Watch: Seeing Through the Scam

In our increasingly digital age, scammers seem to be lurking around every corner, waiting to take (or phish) your sensitive information.

Brush up on the tell tale signs of a scam. From sketchy friend requests to emails seeming too good to be true, we’ll give you a roadmap to avoid scams and keep your important information locked tight.

Scammers are getting better and better at inventing new ways to get our personal information and money. Avoid the tricks and schemes by keeping an eye out for these red flags.

Keep in mind, Virginia Credit Union will never ask you to provide any info by unsolicited text or email.

The first is sense of urgency. Scammers will pressure you to act immediately. They could say you'll miss a prize, or you'll miss a payment if you don't act. See through the scam.

Another thing to look out for is suspicious contacts. Unfamiliar contacts, new friend requests, or unknown numbers could be attempts from scammers. Keep in mind that a contact may not be who they say they are. Scammers may pretend to be a government agency or a business you know. If you don't recognize a contact or something seems strange, be on your guard.

Look for inaccuracies. Have you been contacted by a company you don't have an account with? This should be an immediate tip-off.

Finally, be wary of emotional appeals. Scammers are bad actors trying to pull at your heartstrings. They'll tell you lies to appeal to your specific situations.

Spot a scam? Here's what not to do.

• Don't click on links. Instead, try hovering over a URL with your mouse to confirm it's going to a real website.
• Never pay someone you don't know virtually, especially if they're asking for strange payment methods like gift cards or MoneyGram.
• Never provide personal information.
• Don't share your birth date, social security number, or passwords.

Keep in mind, Virginia Credit Union will never ask you to provide any info by unsolicited text or email.

Remember, protect yourself first. If it seems too good to be true, chances are it is. Take necessary precautions and keep everything locked tight. Consider telling a friend or neighbor about the situation. A fresh pair of eyes may shed light on red flags.