Don’t Get Burned by These Summer Scams

Summer is a time for vacations, family gatherings, home improvement projects, and enjoying longer days. Unfortunately, it’s also one of the busiest seasons for scammers looking to take advantage of people who are distracted, excited, or simply trying to enjoy the season.

The good news? Most scams have one thing in common: they rely on creating a sense of urgency. The faster they can get you to react, the less likely you are to stop and think.

Whether you’re booking a dream vacation, paying a business invoice, or answering what appears to be an urgent call from your bank, one simple strategy can help protect you.

Remember These Four Steps

PAUSE

Scammers want you to act immediately.

If someone tells you an offer is available “today only,” claims your money is at risk, or pressures you to make an immediate payment, stop. Legitimate businesses understand that customers need time to verify information and make informed decisions.

REFLECT

Before clicking a link, sending money, or sharing personal information, take a few moments to do your homework.

Ask yourself:

• Does this request make sense?
• Have I done business with this company before?
• Can I verify this another way?

A few minutes of research can prevent months of frustration.

QUESTION

Look carefully for warning signs.

Many scams share the same red flags:

• Requests to pay with gift cards or cryptocurrency
• Pressure to act immediately
• Unexpected changes to payment instructions
• Suspicious email addresses or websites
• Deals that seem far better than everyone else’s

If something feels off, trust your instincts.

CONFIRM

Always verify through a source you already know and trust.

Instead of clicking a link in an email or calling a number provided in a text message, contact the company directly using its official website or a phone number you’ve used before.

One quick phone call could save you thousands of dollars.

Summer Scam #1: The Vacation That Never Existed

“I thought I found an incredible deal online.”

Every year, thousands of travelers search the internet for discounted flights, vacation rentals, hotels, or even passport services. Scammers create professional-looking websites that closely resemble legitimate travel companies, making it difficult to spot the difference.

You may receive a confirmation email, pay hidden fees, or believe your reservation is complete. Unfortunately, many victims don’t discover the truth until they arrive at their destination and learn that no reservation was ever made.

Protect Yourself

• Book through reputable travel providers whenever possible.
• Compare prices with multiple sources.
• Read reviews on trusted websites.
• Be cautious of deals that seem dramatically lower than everyone else.

If a vacation deal seems too good to be true, it probably deserves a second look.

Summer Scam #2: “We Changed Our Banking Information.”

“The email looked exactly like it came from our supplier.”

Business email compromise has become one of today’s most convincing scams.

Criminals may gain access to a company’s email account or create an address that closely resembles a trusted vendor. They then send invoices or payment updates directing funds to a new bank account.

Everything appears legitimate until the real supplier asks why they haven’t been paid.

Protect Yourself

Never rely solely on an email when payment information changes.

Instead:

• Carefully review the sender’s email address.
• Verify any payment changes by calling a trusted phone number already on file.
• Confirm new banking instructions before sending money.

One verification call can prevent an expensive mistake.

Summer Scam #3: “We’re Moving Your Money Somewhere Safe.”

“Your funds are at risk. We need to protect them immediately.”

This scam succeeds because it creates fear.

Someone claiming to represent your bank, a technology company, or even law enforcement contacts you with alarming news. They insist your account has been compromised and urge you to move your money into a “secure” account.

Their instructions often include:

• Buying gold
• Purchasing cryptocurrency
• Wiring money
• Mailing valuables

Every one of these “protective” steps actually sends your assets directly to the scammer.

Protect Yourself

Remember this simple rule:

No legitimate bank, government agency, or law enforcement officer will ever ask you to buy gold, purchase cryptocurrency, wire money to yourself, or mail valuables to keep them safe.

If you receive a call like this, hang up and contact your financial institution using the phone number on the back of your debit or credit card.

Why These Scams Work

Scammers don’t succeed because people aren’t intelligent.

They succeed because they exploit normal human emotions like excitement, fear, curiosity, and trust. They know that when emotions are high, people are more likely to make quick decisions.

The best defense isn’t becoming suspicious of everything. It’s simply slowing down long enough to verify what you’re being told.

In a Nutshell

Summer should be filled with great memories, not costly mistakes.

Whether you’re planning a vacation, running a business, or simply answering an unexpected phone call, remember the four habits that can help protect you from today’s most common scams:

Pause. Reflect. Question. Confirm.

Take a few extra minutes before clicking a link, sending money, or sharing personal information. Verify requests through trusted sources, question anything that doesn’t feel right, and never let someone else’s sense of urgency become your emergency.

A little caution today can protect your finances, your personal information, and your peace of mind all summer long.