Fraud is on the rise, and the tactics used by scammers are becoming harder to spot. This checklist covers the most common threats in 2026 and practical steps you can take to protect yourself and your accounts.
Know the Most Common Scams Right Now
Scammers frequently update their methods. The most reported fraud types in 2026 include:
- Impersonation scams - callers or texts posing as your bank, the IRS, or government agencies
- AI-generated voice and video fraud - realistic audio or video of someone you trust asking for money or information
- Phishing emails and texts (smishing) - fake links designed to steal login credentials
- Zelle and P2P payment scams - requests that pressure you to send money quickly, often framed as emergencies
- Romance and investment scams - long-term manipulation that ends in one or many financial requests
- QR code phishing ("quishing") - fraudulent QR codes in emails, flyers, or texts that redirect to fake login pages designed to steal your credentials
Secure Your Accounts
- Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) on your bank, email, and social media accounts
- Use a unique password for every financial account
- Review your account activity at least once a week
- Set up account alerts for transactions above a threshold you choose
- Freeze your credit with all three bureaus if you are not actively applying for credit
Protect Your Personal Information
- Never share your Social Security number, account numbers, or passwords over the phone or by text
- Verify the identity of anyone who contacts you claiming to be from your financial institution - hang up and call the number on the back of your card
- Shred documents with personal or financial information before discarding them
- Avoid answering calls from unknown numbers. Speaking with unknown callers gives scammers a sample of your voice, which AI tools can clone and use to impersonate you in calls targeting your friends or family
- Limit what you share publicly on social media, including your location, employer, and family details that could be used against you or your friends and family
Recognize the Red Flags
- Urgency or pressure to act immediately
- Requests to pay via gift cards, wire transfer, or cryptocurrency
- Unsolicited contact asking you to confirm account information
- Offers that seem too good to be true
- Links or attachments you were not expecting
- QR codes in unsolicited emails or physical mail. Scan only QR codes from sources you initiated contact with
What to Do If You Suspect Fraud
- Stop all communication with the suspected scammer
- Contact your financial institution immediately to report the activity
- Change your passwords and review recent account transactions
- Report the incident to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov
- If your identity was compromised, place a fraud alert or credit freeze with the credit bureaus
Stay Informed
Fraud tactics change quickly. Following updates from your credit union, the FTC, and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) keeps you aware of new threats as they emerge. Sharing this information with family members reduces risk across your household. Call us at 303-427-5005 if you have any questions.
