Most people will be approached by a scammer at some time in their life. We warn children about “stranger danger” and to not take candy from or go with someone they don’t know. Yet many adults are quick to trust a stranger who contacts them with claims that a debit card has been compromised or that a small investment will earn them great returns.

At VCNB we will never contact you by phone, email or text and ask for personal financial information. If someone claiming to be from VCNB asks for your PIN, social security number or other personal information, do not give it to them.

And remember –

–  If it sounds too good to be true it usually is.

–  Get rich schemes only make the scammers rich. You will pay dearly. Never send money to someone you don’t know. If you are contacted electronically by a person you do know and they ask for money, verify that it is really your friend before reaching out to them electronically.

–  Check your bank and credit card statements for transactions you don’t recognize and notify the bank if there is something out of place.

–  Most of all, protect your personal information like it is your child. Never provide your account information, PIN, social security number or other personal data to an unknown source. Keep your cards in a safe place and don’t keep a written copy of your PIN or your account passwords with the card.

There are people out there who work hard at taking advantage of others. Be careful not to fall victim to their schemes. For more information click here for tips from USA.gov.