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First Northern Blog

Fraud and Scams

Tips for Detecting and Avoiding Fraud and Scams

Each year, more and more people fall victim to scams, putting their money and information at risk. While these scams' targeting and presentation methods can vary, the tips for avoiding them are easily applied to all scams. The following tips can help you detect scams and fraudulent attempts to gain access to your information or finances regardless of the type of scam.

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Fraud and Scams

Scams in Illinois: Mystery Shopper Scam

Have you received a letter in the mail notifying you that you've been selected to be a mystery shopper? Despite the official look of the letter and the appeal of the sum of money on the check included, this is a very common scam that has been showing up in Illinois recently.

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Fraud and Scams

Scammers Launching AI Financial Tip Services Scam

ChatGPT is becoming a household name more and more, but it could also become associated with fraud as more scammers utilize its service and the idea behind the service. Scammers have started to use the concept of how ChatGPT works to defraud them people with fake websites and claims of providing financial tips through limited time offers. Find out how this current scam has taken ChatGPT's name and used it for their own fraudulent schemes and how you can keep yourself safe.

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Fraud and Scams

Teaching Children About Online Fraud

Online fraud is a growing problem that affects people of all ages, but children are particularly vulnerable. They may not have the same level of knowledge or experience as adults, and they may be more trusting of strangers online.

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Fraud and Scams

IRS Rebate Phishing Scam

The start of the year also means the start of tax season. While most of us aren't happy when we owe money, it's even worse when we're scammed out of money due to fraud. As consumers become more aware of the tactics used by scammers, the methods they will use have begun to shift. 

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Fraud and Scams

Job and Online Hiring Scam Awareness

Job hiring scams can be a major problem for job seekers, as they can waste your time and money and even put your personal information at risk. If you're in the market for a job, knowing about the potential red flags could be helpful for your future.

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Fraud and Scams

2023 COLA Social Security Benefit Increase and Scams

Those receiving Social Security Benefits are already targets of current scams, but at 8.7% this is the highest increase COLA Increase in almost 40 years. Recipients of this benefit now have an even larger target on their back from potential scams. Scammers use the trends and hot topics to give themselves what they view as a better chance of success. The COLA increase is a hot topic at the start of the year and that puts it on the top of scammer's to-do list.

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Fraud and Scams

Don't Fall for the Zelle Texting Scam

In September of 2022, one woman lost thousands of dollars as a result of believing text messages she had received were from Zelle. These sort of scams are all too common these days. Receiving a text message from a credit card you don't own or an account you've never opened might be confusing, but the goal is to get you to react. Scammers count on your initial reaction to the message to create their opportunity. If you react without doing your research, you will open yourself up to being defrauded of your money.

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Safe Spending

5 Ways to Shop Safely and Smart This Holiday Season

The holidays are in full swing and for many, the pressure is on. You may have found that some of the items on your list are pricier than you expected or sold out completely,  only adding to the holiday stress. Before you punch those items into google, check out these tips. We've put together five ways to make sure your holiday is bright — and your wallet is safe. 

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