Messages pretend to be from Central Bank, a store, or a shipper. They push you to click a link or share a verification code. Imposter and phishing tactics are top ways scammers start contact.

RED FLAGS:

• Scary warnings
• Fear tactics
• Login links
• Requests for passcodes

WHAT TO DO:

1. Don't click.
2. Go to the site directly or call us 801-375-1000.
3. Visit our Phishing page to learn more.
4. Report at reportfraud.ftc.gov

Scammers pretend to be your bank, the police, the FTC, or the IRS. They say there's "fraud on your account," then pressure you to move money, read a one-time passcode, or even buy gold for a courier to pick up. Losses among older adults have jumped sharply.

RED FLAGS:

• Urgency and pressure to act quickly
• Threats
• Requests for passcodes
• Gift cards
• Cryptocurrency
• Wires
• Courier pickup for cash/gold

WHAT TO DO:

1. Hang up - you aren't being rude, you're being safe.
2. Call Central Bank at 801-375-1000
3. Report at reportfraud.ftc.gov

A pop-up image or graphic on your phone or computer says that your computer or phone is infected and gives a number to call. The "tech" asks for remote access or tells you to move money in order to protect it. These scams hit older adults hard.

RED FLAGS:

• Pop-ups with phone numbers
• Pressure to stay on the line
• Requests for gift cards/cryptocurrency
• Requests to move money

WHAT TO DO:

1. Close the internet browser or phone app
2. Do NOT call the number from pop-ups
3. Call Central Bank at 801-375-1000
4. Report the scam at reportfraud.ftc.gov

Thieves steal checks from the mail, wash/alter them, and change the payee and amount. Mail-theft-related check fraud remains a major trend.

RED FLAGS:

• Missing checks
• Altered payee or amounts
• Poor-quality or shaky signatures

WHAT TO DO:

1. Use secure USPS locations
2. Use black gel ink
3. Set up account alerts
4. If a check is altered, call us at 801-375-1000
5. Place a stop payment
6. Report it to the post office and police.

A caller or text says a loved one is in jail or hurt and needs money now. Scammers can spoof caller ID or use AI-cloned voices.

RED FLAGS:

• Secrecy "Don't tell anyone"
• Demands for wires, cryptocurrency, cash, or gift cards

WHAT TO DO:

1. Hang up - you aren't being rude, you're being safe.
2. Call the family member using a number you already know.
3. Report it at reportfraud.ftc.gov

Imposters or fake sellers push you to send a transfer or do a "test" payment. Authorized transfers are hard or impossible to reverse.

RED FLAGS:

• "Bank employee" coaching you through a transfers are hard or impossible to reverse.

WHAT TO DO:

1. Only send to people you know and can verify.
2. If you sent money, contact the app, then call us at 801-375-1000

"You've won! Just pay fees or taxes first." Older adults report these often, and losses add up.

RED FLAGS:

• Pay first in order to claim your prize
• Secrecy
• Requests for gift cards or wires

WHAT TO DO:

1. Recognize: If you must pay, it's not a real prize.
2. Don't send money or personal information.
3. Report to reportfraud.ftc.gov

After a scam, another "helper" (claiming to be the FTC, tech support, or a "refund expert") asks for up-front fees or banking info to "get your money back." It's another scam!

RED FLAGS:

• Asks for payment to recover funds
• Claims to be a government agency
• Requests for account or Social Security Numbers

WHAT TO DO:

1. Don't pay.
2. Report it at reportfraud.ftc.gov

Scammers place fake QR code stickers on parking meters, menus, or "delivery fee" notices that send you to look-alike sites to steal card info.

RED FLAGS:

• QR sticker placed over an official sign
• Shortened or odd links
• Countdown timers to create urgency

WHAT TO DO:

1. Inspect the sign.
2. Preview the URL before opening.
3. When in doubt, type the address yourself.

A new online "friend" earns your trust, then pushes a crypto investment or "high-return" opportunity. These scams cause big losses.

RED FLAGS:

• Promises of guaranteed profit
• Pressure to fund quickly
• "Profits" you can't withdraw

WHAT TO DO:

1. Stop sending money.
2. Call Central Bank at 801-375-1000.
3. Report at reportfraud.ftc.gov