We hear the warnings everywhere: Watch out for these scams, keep an eye on your accounts, and be careful of new fraud tactics. But scammers often return to old methods, such as using familiar names, numbers, and email addresses, to steal your information and money.
In this quick anti-fraud checklist, we’ll show you how to think before you click — because taking a few moments to review the message or email can save you from a whole lot of hurt later.
Say goodbye to scammers raining on your parade and hello to the Sunnyside of Money by watching out for these red flags.
1. Unexpected Emails or Texts
We’ve all received alerts for packages we never ordered or texts from the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) saying our tolls are due. These messages often come with links and bold, all-caps headlines. If you receive messages or emails with links in them, pause before clicking. Confirm the sender's identity by independently looking up the organization or person’s official contact details.
2. Urgency Scams
Fraudsters try to create a sense of urgency to pressure you into acting without thinking. These tactics include time-sensitive messages telling you to ACT NOW!
Remember, reputable companies will never pressure you to act immediately. If you receive a message claiming urgency, verify by contacting the organization directly through official channels — not through links or contact details provided in the message. Take the time to research and confirm before responding or sharing personal information.
3. Phishing Attempts
Don’t let phishers reel you in! Look closely at every message you receive. Phishers tend to use generic greetings, send messages with spelling errors, or use addresses and logos that don’t match official contacts. If it feels off, it probably is.
4. “Account Problems”
Keep an eye on your account passwords, and don’t be caught unaware!
Scammers may try to scare you with warnings about account issues, such as hacks or needing to change your password. Use the official app or website to change your password — never the link in a message. We recommend changing your account passwords every 90 days to minimize security risks.
5. Spoofed Websites
We all love a good sale, but are you sure you’re on a legitimate website?
Before entering your card number or address, make sure the website is secure. Look for “https:” at the start of the URL, a lock icon in the browser bar, and verify the website's URL by searching for it yourself, especially if you’re coming from an untrusted source like social media.
Hello will notify its members immediately of any potential debit or credit card fraud via text message. All fraud alert text messages will come from the short code 37-268 — we encourage you to save this number in your phone.
Your choices are powerful, and a single wrong click can have devastating consequences. Always think before you click any links! With your vigilance and our security, you’ll be walking on sunshine every time you log in, pay a bill, or send money.
Want to learn more ways to avoid scams and fraud? Check out our Fraud Prevention Page or our anti-phishing blog!
