Simple ways to keep your information safe and your mind at ease.

Fraud can affect anyone. Technology is rapidly evolving, and even those who are vigilant could become victims if they’re not careful.

These days, fraud goes beyond stealing a credit card number. It’s prompting, “too good to be true” offers, and even artificial intelligence. That’s why it’s important to know how to keep yourself and loved ones safe and secure.

Keep your information safe from scammers.

Sandy Ozier, senior vice president and manager of fraud at Commerce Bank, recommends staying on top of these practices to keep your information safe:

• Password updates: Update them frequently and enroll in multi-factor authentication when available.
• Software updates: Stay on top of computer and mobile device software updates.
• Keep personal information personal: Don’t share your personal information on the internet. Legitimate requests will never ask for a password or PIN number.
• Listen to your gut: If something doesn’t feel right, it’s probably not.

Romance scams are targeting more victims.

According to Ozier, there’s one type of fraud that is surging in popularity.

“We’re seeing an uptick in people becoming victims of romance scams,” said Ozier.

Often, a romance scam starts with a connection through a dating website or social media platform. Interactions may seem normal at first. They get to know each other, which sets the victim at ease. Then they arrange to meet in person. At the last minute the scammer will cancel the date due to an alleged unforeseen emergency, which will lead them to ask the victim for money.

“Some of the common excuses are that they’re stranded in another country and need money to get home,” said Sarah Clark, senior manager bankcard fraud. “We’ve also had it where the scammer tells the victim they’ve been hospitalized and they can’t leave the hospital until they pay their bill.”

Victims often feel a connection to the scammer and believe the story they’re told. They want to help, and send the scammer the money.

“In some circumstances, we’ve seen customers lose their life savings and take on additional debt,” said Clark. “We’re talking hundreds of thousands of dollars.”

Romance scammers are very convincing. Scamming is their job, and they’re often masters of persuasion. They make the victim feel special, and do what they can to convince the victim they’re genuine. When the scammers ask for money, the victim feels compelled to help.

“A lot of times the scammers will first ask for a smaller dollar amount. Maybe a few hundred dollars,” said Clark. “Then they’ll evolve the story so they can ask for more and more money.”

If someone you’ve never met in person asks you for money, it’s likely a scam. Never send money to someone you don’t personally know.

“If it feels too good to be true, it probably is.” – Sandy Ozier, senior vice president and manager of fraud at Commerce Bank

Other popular scams:

There are a few other scams that are becoming more widespread, including these:

• USPS scams – Victims receive a text message claiming the Post Office is trying to deliver a package and a small fee needs to be paid. Victims click on the link in the text message and give payment information. Suddenly, the victims have fraudulent charges coming through. Never click on a link texted to you by someone not in your address book.
• Work-from-home scams – Victims apply for and are hired for a position they think will help them earn extra income. They give away all their personal information to the “employer,” Finding out later that the job wasn’t legitimate. Always verify a potential employer link opens to a Commerce article page is legitimate.
• Sweepstakes scams – Victims are told they’ve won a lottery or sweepstakes, and are sent a check to deposit. They’re instructed to send money to someone to pay taxes, fees, or to collect the rest of their winnings. They send the money, and later find out the check they deposited was fraudulent. You will never be asked to send money to receive money.
• Artificial intelligence (AI) scams link opens to a Commerce article page – Scammers imitate celebrities using AI. This allows the scammers to interact with their victims using videos and photos, convincing the victims they’re legitimate. Celebrities will never ask you for money.

“Artificial intelligence scams are a big threat right now. We’ve had customers come into the bank convinced they’re sending money to famous singers,” said Ozier. “That just isn’t the case. If a situation seems strange, pay attention to the red flags. Never send money to someone you don’t personally know.”

Ozier says she has one main rule she shares with her family and friends.

“Find a trusted friend, family member, or banker and always ask them their opinion before sharing giving someone money,” said Ozier. “If it feels too good to be true, it probably is.”