PLEASE BE ALERT TO SCAMS!

Posted: February 2, 2026, 3:19PM

Scammers want money (gift cards, cash, crypto). Scammers want access to our accounts (financial institutions, credit cards. Scammers want our personal information (Social Security numbers, Medicare numbers, account numbers, other identifying information).

They want to benefit from a contact with us. That contact can be through email, text, telephone, or in person.

Scammers are NOT our friends. They will be whatever it takes to get what they want. They will impersonate anyone: a government representative (Internal Revenue Service, Social Security) or law enforcement. They may pose as a possible romantic interest. They may impersonate a political candidate or a utility company employee or a computer technician or a trusted person (priest/pastor/rabbi or teacher). They will be whatever it takes to get what they want.

Scammers take advantage of those who are vulnerable but will take advantage of anyone. ANYONE can get scammed. ANYONE.

Scammers usually request gift cards. Gift cards are like instant, untraceable cash for scammers. Read more about gift card scams.

Scammers pose as government officials, representatives of the courts, and law enforcement which often evokes a feeling of apprehension. Other scammers pose as trusted people like our faith leaders. We usually react positively and are willing to help. That's the point. Scammers know how most people react. Scammers depend on our reactions.

Scammers take advantage of lonely people. They can look like anyone by grabbing pictures online and posting it as "them". They create profiles that make you want to connect with them. These romance scammers may work on someone for a long time before springing their "need" on them. They need money for "surgery" or to "pay back taxes" or to "because Veterans services won't help". They may want phones. Be cautious. Artificial intelligence can do amazing things falsifying images.

And Artificial Intelligence can also do a lot with audio clips. If you get a call from a relative who needs money because they are in trouble, make sure to check on them before doing anything. Better yet, have a code word that no one else knows

General information. Stop. Think.

Scams are on the rise.