Picture this: your college-age granddaughter calls, distraught, begging you to wire money because she’s “stranded abroad.” You had no idea she was traveling. In a panic, you send the funds, only to find out later that she’s perfectly fine. (No, this isn’t the plot of the 2024 movie Thelma, although it’s similar, and a highly entertaining watch!) Sadly, scenarios like this are all too common. In 2024, U.S. consumers reported losing more than $12.5 billion to fraud*, a 25 percent increase from 2023.
Scams today are more sophisticated than ever. They are designed to manipulate you and steal your money, sometimes in a single transaction and sometimes gradually over time. But at BrightBridge, the safety and security of your assets are top priorities and keeping you informed is just one of the ways we can help you stay safe. Here is a look at the most common scams to watch for in 2026, along with practical ways to protect yourself.
Fraudsters pretend to be someone you trust, such as a bank, government agency, family member, or even a well-known company. Imposter scams alone caused $2.95 billion* in losses in 2024.
These scams work by creating panic or urgency. They may claim there is suspicious activity on your account, a legal threat, or a relative in trouble. Today, scammers are increasingly using AI to impersonate voices and images, making it even harder to tell what is real. They can mimic a loved one’s voice in a phone call or generate a realistic photo of them online, adding a convincing layer to the scam. The goal is to pressure you into sending money or sharing sensitive information.
Older adults are particularly vulnerable. Since 2020, reports of people 60 and older losing $10,000 or more to impersonation scams have quadrupled* and combined losses on reports over $100,000 have increased eightfold.
Romance scams often start online or through text messages, where scammers build trust and emotional connection. They then invent an emergency, such as medical bills, travel costs, or a sudden tragedy and ask for money. Once the funds are sent, the contact often disappears.
According to the Federal Trade Commission, romance scams cost unsuspecting people over $1 billion every year.*
Scammers pretending to be tax agents or government officials may claim that you owe back taxes or face legal consequences unless you pay immediately. They might ask for gift cards, cash withdrawals, or access to your bank account.
If someone pressures you in this way, it is almost certainly a scam.
Texts, emails, or WhatsApp messages promising lucrative jobs are classic setups. Scammers request your Social Security number or banking information to process your paycheck. The reality is that your identity and money are stolen and no job exists.
Promises of quick, huge returns in stocks, crypto, or high-yield opportunities are now among the most profitable scams. In 2024 alone, investment scams accounted for $5.7 billion in reported losses*.
Knowing the scams is one thing. Avoiding them is another. Follow these tips to protect yourself:
Stay alert, stay informed and make 2026 a scam-free year.
Category: Blog Slideshow
Recently, some of our members were targeted by a Home Warranty Notice scam. This isn’t the first time this scam has been used, and it probably won’t be the last. But don’t worry! If you stay alert and aware, you can avoid becoming a victim.
What to do if you lose your wallet or purse. Losing your wallet or purse can be a frustrating experience. Your credit cards, ID, keys and cash are all seemingly out there in the world for anyone to find. Despite the feeling of helplessness, there are ways to mitigate the damage. Here are some steps to take immediately after losing your wallet or purse.
How to protect yourself from cash app scams. Cash apps like Venmo, Zelle and CashApp are great for their convenience. But as with all things involving money, scammers are lurking in the shadows. Here’s how to keep yourself (and your money) safe when using cash apps.
Financial scams are everywhere these days, so securing your bank accounts is crucial. These steps will help you stay a few steps ahead of the scammers.
In today’s digital age, protecting your personal information is more important than ever. Cybercriminals are constantly changing their tactics to exploit vulnerabilities and steal sensitive information. By taking proactive measures, you can defend yourself and your money against these threats. Here are some tips to help you protect your finances and personal data:
Card Skimming is a tactic that criminals use to obtain your sensitive information from your debit and credit cards. Criminals do this by installing devices on card-reading machines or other point-of-sale terminals. These devices capture and store data that the criminals use to sell or make purchases and withdrawals. Here’s what to know about card skimming and how to protect yourself.
As the holidays approach, gift cards remain a popular gift option, but they’re also a target for scammers. These fraudsters use tactics like phishing and tampering with physical gift cards to steal funds before they can be used. To protect yourself and your loved ones this season, it’s important to stay aware of these risks.
Having a well-stocked emergency fund is important. But so is saving for retirement. So how do you know which one to focus on? Well, we’ve got you covered. Here’s what you should know.
Millions of Americans are affected by identity theft scams each year. As technology rapidly evolves, these scams are on the rise and it’s more important than ever to be aware of how to protect your personal information. Scammers constantly change their tactics, and staying informed is the best way to protect yourself. In honor of National Identity Theft Awareness week, here are some common types of fraud you should watch out for:
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With fraud and scams on the rise, we are taking extra steps to keep your accounts and personal information safe. As part of these efforts, you may notice that our online and mobile banking systems will now prompt you for multi-factor authentication more frequently.
Keeping your money and personal information safe is always our focus at BrightBridge Credit Union. Part of that commitment is helping you recognize the latest scams before they can cause harm. Recently, we’ve seen an increase in cases where fraudsters use alarming pop-ups or urgent messages to trick members into taking action that puts their money at risk.
Keeping your BrightBridge accounts safe starts with strong, unique passwords. Recent trends have shown an increase in people using the same password for multiple apps and websites including email, social media and online banking. While this practice seems like an easy way to remember your login credentials, it can put your accounts at serious risk.
Picture this: your college-age granddaughter calls, distraught, begging you to wire money because she’s “stranded abroad.” You had no idea she was traveling. In a panic, you send the funds, only to find out later that she’s perfectly fine. (No, this isn’t the plot of the 2024 movie Thelma, although it’s similar, and a highly entertaining watch!) Sadly, scenarios like this are all too common. In 2024, U.S. consumers reported losing more than $12.5 billion to fraud*, a 25 percent increase from 2023.
