Everyone loves a party – and scammers know it.
So, when an invitation arrives saying “you’re invited,” it can quickly grab your attention. Unfortunately, that’s exactly what fraudsters are counting on.
“We call them party scams, and they’re simply phishing attempts designed to steal your money and personal information,” said Kimberly Reece, customer advocacy manager for Enterprise Fraud Management at Regions. “Before you respond, take a moment to ask yourself whether you were expecting this invitation.”
Before you respond, take a moment to ask yourself whether you were expecting this invitation.
Kimberly Reece, customer advocacy manager for Enterprise Fraud Management at Regions
How Party Scams Work
In a typical party scam, you receive an invitation through a familiar platform, prompting you to RSVP for a big event — like a graduation, wedding or celebration.
The message may ask you to confirm your identity by providing personal details, such as:
- Email address or username
- Password
- Phone number
After submitting the information, you may be redirected or promised more event details. It’s also possible that by saving the invite to your calendar, you “invite” the fraudster into your network by installing malicious software.
“At that point, it doesn’t matter,” said Jeff Taylor, head of Commercial Fraud Forensics at Regions. “Criminals have what they need – access to your account, which they can use to steal funds or reset your credentials.”
3 Steps to Take if You’re Targeted by a Party Scam
If you think you’ve fallen victim to a phishing attempt, act immediately:
- Change your passwords
Update your passwords right away using strong, unique combinations. Then visit IdentityTheft.gov to report potential identity theft.
- Enable multifactor authentication (MFA)
Add an extra layer of security. MFA helps prevent unauthorized access even if your password is compromised.
- Update your devices
Check for software updates on your phone and computer, and turn on automatic updates to stay protected.
Watch Out for Text Message Scams, Too
Party scams aren’t the only threat. Phishing attacks often come through text messages – and they usually create a sense of urgency.
Scammers may pose as trusted organizations, including:
- Well-known businesses
- Government agencies
These messages might claim:
- You’ve won a prize
- You’re eligible for a special deal
- You owe an unpaid fine
“Phishing scams all follow similar patterns,” Taylor said. “In addition to texts, scammers use phone calls, emails and online ads. Their goal is to distract you and pressure you into acting quickly.
“One major red flag: any message that urges immediate action.”
What to Do if You Receive a Suspicious Text
If you get a questionable message, take these steps:
- Don’t click links
Instead, verify the request independently by contacting the organization directly using a trusted phone number or website.
- Report and delete the message
Mark it as junk with your carrier or forward it to 7726 (SPAM). Then delete it.
- Block the sender
Prevent future messages from that number.
- Monitor your accounts
Check for unauthorized activity for unfamiliar charges, no matter how small.
Key Takeaway
Scammers rely on curiosity and urgency to trick you. Whether it’s a party invitation or a text message, always STOP, CALL and CONFIRM before sharing your personal information.
Additional Resources from Regions.com
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The information presented is general in nature and should not be considered, legal, accounting or tax advice. Regions reminds its customers that they should be vigilant about fraud and security and that they are responsible for taking action to protect their computer systems. Fraud prevention requires a continuous review of your policies and practices, as the threat evolves daily. There is no guarantee that all fraudulent transactions will be prevented or that related financial losses will not occur. Visit regions.com/STOPFRAUD or speak with your Banker for further information on how you can help prevent fraud.