Every day, people receive messages that look like they’re from their bank, a delivery service, or even a friend. But in reality, they are carefully crafted scams designed to steal your information.
The tricky part? Fraudulent messages don’t always look suspicious.
Let’s put your skills to the test. Read the scenarios below and see if you can spot the scam.
Message A:
“Your account has been temporarily locked due to suspicious activity. Please click here to verify your identity immediately: secure-account-check.com”
Message B:
“We noticed unusual activity on your account. Please log in through our mobile app or type our website directly into your browser to review your account.”
Which one is real?
Message B is real. Scammers rely on urgency and fear to get you to act quickly. Message A pushes you to click a link immediately—something your bank will rarely, if ever, ask you to do in this way. It also uses a generic-looking web address that may not match the bank’s official domain.
Red flags in Message A:
“USPS: Your package delivery failed. Please confirm your address here: usps-delivery-update.info”
Message B:
“Your package could not be delivered. Please visit the carrier’s website or contact customer service for assistance.”
Which one is real?
Message B is real. Scammers often impersonate delivery companies, especially when people are expecting packages. Message A includes a suspicious link that mimics a legitimate service but isn’t official.
Red flags in Message A:
“Hey, I’m in a tough spot right now. Can you send me $500 through a payment app? I’ll pay you back later.”
Message B:
“Hey, it’s me! I got a new phone. Call me when you get a chance!”
Which one is real?
Message B is more likely to be legitimate—but still worth verifying. Scammers often impersonate friends or family members, especially on social media or via text. Message A creates urgency and asks for money right away—major red flags.
Red flags in Message A:
If you ever receive a message that doesn’t feel right, trust your instincts. It’s always better to double-check than to click first and regret it later.
If you believe you’ve interacted with a fraudulent message or shared sensitive information, contact your bank immediately so they can help protect your account.
The tricky part? Fraudulent messages don’t always look suspicious.
Let’s put your skills to the test. Read the scenarios below and see if you can spot the scam.
Real or Fake? Example #1: “Your Bank Account Is Locked”
Message A:“Your account has been temporarily locked due to suspicious activity. Please click here to verify your identity immediately: secure-account-check.com”
Message B:
“We noticed unusual activity on your account. Please log in through our mobile app or type our website directly into your browser to review your account.”
Which one is real?
Message B is real. Scammers rely on urgency and fear to get you to act quickly. Message A pushes you to click a link immediately—something your bank will rarely, if ever, ask you to do in this way. It also uses a generic-looking web address that may not match the bank’s official domain.
Red flags in Message A:
- Urgent language
- Unfamiliar link
- Requests for verification through a link
Real or Fake? Example #2: “Package Delivery Issue”
Message A:“USPS: Your package delivery failed. Please confirm your address here: usps-delivery-update.info”
Message B:
“Your package could not be delivered. Please visit the carrier’s website or contact customer service for assistance.”
Which one is real?
Message B is real. Scammers often impersonate delivery companies, especially when people are expecting packages. Message A includes a suspicious link that mimics a legitimate service but isn’t official.
Red flags in Message A:
- Unexpected message about a package
- Link that doesn’t match the official company domain
- Pressure to act quickly
Real or Fake? Example #3: “Friend in Need”
Message A:“Hey, I’m in a tough spot right now. Can you send me $500 through a payment app? I’ll pay you back later.”
Message B:
“Hey, it’s me! I got a new phone. Call me when you get a chance!”
Which one is real?
Message B is more likely to be legitimate—but still worth verifying. Scammers often impersonate friends or family members, especially on social media or via text. Message A creates urgency and asks for money right away—major red flags.
Red flags in Message A:
- Urgent request for money
- Unusual behavior from someone you know
- Request to use a specific payment method
How to Protect Yourself
Even when messages look convincing, a few simple habits can help keep your information safe:- Don’t click unexpected links. Instead, go directly to a company’s official website or app.
- Pause before you act. Urgency is a common scam tactic.
- Verify the source. Contact the person or company using a trusted method.
- Watch for subtle details. Misspellings, strange URLs, or unusual requests are warning signs.
When in Doubt, Check It Out
Fraudsters are getting more sophisticated, but you don’t have to be an expert to stay safe. Taking a moment to slow down and verify a message can make all the difference.If you ever receive a message that doesn’t feel right, trust your instincts. It’s always better to double-check than to click first and regret it later.
If you believe you’ve interacted with a fraudulent message or shared sensitive information, contact your bank immediately so they can help protect your account.