Protecting You and Your Finances
Know the Signs. Stop the Scam.
Cybercriminals are constantly evolving and trying new tactics. It can happen to anyone, and it does. But you can keep your finances safe by staying aware and following a few simple tips.
Phishing scams often come in the form of phone calls, text messages, or emails—designed to trick you into giving up personal information. Once scammers gain access to your accounts, stopping them can be extremely difficult. That’s why fraud prevention matters.
Stay informed with up-to-date information and scam alerts at the Federal Trade Commission’s website.
Scam Prevention Tips
- Never provide sensitive personal or financial information to someone you don’t know personally.
- Don’t click on links in texts or emails from unknown senders—even if they look official.
- Avoid downloading attachments from suspicious or unexpected messages.
- Stop, Look, and Think before clicking on any links or opening files.
- When in doubt, don’t click.
- Contact Gather immediately if you believe your accounts or personal information have been compromised.
Common Types of Scams
Phishing
Scammers send fake emails or texts pretending to be from a trusted source—like a bank, credit union, delivery service, or government agency. These messages often contain urgent language like “Account Locked” or “Verify Now.”
Tip: Hover over links to preview the URL before clicking.
Smishing & Vishing
- Smishing: Text message phishing (SMS). May include fake package tracking or warnings about fraud.
- Vishing: Voice phishing. A caller impersonates a financial institution or government agency to trick you into revealing private information.
Imposter Scams
A scammer pretends to be someone you trust—like a family member, coworker, or even a Gather employee—and asks for money or private information. These often involve urgent or emotional stories.
Red flag: Requests for gift cards, wire transfers, or crypto payments.
Tech Support Scams
Pop-ups or calls claim your device is infected and direct you to call “tech support.” Once connected, scammers may ask for remote access to your computer or payment for fake services.
Tip: Legitimate companies don’t make unsolicited tech support calls.
Account Takeover
Once scammers have your login info, they can change passwords, reroute funds, and lock you out. This is why it’s important to use strong passwords and enable multi-factor authentication whenever possible.
Romance or Social Media Scams
Scammers create fake relationships online to gain your trust—and eventually, your money. These scams can happen over dating apps, social media, or even messaging platforms.
Warning signs: They avoid meeting in person, ask for money, or share dramatic stories to build sympathy.
What to Do If You Suspect a Scam
If you receive a suspicious message, email, or call:
- Do not engage.
- Take a screenshot or save the message for reporting.
- Contact Gather directly using a trusted phone number.
- Report phishing attempts to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov.
Remember: Scammers count on quick reactions. Take a moment to pause and verify.
Together, we can stay one step ahead of phishing and fraud.