Business Spotlight: Fraud awareness — Protecting yourself from scams

Scammers are becoming more sophisticated, and fraud attempts are on the rise across the country, including in communities like the Gunnison Valley.

Fraud can come through phone calls, text messages, emails, social media, fake websites, mailed checks or even messages that appear to come from someone you know.

One of the best ways to protect yourself is to slow down.

Scammers often create urgency by saying your account is locked, a payment is overdue, a prize is waiting or a loved one needs help immediately. Before sending money, clicking a link, sharing personal information or moving funds, take a moment to verify the request through a trusted source.

Never share your online banking password, debit card PIN, secure access code or full Social Security number with someone who contacts you unexpectedly. Gunnison Bank and Trust will never call, text or email asking for your password or PIN.

Be cautious with payment apps, wire transfers, gift cards, cryptocurrency and checks from people you do not know. Once funds are sent, they can be difficult or impossible to recover. If something feels unusual, it is always better to ask questions first.

Monitor your accounts regularly and report suspicious activity right away. Early action can make a difference.

At Gunnison Bank and Trust, we care about helping our customers protect their hard-earned money. If you receive a suspicious message, notice unusual account activity or are unsure whether a request is legitimate, contact us directly before taking action. 

Fraud prevention starts with awareness, caution and a willingness to pause before you respond.

Gunnison Bank and Trust can be reached at 970-641-0320. For more helpful information, visit gunnisonbank.com. 

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Gunnison Bank and Trust is part of the Gunnison Country Times Community Connect sponsored content program.