fabricated, can be deployed to attempt to induce someone to perform a certain action. An example of a deepfake in action is receiving an AI-generated robocall that is impersonating a presidential candidate with the intent of spreading misinformation. This robocall might attempt to influence or sway the person on the receiving end of the call to cast their vote in a different manner based on misinformation. The Federal Communications Commission has outlawed robocalls featuring AI-generated voices, citing the exploitation of the technology and how it can mislead and deceive voters. Despite these calls now being illegal, voters should remain wary and skeptical of any calls depicting the voice of a presidential candidate since scammers are continually pushing the limits of what this technology can do.
  • Voter Registration Scams: If you are reading this post, it’s most likely too late to register to vote in the 2024 Presidential Election based on state voter registration deadlines. Additionally, you can only register to vote online, by mail, or in person at a local election office or motor vehicle services office – never over the phone or on-the-spot. Keep this in mind should a scammer approach you over the phone or in person claiming that they can register you to vote last-minute, just days before the 2024 Presidential Election. The scam plays out like this: a scammer reaches out with links to fake voter registration forms or asks you to download an app to register to vote. The fake voter registration forms would steal your personal information, and the malicious app could steal your payment information or log-in credentials. It is always best practice to go in-person or mail your voter registration in yourself.

Other Election Scams

  • Scam PACs: A scammer might also attempt to inspire you to donate to the cause as a “last-ditch effort” to get your presidential pick elected. Political Action Committees (commonly referred to as PACs) pool contributions from donors to support a common cause, whether that is a certain policy initiative or to support the election of a particular candidate running for office. The FBI urges voters to research candidates and their causes before donating, or you could be donating to a fake PAC. Fraudsters can reach out to you via any medium, asking you to donate to support a candidate or cause, when the money is truly for their own personal gain. Additionally, the scammer might display a sense of urgency persuading you to donate, citing that this is your “last chance” to help your candidate get elected. The FBI encourages voters to reference the Federal Election Commission to confirm if a PAC you would like to donate to is registered, to check what their expenditures are on, and to see how long they have been established. You can also go directly to a candidate’s website to learn how to donate and support their campaign if you are skeptical. In the case of protecting your hard-earned money or personal information, it is always worth going the extra mile and doing the research to ensure you are really donating to the political candidate or cause.
  • Fake Surveys and Polls: Election surveys and opinion polls are commonplace during election season. However – be wary of who contacts you, how they contact you, and what type of information they are requesting from you. You can be contacted over phone, email, or text by a person claiming to be administering a survey and collecting the needed information. Although being asked certain demographic information is common, you should never be asked to provide personally identifiable information, such as your Social Security Number or birthdate. Scammers administering these fake surveys and polls may also display a sense of urgency, so always be vigilant as to whether that common red flag is present. Additionally, never click on links in unsolicited emails or text messages, as you could be downloading malicious software or providing your personal information to a bad actor. Lastly, scammers administering fake surveys and polls have been known to promise a reward for completing the survey or requesting credit card numbers prior to sending your prize. Most organizations administering opinion polls do not provide a reward for participation, and no legitimate organization will ask for your credit card number.

With the Presidential Election nearly here, we know it could be easy to get caught up with information overload and miss out on red flags where a scammer is trying to defraud you. By following the above tips, you can help to prevent any fraud or identity theft from happening to you this election season. Keep Thinking First!

Think You’ve Been Scammed?

At First Financial, our number one priority is helping you protect your important personal and financial information. To stay on top of critical alerts and common scams, be sure to subscribe to our First Scoop Blog! If you believe your personal or financial information has been compromised by a scammer, please contact us at 732.312.1500 or visit one of our branches.