(COLORADO SPRINGS) — October is Cybersecurity Month, and with holiday shopping not too far away, now is a good time to brush up on your scam-spotting skills.
On Thursday, Oct. 2, Bree Shellito, Director of Financial Well-Being at Ent Credit Union, joined FOX21 Morning News to share what the top three scams are right now and what to look out for.
“The top one we are seeing right now is the AI voice scam,” Shellito warned. “The [other scam] is one using QR codes… and another one we are seeing a lot is [free trial scams.]”
Shellito explained how the scams work and provided tips on how people can protect themselves.
Courtesy: Ent Credit Union
AI Scams Sound Real → Call Back on a Trusted Number
How it works: AI voice cloning creates convincing calls. Panic and urgency (“I need money now”).
Defense: Hang up. Call back on the number you already know or find on a legitimate website.
Tips:
Caller ID is not reliable. Scammers can spoof numbers.
If you cannot reach the person directly, pause and check with another friend or family member.
Consider creating a family password to confirm emergencies.
QR Codes Can Be Fake → Only Scan from Official Sources
How it works: Scammers place fake QR stickers over legitimate ones. They take advantage of our habit of scanning quickly.
Defense: Stick to official websites or trusted sources.
Tips:
QR codes became common during the pandemic, and scammers noticed.
Look for tampering, stickers, or peeling edges.
When in doubt, ask staff or use the business’s website directly.
Be cautious with pop-ups or redirects after scanning.
Free Trials = Money Traps → Watch Subscriptions & Statements
How it works: Free trials switch into auto-paid subscriptions. Small recurring charges meant to go unnoticed.
Defense: Review bank and credit card statements regularly and cancel what you do not use.
Tips:
Set calendar reminders before the trial ends.
Check app reviews and download counts before trusting.
Turn on account alerts for card-not-present charges.
Make daily account checks a quick habit.
For more tips and tricks to protect yourself from common scams, watch the full interview in the video player above.
