Every day, people receive text messages, emails, phone calls, and online offers that seem perfectly legitimate. Most are exactly what they appear to be. Some are not.
The good news is that you don’t need to become a cybersecurity expert to protect yourself. In fact, many scams share the same warning signs regardless of whether they arrive by email, text message, phone call, or social media.
Learning to recognize these patterns can help you pause, think clearly, and make informed decisions before taking action.
1. It Was Unexpected
One of the easiest ways to recognize a potential scam is to ask yourself:
“Was I expecting this?”
If you receive a message about an account you don’t have, a package you weren’t expecting, a prize you never entered to win, or an urgent request from someone you weren’t anticipating hearing from, it’s worth taking a closer look.
Unexpected doesn’t automatically mean fraudulent—but it does mean you should slow down before responding.
Ask yourself:
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Was I expecting this message?
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Does it make sense based on what I’ve been doing?
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Would this person or company normally contact me this way?
2. Someone Wants You to Act Immediately
Scammers often create a false sense of urgency because they don’t want you to stop and think.
You may see messages like:
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“Your account has been locked.”
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“Respond within one hour.”
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“Immediate payment required.”
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“Your package will be returned today.”
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“Your grandson needs help right now.”
Urgency is designed to create emotion. When we feel rushed, we’re less likely to notice warning signs.
A simple pause is often one of your best defenses.
Remember: Legitimate organizations will generally give you time to verify a request before taking action.
3. You’re Being Asked for Money or Personal Information
A request for money doesn’t always indicate a scam—but it should always cause you to slow down.
The same is true when someone asks for:
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Online banking credentials
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Passwords
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One-time security codes
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Debit card numbers
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Social Security numbers
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Payment through gift cards, cryptocurrency, wire transfers, or payment apps
Before sharing sensitive information or sending money, take a moment to verify the request through a trusted source.
4. Something Just Doesn’t Feel Right
Sometimes your instincts notice something before your mind can explain why.
Maybe:
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The wording sounds unusual.
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The email contains spelling or grammar mistakes.
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The phone call feels rushed.
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The website looks slightly different.
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The person asks you to keep the conversation secret.
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The request simply seems out of character.
If something feels off, trust that feeling long enough to verify what you’re seeing.
Taking a few extra minutes is always better than reacting in a hurry.
5. You Can’t Easily Verify the Request
Before responding to any unexpected message, ask yourself one final question:
“How can I confirm this is legitimate?”
Instead of clicking a link in an email or text message:
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Open the company’s website yourself.
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Use the phone number printed on your debit card or monthly statement.
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Contact the business using information you already know is accurate.
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Call a trusted family member directly if someone claims to be contacting you on their behalf.
Verification doesn’t take long, but it can prevent a costly mistake.
A Simple Way to Remember
Whenever something seems unusual, remember these five questions:
✔ Was I expecting this?
✔ Is someone creating urgency?
✔ Am I being asked for money or personal information?
✔ Does something feel unusual?
✔ Can I verify this another way?
If you answer yes to any of these questions, take a moment before responding.
Most scams depend on quick decisions. A short pause gives you time to recognize the warning signs and choose your next step with confidence.
Not Sure? Start With Us.
One of the advantages of banking with a community bank is having someone you can call before making an important decision.
If you ever receive a message, phone call, email, or payment request that doesn’t seem right, don’t feel like you have to figure it out on your own.
Reach out to Berne Bank.
We’re always happy to answer a question, look at a suspicious message, or help you determine the safest next step.
Helping you bank with confidence is part of what we’re here to do.