Protecting your hard-earned money starts with recognizing the latest tricks scammers are using to target you. At Houston Police Credit Union, we want to ensure you are equipped with the tools and knowledge to protect your finances and personal information.

Let’s break down the five most common scams and the red flags you need to watch for.

1. IRS Scare Tactic

Scenario: You receive an urgent call or text from someone claiming to be with the IRS. They insist you owe back taxes and threaten immediate arrest by local law enforcement if you don't pay via a wire transfer.

The Red Flags:

  • Urgency & Fear: They use intimidation to stop you from thinking clearly.
  • Specific Payment Methods: The IRS will never ask for payment via wire transfer, gift cards, or cryptocurrency.

The IRS initially contacts people through official mail, not a random phone call. If you’re worried, hang up and visit the official IRS.gov website directly.

2. Shipping Update Smishing

Scenario: You get a text saying, "Your package delivery has been suspended due to an incorrect address. Click here http//www.makeusp.spayment.com to update your info."

The Red Flags:

  • Random Links: These links lead to spoofed websites designed to steal your credit card info.

  • Vague Details: They rarely mention what the package actually is or where it’s from.

If you aren't expecting a package, ignore it. If you are, go directly to the official UPS, FedEx, or USPS website and enter your tracking number there.

3. Urgent Bank Alert

Scenario: You get a call or text appearing to be from your financial institution claiming there is suspicious activity or a missed payment. They ask you to verify your identity by providing your online banking credentials or by clicking on a link to input your information.

The Red Flags:

  • Asking for Credentials: A legitimate financial institution will NEVER ask for your password or ask you to click a link to input your private information. 

Call your financial institution using the official number on the back of your debit card or a verified website to confirm if the call was real.

4. Unpaid Toll Text

Scenario: A text message claims you have an outstanding balance with a tollway authority. It warns that late fees are adding up and provides a link to make a payment. 

The Red Flags:

  • Unexpected Contact: Toll agencies typically send invoices via mail to the address linked to your vehicle registration.

  • Shortened URLs: Look for suspicious, shortened links that don't end in ".gov" or the official agency domain.

Skip the link in the text. Visit the official tollway agency website to confirm if you actually have any outstanding fees.

5. Crypto-Legal Threat

The Scenario: Someone claiming to be a federal agent or legal representative contacts you, claiming your identity was used in a crime. To clear your name, they tell you to withdraw cash and deposit it into a Bitcoin ATM. The perpetrator will also tell you not to advise family members or your financial institution of the deposit. 

The Red Flags:

  • Crypto Demands: No government agency or legitimate business will ever demand payment in Cryptocurrency to resolve a legal matter.

  • Keeping It A Secret: They often tell you not to tell your bank or family because the investigation is private. This is a tactic to keep you from getting help.

If you are worried the threat might be real, look up the official, verified phone number for the agency they claimed to be (such as the FBI, Social Security Administration, or local law enforcement) and call them directly.

The best defense against scammers is a moment of hesitation. If a request feels urgent or off, trust your instincts and pause to reevaluate the situation. By staying informed and alert, we can work together to outsmart scammers and keep your finances secure. Remember, at HPCU, your protection is our priority. Click here to learn more about keeping your finances safe.