Guest column by Kinsey Hiett, Branch Manager, Spokane WaFd Bank
When people think of scams, they picture elderly relatives getting a suspicious phone call. But
the truth is, fraud can happen to everyone. Younger adults have reported falling for scams more
frequently than older generations. Whether you're 18 or 80, it pays to stay informed and know
there are resources in your community to help.
Here in Spokane, we have seen a few ‘sweetheart scams’. In most cases, the client truly
believes they are in a real relationship. The scammer slowly gains their trust before asking for
money or personal information. Our team has been able to stop large wire transfers before they
happen but each time we are surprised by how patience and convincing these scammers can
be. It’s really reinforced how important it is for us to have open, judgment-free conversations
with clients and keep spreading awareness about how these scams work.
Not only are they patient, scammers also create urgency, confusion, or fear—conditions that
make it easier for them to manipulate people into taking actions they normally wouldn’t. The
best defense is knowing the red flags.
Here are seven of the most common warning signs of a scam:
1. They pressure you to act immediately.
Fraudsters don’t want you to think. They’ll insist the matter is urgent—whether it’s your account
being locked, a missed jury duty notice, or a “limited-time offer.” Hang up, take a breath, and
contact the company directly using information from their official website.
2. The sender’s email address doesn’t look quite right.
Scammers often imitate legitimate companies. Look closely at email addresses, if something
seems off it’s probably a scam.
3. They ask for private financial information.
No bank will call or email you asking for your username, password, or verification codes. If
someone does, it’s time to walk away—or better yet, report it.
4. You weren’t expecting the contact.
Did you suddenly “win” a contest you never entered? Get an urgent warning about an account
you didn’t know had issues? If something feels out of the blue, it probably is.
5. They want unusual forms of payment.
Gift cards, cryptocurrency, and wire transfers are all red flags. Government agencies and
reputable companies will never ask for payment this way.
6. They “accidentally” overpay and want a refund.
This is a classic scam. A fake check gets deposited, looks real at first, and then bounces—after
you’ve sent money back. Don’t fall for it.
7. It seems too good to be true.
Job offers that require you to pay upfront, lottery winnings with strings attached, and
unbelievable investment returns all fall into this category.
If you ever find yourself unsure, don’t go it alone. Talk it through with a trusted friend, family
member, or someone at your local bank branch. A second set of eyes can help you spot
something suspicious before it’s too late.
And if you do fall victim to a scam, take action. File a report with the Federal Trade Commission
at reportfraud.ftc.gov, and visit their site for next steps and tools to protect yourself from future
harm.
A Few Simple Ways to Stay Ahead of Scammers:
- Block unknown callers and texts.
- Use separate email addresses for personal and promotional use.
- Create strong, unique passwords and consider a password manager.
- Verify websites before entering personal info.
- Keep your devices and software up to date.
At community banks like WaFd, as well as many other trusted financial institutions, resources
are available to help you stay informed and protect your finances. Whether it’s learning how to
spot a scam, strengthening your passwords, or simply having someone to talk to when
something doesn’t feel right, don’t hesitate to reach out. Staying safe starts with staying
informed—and there are people and tools ready to help.
Kinsey Hiett has been the branch manager at the WaFd bank branch on Division Street in
Spokane since May of this year.
