Summer brings sunshine, vacations, and long days filled with family fun. But while most of us are unwinding, scammers are hard at work thinking of ways to cheat you out of your money. Every year, summer scams cost consumers millions. These schemes primarily target travelers, online shoppers, and even those just scrolling through social media.
At Community Bank, protecting our customers and communities isn’t just a promise. It’s a priority. That’s why we’re sharing real-world fraud prevention tips and red flags to watch out for. Whether you’re booking a vacation, making online purchases, or just enjoying time off, here’s how to protect yourself from summer scams and safeguard your financial peace of mind.
1. Travel Scams: Vacation Deals That Cost You
When the kids are out of school and you start searching for travel destinations, fraudsters know you’re likely looking for simple, fun, and last-minute getaways. That’s what makes travel scams some of the most common summer cons, and they can be hard to spot.
Scammers often create fake travel agency websites or rental listings, luring in victims with stunning photos and deep discounts. Once you pay a deposit, usually via wire transfer, prepaid card, or a peer-to-peer payment app, they disappear.
Red Flags to Watch For:
- You’re asked to wire money or pay with a gift card.
- The listing is only available through private messages or obscure websites.
- There’s pressure to “book immediately” to avoid missing out.
Community Bank’s Advice: Do your homework before you make any deposits or payments! Book only through well-known travel providers or rental platforms. Be cautious of listings with no reputable reviews, vague descriptions, or landlords who can’t talk by phone. And if a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is.
2. Package Delivery & Shipping Text Scams
With more of us shopping online during the summer months, thanks to seasonal sales, back-to-school prep, and Prime Day events, fraudsters use fake shipping alerts to trick people into clicking harmful links. These scam texts or emails often claim that your package couldn’t be delivered and include a link to “reschedule.” Click the link, and you may end up exposing sensitive information or downloading malware.
Red Flags to Watch For:
- The message contains spelling errors or comes from a random number that has never contacted you before
- You’re prompted to enter credit card info to “confirm delivery”
- The tracking link doesn’t match your known orders
- An overall sense of taking immediate action
Community Bank’s Advice: Don’t click links in unsolicited texts or emails. Instead, check the delivery status through the official shipping carrier’s website or app. When in doubt, call the company you ordered through, the nearest post office, or the closest Community Bank office for personalized advice regarding your situation.
Learn more about protecting your finances in our Security Center.
3. Online Impersonation & Social Media Fraud
Social media isn’t just for family photos and recipe inspiration anymore. Scammers often pose as influencers, financial advisors, or even banks, offering fake giveaways, asking for donations, or promoting investment “opportunities.” If you see anyone claiming to post on behalf of Community Bank or any other reputable business, report the account and block it immediately! These accounts may contact followers offering rewards in exchange for personal or account information, but they are just fraudsters looking to steal your private information.
Red Flags to Watch For:
- You’re promised quick returns on a “can’t-miss” investment.
- The account messaging you isn’t verified or has very few followers.
- The account claims to be a representative of a reputable business but has no hard proof of that claim.
- You’re asked to click an unfamiliar link or provide banking credentials.
Community Bank’s Advice: We will never ask for your account login information, PIN, or Social Security number through DMs, nor will we ever have a representative of Community Bank contact you through second or third party channels. If you’re ever unsure, reach out to us directly at communitybank.net or 1(866) 217-3305.
4. Fraud Prevention at Community Bank
While scams may be evolving, so is the technology we use to stop them. Community Bank employs advanced fraud detection systems and real-time transaction monitoring to help keep your accounts secure. We also offer tools like multi-factor authentication, account alerts, and secure mobile banking, so you’re always in control.
Our team is trained to spot unusual account activity and assist you if something doesn’t look right. Whether you’re at home or away, you can bank with confidence knowing we’ve got your back.
Free Resource: Download Our “Top 10 Summer Scam Red Flags” Checklist
Want a quick reference guide you can share with family or keep as a reference on your fridge? Download our free checklist highlighting the most common scam tactics used during the summer and how to spot them early.
Community-Focused, Always Connected
We believe the best defence is a well-informed community. Follow our social media channels for ongoing fraud alerts, safety reminders, and tips to protect what matters most. You can also explore more safety articles and financial wellness tools on the Community Hub.
Don’t Let a Scam Ruin Your Summer!
Scams don’t take vacations, but you can take precautions. Whether you’re traveling, shopping, or simply checking your accounts, a little awareness goes a long way.
If you think you’ve been targeted by a scam, call us immediately or visit your nearest Community Bank office. We’re here to help every step of the way.
Visit communitybank.net to explore our security tools, sign up for alerts, or speak with a banking expert.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Interest rates, terms, and conditions mentioned are illustrative and do not reflect actual rates offered by Community Bank. For detailed information and personalized advice tailored to your specific situation, please consult with a financial advisor.
