February Is for Love Not Scams

February is all about love, generosity, and fresh starts – and unfortunately, scammers know it. During this time of year, fraudsters often take advantage of emotions, tax season, and online activity to trick people into giving up personal or financial information.

With Valentine’s Day around the corner, romance scams are on the rise. Scammers create fake online profiles, build trust quickly, and then ask for money, gift cards, or personal information.

Red flags to watch for:

• Someone you’ve never met asks for money or financial help
• They avoid video calls or meeting in person
• Requests for gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency

Tip: Never send money or share account information with someone you haven’t met face-to-face.

How to Protect Yourself

• Never share personal or financial information unless you initiate the contact
• Monitor your accounts regularly for unusual activity
• Use strong, unique passwords and enable account alerts
• When in doubt, pause and verify before acting
• If something doesn’t feel right, trust your instincts.

We’re Here to Help
If you think you may have encountered a scam or notice suspicious activity on your account, contact MidSouth Community FCU immediately. Acting quickly can make all the difference.

This February, show your finances some love by staying informed and scam-aware.