Have you received a request that got you thinking?

Should I…

• Click on that link?
• Let someone else log in to my account?
• Share my account number or Social Security number?
• Share information with someone who contacted me?

Follow the tips below to protect yourself, your assets, and your personal information before acting on any of the above questions.

• Pause. Scammers want you to act fast without thinking it through, so don’t! Take time to think, research, and calm your emotions before sharing any information. Call a friend to talk about it.
• When a stranger contacts you when you aren’t expecting it, pause to consider the legitimacy of the situation. It is best to discontinue contact with the person. Search online or in the phone book for legitimate contact information. Don’t use the contact information provided to you by the stranger.
• Never send funds to someone you truly do not know or someone who you have only communicated with electronically and not in person.
• If someone threatens you or says you will be sued or arrested, don’t panic. That is not how the legal system works. Contact the police to report the threats.
• Legitimate companies will not ask for any personal information from you out of the blue. If you are contacted and asked for account information or sensitive personal information such as Social Security numbers, do not share.
• Gift cards are not acceptable tender for legitimate payments for any business or organization. No legitimate business or organization will ask for gift cards for payments or cash to be mailed.