The Most Common Ways Scammers Create a False Sense of Urgency

Have you ever gotten a text or email that made your heart skip a beat?

“Your account has been locked. Act now.”

Or maybe it was:

“There’s been suspicious activity. Click here immediately.”

When a message like that pops up on your phone, your first thought probably isn't, "Let me carefully analyze this for signs of a scam."

It's more likely: "Wait, what happened? I need to fix this!"

And that's exactly what scammers are counting on. One of the most effective tools scammers have isn't sophisticated technology. It's urgency. By making a situation feel scary, exciting, or time-sensitive, they hope you'll react quickly before you have a chance to question what's happening.

During Cybersecurity Awareness Month, we're looking at how scammers create that pressure and how taking just a few extra moments can help you recognize when something isn't right.

Why Scammers Want You to Hurry

Think about how you normally make an important financial decision. You might read the details, ask questions, check your account, talk to someone you trust, or do a little research. Scammers don't want you to do any of those things. Instead, they may tell you something terrible will happen if you don't act immediately. Your account will be closed. Your money will disappear. You'll miss an incredible opportunity. Someone you care about is in trouble. The goal is to shift your attention away from "Does this make sense?" and toward "I need to fix this right now." That's why one of the best responses to an unexpected financial request is also one of the simplest:

Slow down.

"There's a Problem With Your Account"

A message that appears to come from a financial institution may tell you your account has been locked, a large purchase was made, or suspicious activity was detected. That can be scary, especially when the message includes a link promising an easy way to fix the problem.

Instead of clicking the link or responding to the message, contact your financial institution through a channel you already trust. Use its official website, mobile app, phone number, or visit an office. Don't rely on the contact information provided in a suspicious message.

"You Need to Pay Right Now"

Another common tactic is convincing you that you owe money and there will be immediate consequences if you don't pay. The scammer might claim to represent a government agency, utility company, business, financial institution, or another organization. They may threaten fees, legal action, account closure, or loss of service. Pay attention to how they want you to pay, too. Requests involving gift cards, cryptocurrency, wire transfers, or other difficult-to-reverse payment methods should make you especially cautious.

A legitimate bill doesn't become more legitimate simply because someone is pressuring you to pay it quickly. Verify the request independently before sending money.

"Someone You Love Needs Help"

Scammers know that concern for family and friends can override our usual caution. You may receive a call or message claiming a child, grandchild, friend, or other loved one has been injured, arrested, stranded, or otherwise needs money immediately. The request may even include instructions not to tell anyone else. That's another reason to stop.

Try contacting the person directly using a phone number you already have. If you can't reach them, contact another family member or trusted person who may be able to verify what's happening. Taking a few extra minutes to confirm the story could prevent an expensive mistake.

"This Opportunity Won't Last"

Fear isn't the only emotion scammers use. Excitement can work just as well. You may be told you've won a prize, qualified for an incredible investment opportunity, received an unexpected refund, or have access to an offer that disappears if you don't act immediately. When something sounds too good to be true, give yourself permission to investigate it. A legitimate opportunity should be able to withstand a few questions.

"Don't Tell Anyone"

Isolation is another powerful warning sign. A scammer may tell you that the situation is confidential or that involving someone else will cause a problem. They may keep you on the phone while instructing you to move money or make a payment. Why? Because another person might recognize the warning signs. If someone is pressuring you to make a financial decision while discouraging you from talking to your family, financial institution, or another trusted person, stop the conversation.

"Tell Me the Code We Just Sent You"

One-time passcodes and security codes are designed to help protect your accounts. If someone contacts you and asks you to read back a security code that was sent to your phone or email, don't assume the request is legitimate just because the message itself looks official. A scammer may already have some of your information and be trying to use the code to gain further access to an account. Treat verification codes like passwords. Keep them to yourself and carefully read any message that accompanies the code.

Remember: Stop. Check. Verify.

You don't need to memorize every scam that's out there. New versions appear all the time. Instead, remember three simple steps when you receive an unexpected request involving your money or personal information:

STOP.

Don't let someone else's urgency become yours. Take a moment before clicking, paying, transferring money, or sharing information.

CHECK.

Look closely at what you're being asked to do. Does the request make sense? Is someone pressuring you? Are they asking for information or a payment method that seems unusual?

VERIFY.

Contact the person, business, or financial institution independently using contact information you know is legitimate.

Those few extra minutes can make a big difference.

When in Doubt, Contact ICCU

Scammers rely on getting you to act before you have time to question what's happening. Taking a moment to stop and verify isn't rude or inconvenient. It's a smart way to protect yourself.

If you receive a suspicious call, text, or email involving your ICCU account, or believe you may have shared account information with a scammer, contact ICCU directly as soon as possible.

During Cybersecurity Awareness Month and throughout the year, remember: when someone tells you that you have to act right now, that's often the best reason to slow down.