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🛡️ Get Smart About Scams: How to Protect Yourself When Using Crypto & Online Banking

Published by AJ on

Staying safe from scams has never been more important. Fraudsters are constantly developing new ways to steal personal information, access financial accounts, or trick people into sending money. At Metrofino Bitcoin ATM, we prioritize customer safety and want our community to understand how these scams work — and how to avoid them.

This guide explains the most common scam tactics, the warning signs to look for, and the practical steps you can take today to protect your money, identity, and online accounts.

đź”’ Protect Your Personal Information

Fraudsters want your identity. With just a few pieces of personal information, a criminal can access accounts, open new credit lines, or steal your funds.

How to protect yourself:

  • Use a unique, strong password for every online account.

  • Monitor your bank accounts, credit score, and financial statements for any suspicious activity.

  • Keep important documents stored securely, and shred anything with personal details before discarding it.

  • Practice good cyber hygiene — avoid public WiFi for financial activity and keep your devices updated.

  • Be aware of your surroundings when using ATMs, and always cover your PIN.

  • Switch to paperless statements to reduce theft risk.

đź”” Set Up Security Alerts

Most banks and apps allow you to receive alerts for:

  • New logins

  • Large transactions

  • Password changes

  • Suspicious activity

These alerts can help you catch fraud early before damage is done.

🛡️ Add Extra Layers of Protection

Security works best in layers.

  • Enable multifactor authentication (MFA) whenever possible.

  • Use reputable antivirus or malware protection software.

  • Keep your phone locked and backed up.

  • Don’t store passwords on notes, photos, or email drafts.

🧠 Get Smart on Scams

Scammers prey on emotions — fear, excitement, urgency, or confusion.
The more you understand their tactics, the harder it is for them to trick you.

Buyer Beware

Always pause and think before acting:

  • Beware of offers that seem “too good to be true.”

  • Avoid deals that require immediate action or pressure you to respond quickly.

  • Never pay upfront fees for a prize, lottery, or “guaranteed return on investment.”

đźš© Common Red Flags to Watch For

  • Someone contacts you unexpectedly.

  • You’re told there’s an emergency and must send money immediately.

  • You're asked to pay using gift cards, cryptocurrency, wire transfers, or unfamiliar methods.

  • A stranger asks for your personal information, passwords, or banking details.

  • You’re told to “keep this a secret.”

  • They offer to reimburse you after you send money first.

If anything feels off — stop and verify.

⚠️ Proceed with Caution

Follow these essential rules:

  • Never share account numbers, card information, passwords, or Social Security numbers.

  • Avoid clicking unknown links or scanning QR codes from strangers — these often lead to fake websites or malware.

  • If someone claims to be from your bank, credit union, or a business you use, hang up and call the official number from the website.

  • Add your number to the Do Not Call Registry to limit unwanted calls.

👵 Elder Fraud — Protect Your Loved Ones

Scammers aggressively target older adults. The most common tactics include:

Types of Elder Scams

  • Impersonation Fraud: Pretending to be IRS, Social Security, Medicare, or a bank.

  • Romance Scams: Forming emotional relationships online and then asking for money.

  • Grandparent Scams: Claiming a grandchild is in trouble and needs urgent funds.

  • Lottery/Sweepstakes Scams: “You won! Just pay the taxes/fees first.”

  • Investment Scams: Promises of high returns with no risk.

Warning Signs

  • Pressure to act immediately

  • A sudden “emotional connection” with someone online

  • Secrecy around new relationships or financial decisions

  • Requests for wire transfers or crypto

What to Do

  • Keep open communication without judgment

  • Act immediately if fraud occurs

  • Report the incident to family, banks, and the National Elder Fraud Hotline

🛡️ If You Think You’re a Victim of Fraud

Take action immediately:

1. Secure Your Accounts

  • Contact all banks and credit card providers

  • Lock cards and freeze accounts

  • Activate fraud alerts with Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion

2. Change Your Information

  • Update passwords, PINs, and autopay settings

  • Replace compromised cards, IDs, or documents

3. Report

  • File a police report

  • Report fraud to the FTC (Federal Trade Commission)

  • Keep all documentation and communication records

4. Monitor

  • Check your credit reports regularly

  • Watch for unauthorized activity

5. Verify Contact

Always verify phone numbers or emails before responding — scammers frequently spoof real businesses.

🧩 Quick Reminder: Crypto Scams Are Increasing

As a crypto operator, Metrofino sees firsthand how scammers try to manipulate victims:

  • Romance scammers asking victims to buy Bitcoin

  • Call-center scams impersonating Amazon, banks, or the IRS

  • “Family member in danger” scams

  • Fake investment platforms

  • Screenshare scams demanding remote access

👉 If anyone tells you to buy crypto and send it to them — it's a scam.

Metrofino Bitcoin ATM never asks customers to send crypto to anyone.

🟧 Stay Safe. Stay Alert. Stay Informed.

Scammers depend on secrecy, pressure, and confusion.
Knowledge is your best defense — and Metrofino will continue providing resources and education to keep our community safe.

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