Summer is meant for getaways, concerts, and time with family — not unexpected headaches from scams.

From fake travel deals to phishing texts and suspicious home repair offers, scammers often take advantage of the busy summer season. At M C Bank, we’re here to help you recognize these tricks and protect what matters most.

Read on to learn about common summer scams and how to keep your finances and peace of mind intact.

What scammers do: Send texts or emails posing as airlines, banks, delivery services, or government agencies claiming you have unpaid parking tickets or tolls, urging you to click suspicious links or provide personal information immediately.

How to avoid:
– Do not click links from unknown senders.
– Look for suspicious sender addresses or grammatical errors.
– Verify claims of unpaid tickets or tolls by contacting the agency directly using official websites or phone numbers.
– Contact your bank or travel provider directly using official contact details for any financial concerns.

What scammers do: Offer “free” or deeply discounted vacations requiring upfront payment, or post fake vacation rental listings with attractive photos and low prices to lure you into sending money.

How to avoid:
– Be cautious of unsolicited calls or emails offering “free” vacations or deeply discounted travel deals.
– Research travel agencies using the Better Business Bureau or online reviews.
– Use reputable booking platforms like Airbnb or Vrbo for vacation rentals.
– Never wire money or pay with prepaid gift cards for vacation rentals or deals.
– Use a credit card for bookings for additional fraud protection.
– Verify property addresses and check for consistent, legitimate reviews before booking.

What scammers do: Sell counterfeit or duplicate tickets for concerts, festivals, or sporting events.

How to avoid:
– Buy tickets only from official venue websites or verified resellers.
– Avoid purchasing tickets from social media or unverified sellers.
– Pay with a credit card for protection against fraudulent sellers.

What scammers do: Show up unexpectedly offering discounted AC repairs, yard work, roof inspections, or home services, then demand upfront payment and disappear without completing the work.

How to avoid:
– Verify licenses and check online reviews before hiring.
– Avoid paying the full amount upfront; agree on staged payments.
– Use checks or credit cards instead of cash for a clear payment record.

• Think before you click: Do not click on links in unsolicited texts or emails about unpaid parking tickets, tolls, or travel confirmations. Always verify directly through official websites or contact numbers.
• Use trusted platforms: Book travel and vacation rentals only through reputable websites, and research property addresses and reviews before sending any payment.
• Buy from official sources: Purchase concert and event tickets only from official venue websites or verified resellers, avoiding social media sellers.
• Verify service providers: Check licenses, reviews, and references before hiring for home repairs or yard work. Do not pay in full upfront and avoid cash payments.
• Use credit cards for protection: Credit cards offer additional fraud protection for travel bookings, ticket purchases, and large transactions.
• Monitor your accounts: Set up account alerts in your online banking to detect suspicious transactions quickly.
• Trust your instincts: If an offer seems too good to be true, it probably is.

Your financial security is our priority. If you believe you may have been targeted by a scam or need assistance protecting your accounts, please contact your local banking center today.

Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender.