There’s a chill in the air, pumpkins on porches, and costumes in every store. But there’s something else lurking this season—financial scams disguised as helpful texts, friendly calls, and too-good-to-be-true offers.

October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month, making it the perfect time to brush up on scam prevention. And with spooky season in full swing, the timing couldn’t be better to spotlight the frightening tactics fraudsters use to trick people out of their money.

At Ozark Federal Credit Union, we believe in helping you stay one step ahead. So grab your favorite fall drink and keep reading to learn how to spot the tricks and protect your hard-earned financial treats.

The Frightening Rise in Financial Scams

Fraudsters are getting smarter, faster, and sneakier. According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), Americans lost over $12 billion to fraud in 2024—a record-breaking year.

Why now?

• Scammers love urgency, and fall brings a perfect storm of online shopping, back-to-school stress, and early holiday planning.
• More digital tools mean more opportunity for impersonation and phishing.
• Younger adults (18–34) are now being targeted just as often as seniors.

Top 5 Financial Scams Haunting 2025

1. Phantom Texts: The Rise of Smishing Scams

You get a text that says:

“Your debit card has been locked due to suspicious activity. Reply ‘YES’ to verify or click here.”

That’s smishing—text-message phishing designed to get your personal info.

What It Looks Like:

• “Your OFCU card was declined. Click this link to verify.”
• “Unusual login detected. Reply to secure your account.”

Why It Works:

• It plays on fear and urgency.
• It looks like it’s from your credit union or bank.

How to Outsmart It:

• Never click unknown links.
• Don’t respond to unsolicited texts.
• Call Ozark Federal Credit Union directly at (573) 686-7221 if you're unsure.

2. Vampire Calls: Phone Spoofing Tricks

Scammers can fake caller ID to make it look like the call is coming from OFCU, your utility company, or even law enforcement.

Red Flags:

• They ask for PINs, passwords, or security codes.
• They say your account is at risk and pressure you to act now.
• They want you to send money via gift cards, wire transfers, or Zelle.

What To Do:

• Hang up immediately.
• Never give out personal info over the phone.
• Call the organization directly to verify the call.

3. Masked Emails: Phishing Attempts in Disguise

“Your PayPal account has been suspended. Click here to reactivate.”
That’s a classic phishing email, designed to steal your credentials.

Common Traits:

• Strange sender email addresses
• Poor grammar and formatting
• Urgent subject lines like “FINAL NOTICE” or “ACCOUNT SUSPENDED”

Protection Tips:

• Hover over links before clicking.
• Look closely at sender email domains.
• Set up multi-factor authentication for your online accounts.

4. Skeleton Shopping: Fake Online Stores

With holiday shopping starting earlier every year, scammers build convincing-looking websites with incredible “deals” that don’t deliver anything at all.

Spot the Scam:

• No contact information or return policy
• Only accepts Zelle, CashApp, or crypto payments
• Too-good-to-be-true pricing

Stay Safe:

• Shop only on trusted sites.
• Use a credit card for fraud protection.
• Research the site before you buy—look for real reviews.

5. Web of Lies: Tech Support or Recovery Scams

You get a pop-up that says, “Your device is infected. Call this number now.”
Or worse—someone calls claiming to be from Microsoft or Apple.

These Scams Often:

• Ask to remotely access your computer
• Request immediate payment to “fix” a non-existent problem
• Target older adults or less tech-savvy users

How to Avoid It:

• Don’t respond to pop-up warnings.
• Hang up on unsolicited tech support calls.
• Never give remote access unless you initiated the call.

How to Spot a Scam Before It Sinks Its Claws In

Knowing how to identify a scam is half the battle.

Watch for These Red Flags:

• “Urgent” messages that demand immediate action
• Unfamiliar links or phone numbers
• Requests for personal info like Social Security numbers or PINs
• Payment requests via gift card, crypto, or wire transfer

Pro Tip: Scammers thrive on urgency and fear. Always pause, verify, and call your credit union if something feels off.

Ozark Federal Credit Union’s Built-In Fraud Protection

Your credit union is always working behind the scenes to protect you.

Here’s how OFCU helps keep your money safe:

• Real-time fraud monitoring for unusual activity
• Debit card controls in the OFCU mobile app
• Transaction alerts by text or email
• No-hassle card freezes if something feels wrong
• Direct support from local Member Service Representatives

“At OFCU, we’ll never ask for your PIN, passwords, or verification codes by phone or text.”

What To Do If You’ve Been Targeted (or Tricked)

Sometimes, even the most careful members fall victim. Here’s what to do:

If You Suspect Fraud:

• Freeze your card in the app
• Call Ozark Federal Credit Union at (573) 686-7221
• Change your online banking password
• Monitor your accounts for suspicious activity

Report the Scam:

• FTC: reportfraud.ftc.gov
• Local Law Enforcement
• Credit Bureaus to place a fraud alert or credit freeze

Bonus: Scam-Proof Habits You Should Start This Fall

These small changes can make a big difference:

✅ Set up transaction alerts
✅ Update your passwords every 90 days
✅ Use strong, unique passwords
✅ Enable two-factor authentication
✅ Review bank statements weekly
✅ Don’t save card info on websites
✅ Educate family members—especially teens and seniors

Final Thoughts: Don’t Get Spooked, Get Smart

Fraudsters are constantly evolving, but so are the tools to fight them. Staying informed is your best defense—and Ozark Federal Credit Union is here to help every step of the way.

Remember, whether it’s a suspicious message or an unfamiliar call, you’re never alone. Reach out to OFCU, report anything that feels off, and use the tools available to take control of your financial safety.