Wait… Did They Just Ask Me to Buy Gift Cards?
Maryland, Let’s Talk About Fraud (Because It’s Getting Sneaky)
Imagine this: You’re sipping coffee at your favorite local spot when your phone buzzes. It’s a message from someone claiming to be your bank. They say your account’s been compromised and you need to act fast. They ask for your account number, or worse, tell you to buy gift cards and send the codes.
Pause. Breathe. This is fraud.
Scammers are getting smarter, but so are we. At Rosedale Bank, we’re not just your community bank, we’re your fraud-fighting partner. We want you to know you’re not alone, and you’re not to blame if you’ve been targeted.
What Fraud Actually Looks Like
Here’s what we’re seeing right here in Maryland:
- “Romance” scams where someone you met online suddenly needs money.
- Fake job offers asking you to cash checks and send the money back.
- Overpayment scams for items you sold online like that kayak you listed last week.
- Urgent requests for Bitcoin, gift cards, or mailing cash.
- Coaching on what to say to your bank teller (yes, that’s a red flag!).
If any of this sounds familiar, stop and talk to us. We’re trained to spot these scams and help you protect your money.
Think Like a Banker: What We’ll Never Ask
Inspired by the ABA’s Banks Never Ask That campaign, here’s a quick quiz:
Would your bank ever ask you to…
- Send your account info via text? Nope.
- Share your PIN over the phone? Never.
- Pay with gift cards to “fix” a problem? Absolutely not.
If it feels off, it probably is. If you are in doubt, call us directly or walk into your local Rosedale branch. We’ll help you sort it out – no judgment, just support.
What You Can Do Today
- Talk to your loved ones, especially older adults and teens.
- Visit our Learning Center for more articles on fraud prevention.
- Follow @rosedalebank on social for scam alerts and tips.
Visit your local branch. We’re here to help, no appointment needed.