It’s a new year and if one of your resolutions is to avoid fraud and scams in 2026, we have 7 tips to help you!

Tip 1: When in Doubt Hang Up or Delete

This can help you avoid scammers who may contact you by phone, text, email, or social media. If you are unsure whether a call, text, or email is legitimate, you should hang up or stop responding. Then, contact the organization directly using their official phone number. For example, if someone claims to be from the D.L. Evans Bank fraud department, you can visit our contact page to find our official phone number or call your local branch for assistance.

Tip 2: Don’t Click

This tip is specifically for text messages and emails. If you receive a text or email with a link, do not click on it. Scammers are skilled at making their messages look like they are from official agencies, businesses, or delivery services. While there are ways to check if a link is legitimate—such as hovering over it with your mouse to see the full URL—we recommend going directly to the source. In other words, instead of clicking the link in the message, independently search for the website the email or text claims to represent. For example, if you receive a message from UPS saying they are holding a package and you are expecting a delivery, check the status using the official tracking feature on the UPS website, not through a link in a text message.

Tip 3: Don’t Give Out Personal Info

This one may seem obvious, but scammers can be very convincing. It’s important to know what banks will and won’t ask you. The American Bankers Association offers helpful information through their #BanksNeverAskThat, campaign, but a simple rule to remember is that banks will never ask for your PIN, Social Security number, passwords, or other personal information through unsolicited phone calls, texts, or emails. As a general rule, never provide personal information in response to any unsolicited phone call, email, text message, or social media message.

Tip 4: Think Before Downloading

There are many free apps that promise to make life more convenient, but some may actually be collecting your personal information. Before downloading any new app or program, think carefully and check what information it will have access to in your phone or computer’s settings. QR codes can also pose a risk, as scanning them can compromise your device’s security or your personal information. Always be cautious when scanning QR codes and consider whether using a convenient QR code is truly necessary.

Tip 5: Purchase Smartly

Scammers are becoming increasingly sophisticated, often creating fake emails, texts, and even websites that closely resemble those of legitimate companies, government agencies, or financial institutions. Always think twice before clicking on links, and pay close attention to misspelled or incorrect URLs when shopping online. For example, scammers might try to trick you with a website like www.bathandbdowrkoss.us.com, which looks similar to a real site but is actually fraudulent. Always double-check website addresses, especially when shopping online after clicking on a social media ad, sponsored search result, or pop-up ad.

Tip 6: Question if Something is Too-Good-To-Be-True

The old saying holds true when it comes to free apps, big sales, and similar offers: if something online seems too good to be true, it’s probably a scam. These types of offers often include countdown clocks or other tactics to rush you into making a quick decision, hoping you won’t take the time to think it through. Taking a few extra minutes to do some research can help you avoid losing money or having your personal information compromised. If you come across an offer, take the time to read reviews, verify that the company is legitimate, or search the company name along with the word “complaints” to see if others have had negative experiences.

Tip 7: Ask for Help

If you have any doubts about the legitimacy of a banking communication, contact D.L. Evans Bank directly using the phone numbers, chat, or video banking options available on our website. If you fall victim to a scam, don’t hesitate to ask for help. The FTC offers resources for people who have paid money or shared personal information with scammers. If the scam involves your banking, call your local branch or reach out to our Customer Service Team to see if they can help.

Avoiding fraud and scams can be challenging. Staying informed about the latest fraud trends and practicing safe online habits can help protect you. For a fun way to test your ability to spot and avoid scams, check out these resources:

• Better Business Bureau: Test Your Scam Prevention Knowledge

• American Bankers Association: Scam Quiz

• American Bankers Association: Scam City Game

• American Bankers Association: