Gabe Fransen | June 25, 2025
Crooks are using clever texts, emails, and phone calls to trick folks, and a little know-how can keep your money safe while you enjoy the season. Here are some popular scams to be on the lookout for:
- Texts claiming you’ve won a prize or need to pay for a package delivery, urging you to click links or share personal info.
- Fake job offers via email or text, promising quick cash for online tasks but aiming to nab your bank details.
- Callers posing as utility companies, demanding instant payment for “overdue” bills to scare you into paying fast.
- Text or email claiming there’s a problem with your account, like a “frozen” debit card or a suspicious charge, urging you to click a link or share your password.
- Phone calls are in on it too, with fake bank reps demanding your account details to “fix” an issue.
You can stay ahead. If a text, email, or call feels off, don’t click links or share info like passwords or account numbers. Verify by contacting the real source—use your bank’s official number or a company’s website. Report sketchy texts by forwarding them to 7726, and let the FTC know at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
- Minnesota Department of Commerce (2025): Notes bank impersonation scams targeting Minnesota residents via text and email. https://mn.gov/commerce/money/fraud/senior-fraud/consumers
- FTC (2025): Details bank scam texts and job offer frauds, with reporting to 7726. https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/how-recognize-and-report-spam-text-messages
- AARP (2025): Highlights phone scams impersonating financial institutions and prize scams. https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/
- FOX 9 Minneapolis-St. Paul (2025): Reports local bank scam calls and job frauds in Minnesota. https://www.fox9.com/news