Scams

How to spot and report an IRS tax scam

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) reported that in 2023 alone, $5.5 billion was lost to tax-fraud schemes. With W-2s and other tax forms full of personal information, it’s easy for your private data to fall into the wrong hands.  Whether they’re tricking you into clicking on malicious links, or impersonating a tax professional via social […]

How to freeze your credit

According to the Federal Trade Commission, over 1 million reports of identity theft were filed in 2023, with nearly half of those reporting the opening of fraudulent credit cards. If you’re not actively shopping for a credit card or loan, freezing your credit is a smart security move.  Let’s break down how to place a […]

Four spooky money scams to watch out for this Halloween

Ghouls and goblins aren’t the only frightening creatures lurking around this fall. Scammers are preying on your social media, your email inbox, and even texting or calling your phone number, trying to steal your money or personal information.   The Federal Trade Commission has reported a 14 percent increase in total losses from fraud, topping over […]

Pig Butchering: The Scam That Feeds on Trust

Pig butchering scams are a form of investment fraud that have seen a dramatic rise in recent years, both nationally and here at Empeople Credit Union. The term “pig butchering” metaphorically describes the process of fattening a pig before slaughter, which parallels the way scammers groom their victims to extract as much money as possible. […]

How to spot and avoid Facebook Marketplace scams

Facebook Marketplace has become a popular platform for buying and selling items, but it’s also a hotspot for scammers looking to exploit unsuspecting users. The Federal Trade Commission reports that scammers on social media cost American consumers more than $1.2 billion in 2022 – a 54 percent increase from the previous year. Marketplace scams are […]