Blog

There is a lot of misinformation spreading around about coronavirus–from how it is spread to how our economy will be affected. Sadly, the age we live in supports getting this information out quickly and without resistance. Worse than misinformation about the virus, new financial frauds and scams have surfaced as well. Read on to discover some of the more popular fraud schemes to prepare yourself and your loved ones. PPP Email Scams If you’re not familiar, the PPP (Paycheck Protection...

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Last year, the ‘ghost’ tax preparer scam was the newest attempt to hoodwink taxpayers into paying con-artists instead of the IRS. When tax season approaches, most individuals are looking to bring home their tax return. Sometimes, we get overzealous and turn a blind eye to scams hoping that they’ll increase the size of our refund. To make sure you don’t fall victim to a tax scam this year, here are some easy tips: Keep yourself educated Knowing exactly how scammers are...

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Buying a home is right up there with some of the most impactful events in a person’s life. Unfortunately, many people become victims of mortgage scams and fraud.  Someone is always out there looking to make a quick buck. Criminals prey at a time you could be the most vulnerable. You’re distracted and excited about this next chapter of your life. The fact that you’re falling victim to a scam doesn’t even show up on your radar. Understanding mortgage fraud is critical to...

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Let’s face it, very few people actually take the time to balance a checkbook anymore. With online banking and eStatements, it’s easy to check to make sure you have enough in your account to cover your purchase without really taking the time to look at each withdrawal. You probably don’t take stock in what’s happening with your account until there’s a noticeable problem. Debit card fraud thrives in these situations, especially when the withdrawals are small amounts over...

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Romance scams are on the rise, affecting good people of all ages. Scammers actively seek out vulnerable people via Facebook and various dating apps, typically targeting individuals who have recently been separated, divorced or widowed, or just lonely, looking for companionship. They are good at what they do. They’ll take their time, establishing a “relationship” and gaining your trust. Eventually, they’ll introduce some sort of financial involvement. Here are some ways to...

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Let’s clear the air here, not all contractors scam people. Most are hard-working and honest people that take pride in their work. Falcon National Bank is a large producer of construction loans and we have worked with many reputable builders. However, there are some contractors out there that you just shouldn’t trust. If something doesn’t feel right after meeting with a contractor, it probably isn’t. Being aware of common contractor scams and identifying red flags before...

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Identity theft is using someone else’s private identifying information without their permission, usually for their financial gain. In this day and age, it’s important to protect yourself from identity theft and the potential of a messy financial situation.  Here are 5 ways to keep yourself protected. 1.       Guard your Social Security Number Your Social Security number is the gateway to your personal information. Don’t carry your card...

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