Be fraud Aware—Because Luck Isn’t a Strategy.
As we begin to kick off the festivities for the year, St. Patrick’s Day is right around the corner. And the fraudsters are looking to steal your funds and make themselves a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. The tax deadline will be approaching next month, and people are looking to make improvements around the house or even travel. Here are some common scams to look out for in the month of March.
Tax Scams
IRS Impersonation: Scammers pose as IRS agents via phone, email, or text, threatening legal action or offering fake refunds.
W-2 Phishing Attacks: Fraudsters target HR departments or individuals to steal W-2 forms for identity theft.
Fake Tax Prep Services: Bogus websites or pop-up tax preparers collect personal info and vanish.
Tip: The IRS never initiates contact via email, text, social media. Always verity tax related communications.
Spring Break & Travel Scams
Fake Vacation Rentals: Scammers list non-existent properties on legitimate platforms, collect deposits, and disappear.
Travel Deal Phishing: Emails or ads offering “too-good-to-be-true” deals redirect users to malicious sites.
Imposter Travel Agents: Fraudsters pose as agents to collect payment for fake bookings.
Tip: Book through verified platforms and avoid wire transfers or gift card payments.
Seasonal Shopping Scams
Home Improvement Fraud: Fake contractors offer spring deals, demand upfront payment, and never complete the work.
Garden Supply Scams: Fraudulent websites sell seeds, tools, or outdoor gear but never deliver.
Online Marketplace Scams: Increased buying/selling activity leads to more fake listings and payment fraud.
Tip: Check reviews, verify business licenses, and use secure payment methods.
Charity & Disaster Relief Scams
Spring Storm Relief Scams: Scammers exploit weather-related disasters by posing as charities.
Fake Fundraisers: Fraudulent GoFundMe or donation links circulate after major events.
Tip: Donate through official charity websites and verify campaigns before contributing.
A Real Example From Our Branches
Scams don’t always look like scams—sometimes they disguise themselves as harmless requests or routine transactions. Recently, we saw this firsthand:
“A member came in requesting a $25,000 cash withdrawal—her entire account balance. The transaction wasn’t typical for her, and during our conversation something didn’t feel right. She said the money was for home repairs, but her answers were vague, and my gut told me something was off. Although there were no clear signs of fraud after reviewing the account with my Branch Manager, my prior experience and ongoing fraud training made me uneasy. The member ultimately left with the cash, and I couldn’t shake the feeling that she might be a victim of a scam. Later that day, she returned with the money. After discussing the situation with her husband, they realized it was likely a scam designed to undermine her trust in the credit union. I reassured her that her money is safe and insured by the NCUA, and she redeposited the funds—thanking us for encouraging her to question the situation.”
Stories like this remind us that scams can take many forms—and sometimes the only warning sign is a gut feeling.
The type of season we are in often shapes the way scammers attempt to defraud you. Staying informed about the most common scams during this time of year is a key step in protecting yourself.
Remember! When in doubt, ALWAYS reach out!
