As summer winds down, scammers ramp up. Whether you're scoring back-to-school deals, booking one last getaway, or just living your best life online, fraudsters are lurking.
Here’s how to spot these trending scams and stay protected:
Phishing Texts or Emails Posing as a Bank, Credit Union or Delivery Service
Scammers are getting slick with emails and texts that look like they’re from your bank or a delivery company. They’ll claim there’s suspicious activity or a missed package, urging you to click a link or provide info. One click can open the door to stolen credentials or malware.
Social
Fake Listings for Vacation Rentals
Summer is prime time for relocation and travel—and scammers know it. They post fake listings for too-good-to-be-true rentals, vacation homes or even summer jobs, often asking for deposits or personal info upfront. Once paid, they vanish without a trace.
Social Media Marketplace
You find a great deal on Facebook Marketplace or another platform, send payment via Venmo or Zelle... and then? Radio silence. These "ghost seller" scams are on the rise, especially when dealing with strangers who push for quick, no-questions-asked transactions.
Student Loan Forgiveness Scams
With ongoing changes to student loan programs, scammers are swooping in with fake “loan forgiveness” offers. They’ll promise quick debt relief—for a price. Legitimate programs never charge upfront fees.
How to Stay Safe
- Don’t click unknown links, even if they look official. Always go to the company’s site directly or call the number on the back of your card.
- Use secure payment methods—credit cards offer protection. Avoid paying strangers with apps like Venmo, Zelle, or CashApp unless you’re 100% sure.
- Monitor your accounts regularly for odd charges or unfamiliar logins. The sooner you catch it, the better your chance of recovering losses.
- Enable alerts on your Nymeo app so you’re notified of transactions, login attempts, or low balances in real-time.
Category: Financial Literacy & Safety
