Summer puts many people in "vacation brain" mode, and scammers know people are often distracted during this time. When routines loosen and schedules become busier with travel and outdoor activities, it's easier to miss the warning signs of fraud. As a result, scam activity often spikes during the summer months.

This quick myth-busting guide highlights common summer scams, warning signs to watch for, and simple ways to protect your money and sensitive information. 

Table of Contents

• Myth #1: "If It Looks Official, It Must Be Legit."
• Myth #2: "They Know My Name, So It Must Be Safe."
• Myth #3: "I'll Lose Out If I Don't Act Right Now."
• Myth #4: "Only Older Adults Fall for Scams."
• Myth #5: "If Money Hasn't Left My Account Yet, I'm Fine."
• Your Best Defense Is Awareness

MYTH #1: "IF IT LOOKS OFFICIAL, IT MUST BE LEGIT."

Fact: Scammers are very good at copying the logos and appearance of trusted companies' emails and websites.

Caller ID information, phone numbers, email addresses, and website URLs can all be spoofed to make it appear that a message is coming from a reputable organization.

For example, you might receive a text message from the "fraud department" saying your account has been locked due to suspicious activity. The message urges you to click a link and verify your account information immediately. When you click the link, you're taken to an official-looking website that captures your login credentials. The scammer can then access your account or steal your information.

Watch for these red flags:

• Unexpected calls, texts, or emails
• Messages that create a sense of urgency or pressure you to act immediately
• Requests for passwords, account numbers, verification codes, or other personal information

Safety tip:When in doubt, don't click links or respond to unsolicited messages. Instead, contact the company directly using a trusted phone number or website you already know.

MYTH #2: "THEY KNOW MY NAME, SO IT MUST BE SAFE."

Fact: Basic personal information is often easy to find online.

Names, schools, employers, and other information can be pulled from social media profiles, public records, or purchased from data brokers. Scammers use these personal details to make their messages seem trustworthy, so recognizing your name isn't proof that a message is legitimate.

This is especially common in scams targeting students, fake job offers, and package delivery text messages.

For example, you might receive a text message addressed to you by name claiming a package delivery is delayed. It asks you to pay a small delivery fee and warns that the package will be returned if you don't act quickly. The urgency is meant to keep you from verifying whether the message is real.

Safety tip: Legitimate organizations won't ask for personal, account, or login information through unsolicited text messages, emails, or phone calls.

MYTH #3: "I'LL LOSE OUT IF I DON'T ACT RIGHT NOW."

Fact: Urgency is one of the most common tactics scammers use to pressure people into making quick decisions.

Messages using phrases like "limited time," "final notice," or "immediate action required" are designed to make you act before you have a chance to think. They're meant to keep you from slowing down and verifying the information.

Common scams that use urgency include:

• Fake scholarship offers
• Loan forgiveness scams
• High-pressure travel deals
• Government impersonation threats

For example, you might receive a phone call that appears to come from a government agency. The caller claims you must act within the next hour to receive a scholarship or continue receiving government benefits.

Safety tip: Real opportunities don't disappear if you take a moment to verify the details. Scams often do.

MYTH #4: "ONLY OLDER ADULTS FALL FOR SCAMS."

Fact: Scammers target people of all ages. They simply change their tactics depending on who they're trying to reach.

Students may encounter fake scholarship offers, job scams, or fraudulent loan forgiveness programs. Parents can be targeted with tuition relief offers or "family emergency" scams. Young adults often fall victim to peer-to-peer payment scams and fake customer support messages. Older adults are frequently targeted by impersonation and romance scams.

For example, you might receive a text message that appears to come from a family member away at school claiming their car broke down. The message asks you to send money immediately to cover the towing cost. The scam relies on your concern for a loved one instead of giving you time to verify the request.

Safety tip: Falling for a scam doesn't mean you were careless. It means someone was intentionally deceptive. Anyone can become a target, which is why staying informed is one of the best ways to protect yourself.

MYTH #5: "IF MONEY HASN'T LEFT MY ACCOUNT YET, I'M FINE."

Fact: Some of the damage caused by scams can happen before any money leaves your account.

Scammers may steal personal information, usernames, passwords, or other account credentials and use them later. This can lead to:

• Identity theft: Someone uses your personal information to commit fraud in your name.
• Credential theft: Scammers obtain your login credentials to access your accounts.
• Account takeovers: Scammers gain access to your bank, email, or other online accounts and change your passwords, locking you out.
• Future fraud risk: Stolen information may be used later or sold to other criminals.

For example, you might click a link in a fake email and enter your personal information, only to realize later that the website was fraudulent. Months later, you receive notice that a credit card was opened in your name and your credit score was damaged because the account was never paid.

Safety tip: Report suspicious activity as soon as something feels off, even if no money is missing yet. Contact your financial institution, update your passwords, and monitor your accounts for unusual activity. You can also learn how to protect yourself from identity theft and recognize the warning signs before they become a bigger problem. 

YOUR BEST DEFENSE IS AWARENESS

Scammers rely on confusion, urgency, and trust to convince people to act before thinking. If something doesn't feel right, it probably isn't. Never share personal information or financial credentials in response to unexpected messages or calls, even if they appear legitimate.

You don't have to figure this out alone. Texans Credit Union is here to help you verify suspicious activity, report potential scams, and safeguard your information.

Have questions about a suspicious call, text, or email? If something doesn't seem right, don't ignore it. Check out our Fraud & Security resources for additional scam prevention resources, guidance on protecting your accounts, and information on how to get help if you suspect fraud.

FRAUD & SECURITY RESOURCES