As our lives become increasingly digital, fraudsters are continually finding new ways to target people through email, phone, text, and social media. On Data Privacy Day, National Bank of Arizona is reinforcing our commitment to helping you better protect your finances. One of the best ways to protect yourself is by understanding the most common types of scams and recognizing the warning signs.

Phishing emails and texts

Phishing remains one of the most widespread forms of fraud. These messages often appear to come from sources you know—like your bank—and may urge you to click a link, verify your information, or respond quickly due to a supposed security issue.

How to avoid phishing scams:

• Never click on a suspicious link or download attachments from unknown sources.
• Check the sender's email address carefully. Scammers often use addresses that look similar to legitimate ones.
• If you're usnure if something is legitimate, reach out to your banker directly.

Phone scams

Scammers may call pretending to be from your bank, law enforcement, or a government agency. They might claim there’s a problem with your account or that you owe money and must pay immediately.

How to avoid phone scams:

• Hang up and call your bank or banker directly if you receive a suspicious phone call.
• Never share your PIN, password, or one-time passcodes over the phone. A legitimate caller will never ask for these things.
• Be cautious of caller ID as it can be spoofed to look like a legitimate number.

Fake check scams

A fake check scam is a type of fraud where scammers trick individuals into depositing a counterfeit check—often for a large amount—and then quickly ask them to send a portion of the money back, usually via wire transfer, gift cards, or other hard-to-trace methods. Because these checks are fake, they will bounce and leave you responsible for the full amount.

How to avoid fake check scams:

• Be wary of checks from unknown sources, especially if your'e asked to send money back.
• Wait for checks to fully clear before spending funds.
• If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

Online marketplace scams

Buying and selling things through online platforms like Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, eBay, or OfferUp is quite common these days, which can make these types of transactions ripe targets for scammers. Online marketplace scams can take many forms, like fake product listings, the classic bait and switch, or non-delivery of goods, but they all rely on dishonesty to trick people out of their money.

How to avoid online marketplace scams:

• Verify buyer/seller profiles and look for reviews or ratings.
• Be cautious of deals that seem too good to be true.
• Never share personal or banking information through the platform.
• Conduct in-person transactions in a public place.

Romance scams

Scammers can use online platforms to pose as a romantic interest to build trust in their target. Once the trust is built, they may request money for emergencies, travel, or investments, or they may manipulate their target into divulging personal or financial information.

How to avoid romance scams:

• Never send money to someone you haven't met in person.
• Be skeptical of requests for gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency.
• Talk to a trusted friend or family member if you're unsure.

Additional ways to help protect yourself

Strengthening your digital habits can greatly reduce your risk of falling victim to fraud:

• Use strong, unique passwords for all important accounts.
• Enable two-factor authentication whenever available.
• Monitor your accounts regularly for unusual activity.
• Report suspicious transactions or messages to your bank immediately.

We're here to help

At National Bank of Arizona, we’re here to help. If you ever suspect fraud or need assistance, please contact us right away. Staying informed and vigilant is your best defense against scams.