Three New Online Scams — How to Spot Them and Protect Yourself

(3 Minute Read) — A new Pew Research survey found that nearly three-quarters of U.S. adults have dealt with at least one online scam. Even more concerning, about 1 in 3 people fell for a scam just in the past year. 

These online scams aren’t just annoying — they can lead to stolen money, compromised accounts, and even identity theft. But with the right know-how (and the protections built into Unitus Digital Banking), you can spot trouble before it finds you. 

Common Online Scams to Watch Out For 

1. Fake Calendar Invites 

Scammers sometimes sneak into your Google or Outlook calendar with bogus invites. They might say things like “Urgent meeting” or “Security update required,” but clicking the link can send you to a fake site or install harmful software. 

Cómo protegerse: Only accept calendar invites from people you know. If something looks off, delete it without clicking. 

2. Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) “Fatigue” Tricks 

If you get constant MFA prompts or text codes you didn’t request, someone might be trying to wear you down, so you click “approve” by accident. 

Cómo protegerse: If you didn’t log in, never approve the request. Change your password immediately and report it. 

3. Suspicious Email Attachments 

HTML or HTM files in your inbox can be dangerous. They can lead you to fake websites that steal your login info. 

Cómo protegerse: Don’t open attachments from people you don’t know — even if the message looks official. 

We’ve built multiple layers of protection into our accounts, so you can bank with confidence: 

• Real-Time Fraud Monitoring: Our systems flag unusual activity and may temporarily pause transactions until we can verify they’re really you. 

• Secure Sign-In Options: Enable MFA in Unitus Digital Banking for an extra layer of security that can’t be bypassed with just a stolen password. 

• Account Alerts: Set up custom text or email alerts for transactions, logins, and password changes so you’re always in the loop. 

• Member Education: We share scam alerts and fraud prevention tips regularly to help you stay ahead of threats. 

Simple Steps to Stay Protected 

Slow down — scammers rely on urgency to trick you into acting before you think. 

Double-check — verify any unusual email, text, or call a trusted source. 

Update your passwords — use strong, unique ones for each account. 

Use Digital Banking tools — alerts, transaction monitoring, and MFA give you extra peace of mind. 

Scammers are getting smarter, but so are you. By knowing the warning signs and using the security tools available in Unitus Digital Banking, you can keep your money and your information safe. 

If you ever think you’ve been targeted, contact us right away at 503-227-5571 or visit our Página de seguridad for more tips and resources.