Category Archives: Important Alerts & Scams

Sneaky Six: IRS Scams Taxpayers Should Watch Out For

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IRS scammers have been around for a long time and they’re sticking around because, unfortunately – people keep falling for their changing tactics. Knowing this, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) annually publishes a list of tax scams coined the Dirty Dozen, in an effort to increase awareness. Here are some of the most common scams that taxpayers should watch out for year-round, but especially during tax time.

1. Someone Using Your Social Security Number to File Taxes

A scammer might attempt to beat you to the chase – that is, beat you to claiming your own tax refund. This tax scam occurs when a fraudster uses your social security number to file and claim a tax refund. Oftentimes, the first inkling that you’re a victim is if the IRS rejects your tax return once you file. There are various reasons your tax return can be rejected, but it’s a surefire sign of identity theft if the IRS has another tax return filed in your name or a record of income from an employer you don’t work for.

There are resources available to you if someone has stolen your identity and filed a tax return with the IRS. First, you should report the identity theft to IdentityTheft.gov. This government website will aid you in creating various documents, such as an IRS Identity Theft Affidavit and personal recovery plan. You should then submit your Identity Theft Affidavit to the IRS – which notifies them of your case to begin investigating it. Alternatively, you can obtain the Identity Theft Affidavit directly from the IRS and submit it by mail. Lastly, follow the steps in your personal recovery plan to help mitigate the fallout and limit the personal and monetary damages of identity theft.

2. Ghost Tax Preparers that Disappear with Your Cash

While many tax preparers act with professionalism and integrity, tax season gives rise to unscrupulous tax preparers called “ghost preparers” who misguide taxpayers in an effort to make a quick buck or disappear with their refunds. These preparers take advantage of tax credits or deductions the taxpayer doesn’t qualify for, or invent fake sources of income to entice them with fake large refunds. They falsify tax returns in an effort to maximize the amount of the refund because they often charge a “percentage fee” based on the amount of the return. The ghost preparer typically refuses to sign the return after it is prepared, allowing them to disappear with their payment and leave you to deal with the consequences of falsifying a tax return. It is best practice to avoid any tax preparer who charges a cash only fee, does not give you a receipt, or who charges a percentage of your refund as their preparer fee. In addition, one who tries to invent false income or get tax credits and deductions you aren’t qualified for, or who deposits your refund into their own account – will typically “ghost” you.

3. Email and Text Scams

Many scams impersonating legitimate organizations begin with unsolicited emails and text messages, and IRS scams are no exception. The IRS will never demand immediate payment of a tax bill and threaten consequences for not doing so via email or text message. Similarly, the IRS will never notify you of a large tax refund via email or text message. These emails and text messages may also prompt you to click links that would download malicious software on your device or steal your personal and financial information. In the event the IRS needs to contact you, communication is typically initiated through regular U.S. mail. There are exceptions to this, as well as other ways the IRS may contact you – which can be found on the IRS webpage how to know it’s the IRS.

4. Bad Social Media Advice

In an effort to increase views and generate income, some social media influencers have been known to share bad tax advice using clickbait – or content that is designed to attract attention and entice users to click. It is hard to ignore content with headlines such as “find out how this little-known tax deduction can increase your tax refund.” Additionally, some influencers will have you pay to subscribe to gain access their exclusive “tax advice” on various platforms, but they are essentially just taking your money and sending you on your merry way – with incorrect tax advice. If you interact with this content and follow their bad advice, not only will you file a fraudulent tax return – but you also encourage these influencers to continue producing misleading content.

5. Fake Tax Bill

If you receive an urgent request to pay a tax bill with gift cards, cryptocurrency, or any other unusual yet specific method of payment – it’s a fake tax bill scam. The IRS will never call to demand immediate payment or make threats if you cannot render payment. As mentioned previously, the IRS will only contact you via regular U.S. mail.

6. IRS Individual Online Account Help Scam

An individual online account through the IRS provides taxpayers with a portal to access their tax information, such as payment history and tax records. Scammers are now posing as third parties to assist with setting up these online accounts to steal taxpayers’ personal information, submit fraudulent tax returns, and take their tax refunds. The scammer may also sell the personal and financial information to other fraudsters who may file fake tax returns and steal refunds, open loans and credit accounts in the taxpayer’s name, and ultimately steal their identity.  The IRS has a guide to establishing an IRS online account and avoiding scams.

First Financial knows that tax season can be hard enough, and that’s without the worry of being scammed being added into the mix. If you have any questions or reason to suspect that your information has fallen into the hands of a scammer this tax season, don’t hesitate to contact us at 732.312.1500 or visit us at your local branch.

Protect Yourself From Check Fraud Scams

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Despite the rise of digital banking, check fraud remains a prevalent financial scam. Scammers use sophisticated techniques to steal and manipulate checks, often leaving victims unaware until it’s too late. Understanding how check fraud works and how to recognize suspicious activity can help protect your finances.

What is Check Fraud?

Check fraud occurs when criminals manipulate, forge, or steal checks to illegally access funds.

Common Types of Check Fraud

  • Check Washing: Thieves steal legitimate checks — often from mailboxes, and modify key details, such as the recipient’s name or the payment amount, before cashing or selling them.
  • Check Kiting: Using multiple accounts to write and deposit bad checks, temporarily covering insufficient funds before withdrawing cash.
  • Forgery: Criminals create counterfeit checks or forge signatures to access funds fraudulently.
  • Fake Checks: Scammers trick victims into depositing fraudulent checks, often under the guise of prize winnings, job opportunities, or overpayment schemes. Once the check is cashed, the fraudster requests the money be sent back, leaving the victim responsible when the check bounces.

How to Recognize Check Fraud

Recognizing fraudulent checks early can help you avoid financial loss. Be on the lookout for these red flags:

  • Unexpected Checks: If you receive a check from an unknown source, verify its legitimacy before depositing it.
  • Spelling and Formatting Errors: Poor grammar, misspelled words, or inconsistent fonts can indicate a counterfeit check.
  • Unusual Check Amounts: If the check amount exceeds what was agreed upon, it may be a scam.
  • Discrepancies in Mailing Address: If the check was mailed from a different location than the issuing bank, proceed with caution.
  • Request for Money Transfers: Be wary if someone asks you to deposit a check and send a portion of the money back. This is a common scam tactic.
  • Lack of Security Features: Legitimate checks include watermarks and security threading. If these features appear altered or missing, the check may be fraudulent.

How to Prevent Check Fraud

While fraudsters are persistent, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk:

  • Use Secure Payment Methods: Opt for electronic payments, online bill pay, or peer-to-peer payment apps (Zelle, Venmo, etc.) instead of checks when possible.
  • Write Checks with a Fraud-Resistant Pen: Gel pens with permanent ink can make it harder for criminals to alter check details.
  • Check Your Mail Frequently: Avoid leaving checks in your mailbox where they can be stolen and deposit them directly inside a bank or electronically right away.
    • If you deposit electronically, keep the check in a secure place and shred it once it clears.
  • Enroll in Informed Delivery: The U.S. Postal Service offers a free service that notifies you of incoming mail, helping you detect missing mail sooner.
  • Monitor Your Bank Statements: Regularly check your accounts for unauthorized transactions and report suspicious activity immediately.
  • Verify the Issuing Bank: If you receive a check from an unfamiliar source, call the bank listed on the check using the contact information from their official website.

What to Do If You’re a Victim of Check Fraud

If you suspect check fraud, take immediate action to minimize financial loss:

  • Notify Your Bank: Report the fraudulent activity and request a hold on your account if necessary.
  • File a Police Report: Document the fraud with your local law enforcement agency.
  • Report to Federal Agencies: The FTC, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center accept reports of financial scams.
  • Monitor Your Credit: Fraudsters who steal checks may also attempt identity theft. Consider using credit monitoring tools to detect future unauthorized activity.

Stay Protected with First Financial

Check fraud can happen to anyone, but awareness and preventative measures can keep your finances secure. By staying vigilant and following these best practices, you can reduce your risk of falling victim to check scams. If you suspect fraud or unusual transactions on any of your First Financial accounts, call us at 732.312.1500 or visit your local branch today.

Love is Blind: Online Dating Scams

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Don’t get your heart broken in an online dating scam or by losing the funds in your bank account this Valentine’s Day. The idioms “love is blind” and “looking through rose-colored glasses” might sound cliché, but call attention to an important phenomenon – feelings of love can cause you to throw caution to the wind and overlook flaws in a romantic interest that you might typically not ignore. It’s harder to ignore red flags that are staring right at you, like when your romantic interest is sitting directly across from you. However, in an age where it’s increasingly common to meet your partner on any number of dating apps or websites, you might have to look for those red flags before the first date even happens. Repeatedly ignoring invitations to video chat or meet in person, or asking for money before you’ve done so, might seem like obvious red flags. Nonetheless, those rose-colored glasses can help you make an excuse for anything. Make sure you aren’t blinded by love and can determine if those “red flags” are actually a romance scam.

What is a Romance Scam?

A romance scam begins like many romantic pursuits ordinarily do in the twenty first century—you match with someone on a dating app or website, or you have a new connection waiting for you on social media. In almost all instances, they reach out to you first and express their interest in getting to know you. It’s not long before you find yourself texting them at all hours of the night or longing to hear their voice over the phone. That’s because, somehow, this person checks off every box on your list. You like a certain musician? They like that musician too. You’ve been dreaming of visiting a remote island? They are too. You start wondering where they have been all your life. Eventually, meeting them in person seems like a natural next step. Then, the excuses start to flow. They say they want to meet you, but “living on an off-shore oil rig” or “working at a military base” is getting in the way. They reassure you that they will meet you one day, but want to keep pursuing a romantic relationship online in the meantime. However, this person has no intention of building a relationship with you and is interested in one thing—your money. If they get it, they will likely disappear with your money and hopes of a relationship without a trace.

What are the Favorite Lies of Romance Scammers?

The lies a romance scammer will tell to get your money are endless. A lie might sound outrageous, but the romance scammer is a trained professional. They typically cultivate a relationship with you over weeks, months, or even years before they ask for any funds. The FTC compiled a list of romance scammers’ favorite lies to watch out for to protect your heart and money. Popular reasons to avoid meeting in real life or needing money can sound like this:

  • “I or someone close to me is sick, hurt, or in jail.”
  • “I’m in the military far away.”
  • “We’ve never met, but let’s talk about marriage.”
  • “I’m on an oil rig or ship.”
  • “I can’t afford to visit you or meet you without it.”

The FTC warns that many romance scammers might even flip it on you, offering to do you a favor. This might sound like an offer to teach you how to invest in cryptocurrency or to send you a valuable package. In both scenarios, the money you give to the romance scammer to “invest for you” or to “ship the valuable package” ends up right in their pockets.

What are Other Red Flags?

While lies are an important piece of the romance scam puzzle, the ways they would like to receive the funds complete it. If your love interest is requesting payment through uncommon methods, it is most likely a scam. The scammer will usually ask you to send cryptocurrency, gift card codes, or wire money. This is because these transactions are hard to track and do not have protections for buyers or senders in place. Another red flag is if your family and friends express concern over your new love interest. Your loved ones want nothing but the best for you, so it should sound the alarm if they express apprehension when you tell them about your online love interest and their request for funds.

How Can You Protect Yourself from Romance Scammers?

  • Never send money to your online love interest. Nobody legitimate will claim that sending cryptocurrency, gift card codes, or wiring money are the only ways you can help them. On the flip side, never trust someone who insists they can teach you how to invest or send you a valuable package to improve your financial situation. They are only looking to improve theirs.
  • Reverse image search pictures. Another cliché that applies to romance scams is, “If there’s a will, there’s a way.” Your online love interest should, at the very least – find a way to video chat if they can’t meet you in person. However, the reason they can’t video chat or meet in person is because romance scammers often use fake identities. You can reverse search profile pictures or other images they send you to see if the details they tell you about themselves are adding up.

Most importantly, the FTC encourages everyone to do their part. You can help stop romance scammers by reporting suspicious profiles or messages to the platform where you saw them. You can also report your experience directly to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov. Lastly, pass information regarding romance scams along to a friend. You may not have fallen victim to a romance scam, but someone you know can.

First Financial wants to help protect your personal and financial information and your heart, during the season of love. If you have any concerns or have reason to suspect that your information has fallen into the hands of a scammer, don’t hesitate to contact us at 732.312.1500 or visit us at your local branch.

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.

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.

Amazon Scams to be Aware of this Holiday Season

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The holiday season is a time of joy and giving, but it’s also a peak time for scammers to target unsuspecting shoppers. With online shopping surging during this period, Amazon scams have become a growing concern. These scams aim to trick you into providing sensitive information or making unauthorized payments. By understanding the most common scams and learning how to avoid them, you can keep your finances and personal information safe this holiday season. 

Common Amazon Scams:

1. Order Confirmation Scams

These scams often involve unexpected, fake communications about unauthorized purchases. Scammers alert you of an unauthorized purchase, urging you to act quickly by clicking a link to confirm or cancel the transaction. They may attempt to convince you to share payment information and login details, or even purchase gift cards to resolve the issue.

2. Tech Support Scams

Scammers create fake websites offering “tech support” for Amazon devices or services, luring victims to call a fraudulent number. They may request remote access to your device or ask for sensitive information. Always go directly to the help section of Amazon’s website when seeking help. If you use a search engine, use caution. Legitimate Amazon links contain Amazon.com such as Amazon.com/support.

3. Prime Membership Scams

These scams falsely claim that your Prime membership is at risk or you owe a large membership fee. Scammers may request payment details or bank information to “reinstate” your membership. Amazon will never ask you to provide payment information for products or services over the phone.

Visit the Message Center on the Amazon website or mobile app to review authentic emails from Amazon. To verify your Prime membership status or make payments, log in to your Amazon account, then go to Your Account and select Prime.

4. Account Suspension/Deletion Scams

These scams claim your Amazon account will be suspended or deleted unless you take immediate action, such as providing login credentials or clicking a suspicious link. Always remember that Amazon will never ask you to disclose your password or verify sensitive personal information over the phone or on any website other than Amazon.com.

How to Spot and Avoid Scams:

Go Directly to the Source

Amazon will never ask for your password or sensitive information via phone or email. Check your account status by logging into Amazon directly and reviewing notifications in the Message Center.

Verify All Communications

Legitimate Amazon messages are stored in your account’s Message Center. Always check within your account if you receive suspicious emails, texts, or calls claiming to be from Amazon.

Beware of Urgency Tactics

Scammers often try to create panic or urgency, pressuring you to act quickly. Legitimate companies rarely demand immediate action.

Use Official Channels

Always make payments or update account details through the Amazon website or mobile app. Never enter sensitive information into third-party websites or unsolicited links.

Secure Your Login Credentials

Never share your password or sensitive information over the phone or through email. Enable two-factor authentication for an extra layer of security.

Monitor Financial Activity

Regularly review your bank and credit card statements for unauthorized charges. Contact First Financial immediately if you notice anything unusual or believe you have been a victim of fraudulent activity on your First Financial accounts.

Report Suspicious Activity

If you encounter a scam, report it directly to Amazon using their self-reporting tool or contact their customer service team.

If you think you’ve been targeted by a scammer, visit Amazon’s Identifying a Scam webpage. Amazon has partnered with the Better Business Bureau to provide consumers with a searchable Scam Tracker. This enables you to search for suspicious communications reported by others via email, URL, phone number, and more. Scams are constantly changing and adapting as consumers become aware of new tactics – visit Amazon’s Latest Scam Trends page which is updated monthly with new scams and details you should know.

Stay Safe This Holiday Season with First Financial

At First Financial, we’re committed to helping our members protect their finances and personal information during the holiday season and beyond. By staying informed about common scams and following best practices, you can shop online with confidence. For more financial tips or to report suspicious account activity on your First Financial account, call us at 732.312.1500 or visit a branch today.