6 Questions to Ask Yourself If You Suspect Fraud

Discovering that you may be in the middle of a fraudulent situation can feel overwhelming

In moments like these, staying calm and asking the right questions are crucial. In this article, we’ll work through how to step back and ask the questions that may save you in the long run.

#1 - Does this alert or communication seem strange?

Unusual activity on your account often triggers alerts or notifications, and fraudsters use this to their advantage. A few questions can help you identify the suspicious from the real.

• Is there an odd link in the message I just received?
• Do I even have an account at the financial institution supposedly reaching out?
• Does the message have grammatical errors and misspellings?

Your gut is your first line of defense. Scan the message and ask yourself these questions before you proceed. Read more about why you should never trust a text with a link here!

#2 - Am I being asked for personal information?

Fraudsters often try to pressure victims into providing sensitive information or making a payment quickly. Before responding, ask yourself a few questions.

• Am I being told that I need to confirm personal details?
• Is someone asking for my password, PIN, or Social Security number over the phone, email, or text?
• Am I being told to click a link to "secure" my account?

Always verify the request by contacting your financial institution through official channels. Never call the number they give you! Search out the official number online.

#3 - Does this request feel rushed or too urgent?

A hallmark of fraud is creating panic, forcing you into quick, unverified decisions. If someone is telling you that you must act immediately, take a moment to reflect.

• Am I being threatened with account closure or a significant financial loss if I don’t act right now?
• Does this request seem sudden or out of the blue?
• Am I being asked to wire money, send gift cards, or make a digital payment to "fix" the problem?

 If you’re being pressured to give information or act fast, stop. Slow down, verify the request, and don’t let the pressure push you into making a mistake.

#4 - Is someone trying to control how I communicate?

Fraudsters often try to isolate their victims by keeping their conversations private and urging them not to discuss the situation with others. Identify these red flags by asking yourself these questions.

• Am I being told to keep this situation a secret, or warned not to contact anyone else?
• Is the person I’m working with insisting I can only communicate through specific channels, like a personal phone number or email, rather than official methods?
• Are they claiming my financial institution is involved in the crime, so I shouldn’t contact them?

If someone is trying to limit how you communicate or pressuring you to act without discussing it with anyone else, it’s a huge red flag. Legitimate businesses will never try to control who you speak to or how.

#5 - Am I being asked to confirm details I’ve never provided?

Sometimes, fraudsters try to trick you into giving up information by acting like they already have it. Be wary of messages or calls asking you to confirm details you never shared. Think it through!

• Are they asking me to confirm account numbers or details I haven’t provided them?
• Did they mention something about my account that doesn’t quite match the reality of how I use it?
• Did they only know my family member’s name after I said it?

If the person on the other end is trying to trick you into revealing new information, don’t fall for it. Hang up or ignore the message and contact your financial institution using official contact methods to report suspicious activity.

#6 – What resources do I have to determine if this is a fraud attempt?

If you're unsure whether you're in the middle of a scam, remember there are resources available that could help bring clarity to the situation.

• Do I have Card Controls and Alerts set up that could verify if anything’s going on?
• Can I call my financial institution directly to confirm what’s happening?
• Do I have online access to my accounts to check for suspicious activity?

Take a few moments to confirm the situation. Use verified contact details to call your financial institution or check your account immediately if anything feels off.

Stay vigilant and educate yourself.

The most important thing when facing potential fraud is to stay calm and ask the right questions. Whether it’s a suspicious transaction, an unusual message, or a sense of pressure from someone claiming to be from your financial institution, trust your instincts. 

Knowledge is power! Are you interested in learning more? Arm yourself with understanding as we explore seven common types of financial fraud in our recent article.