Stay Safe from Scams as We Head Into 2026

(4 Minute Read) —  As the year comes to a close, staying safe from scams is more important than ever as many of us are shopping online, giving back to causes we care about, and wrapping up financial tasks before the new year begins. Unfortunately, this is also the time when scammers become more active and more creative. At Unitus, your safety is always our priority, and we want to help you stay protected as you move into 2026 with confidence.

Common Scams

The tactics may look different each year, especially with the rapid rise of Artificial Intelligence technology, but the goal of a scam is always the same. Scammers try to create fear, urgency, or trust in order to get your personal information or your money. The more you know, the easier it becomes to stop a scam before it ever has the chance to start.

AI Impersonation Scams

Scammers now use AI tools to create convincing voice clones and deep-fake videos. These are often used to impersonate family members in distress or even Unitus who claim an urgent problem with your account. The voices sound real, which makes it easy to panic. If anything feels off, pause and contact the person or organization directly using a verified phone number.

Fake Online Shopping Deals

End-of-year sales can be a great way to save money. They also create the perfect environment for fake websites and counterfeit products. If a deal seems far better than anything you have seen elsewhere, it is probably not legitimate. Always double check the URL, confirm that the site is secure, and shop from trusted retailers.

Shipping Scams

Scammers send realistic text messages or emails that look like they are from familiar delivery companies. These messages often ask you to click a link to reschedule a delivery or pay a small fee. These links lead to malware or phishing sites. When in doubt, visit the carrier’s official website directly.

Gift Card and Payment App Requests

No legitimate business or government agency will ever request payment through gift cards, wire transfers, or payment apps. These methods are appealing to scammers because the money is almost impossible to trace. If someone asks for payment this way, it is a clear sign of a scam.

Charity Impersonation

The end of the year is a time when many people choose to give back. Scammers know this and pretend to represent well-known charities. Before donating, look up the organization on a trusted site such as the Better Business Bureau’s Give.org to ensure your support reaches the people who need it.

Government or Unitus Impersonation

Scammers may pretend to be from the IRS, Social Security, or even Unitus. They often claim that you owe money or that your accounts are frozen. Caller ID is easy to spoof, so do not rely on it. Hang up and call the organization using a verified number. Add our contact information to your phone.

Investment Scams

These often appear as friendly conversations that build trust before introducing a “guaranteed” investment opportunity. Many involve cryptocurrency. If someone you do not know well pushes you to invest quickly, pause and verify everything independently.

Seasonal Job Scams

Scammers post fake job listings to collect personal information. Be cautious if a job requires you to pay an upfront fee or asks for sensitive details before you are officially hired.

How to Protect Yourself

1. Pause and Verify – If something feels urgent or unexpected, slow down. Scammers rely on quick reactions. Always use a known and trusted phone number to verify the request.
2. Avoid Suspicious Links – Instead of clicking links in texts or emails, type the organization’s name or website directly into your browser.
3. Never Share Sensitive Information – No legitimate organization will ask for your banking passwords, Social Security number, or one-time security codes through unsolicited calls or messages.
4. Choose Secure Payment Methods – Use a credit card when you shop online. Credit cards offer stronger protection if something goes wrong.
5. Strengthen Your Cybersecurity – Keep software updated, use antivirus tools, and turn on multi-factor authentication for your most sensitive accounts. These small steps make a big difference.
6. Keep an Eye on Your Accounts – Review your statements regularly and report anything suspicious right away. The sooner you contact us, the faster we can help.
7. Talk With Someone You Trust – If you receive a strange or unexpected request involving money, talk it through with a friend or family member. A quick conversation can prevent a costly mistake.

If you believe you may have been targeted by a scam, contact us right away. You can also report scams to the Federal Trade Commission at FTC.gov/complaint or to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at IC3.gov.

We are here to help you stay informed and protected as you move into 2026 with peace of mind. Learn more by visiting our Security Center.