Top Five: The Most Common Scams of 2025

Scammers never quit—and in 2025, they have become smarter with every trick in the book. From artificial intelligence to sneaky fake apps, fraudsters are finding new ways to target everyday bank clients. The good news? A little knowledge goes a long way in keeping your money and personal information safe. Check out the five most common scams of 2025 and how to avoid them.

1. AI-Powered Bank Scams

Artificial intelligence has made life easier in many ways—but it’s also given scammers a whole new set of tools. Fraudsters can now mimic human voices, write convincing emails, or even create fake “live chats” that look like real customer service. Imagine picking up the phone and hearing what sounds exactly like your bank representative, asking you to “verify your account” and provide security codes. It’s convincing, but it’s really an AI scam.

SAFETY TIP: Be wary of unexpected phone calls—even if the caller seems legitimate. When in doubt, hang up and call your bank directly (using the number on the back of your debit card or from their official website). A real banker won’t mind you double-checking.

2. Fake Bank Websites & Apps

Fraudulent banking websites and apps have become one of the most convincing online scams around. Scammers work hard to copy the logos, fonts, and layout of real banks, making it almost impossible to tell the difference at first glance.

These “spoofing” platforms are designed to steal your login credentials, which gives scammers access to your accounts within minutes. And by the time you realize something is wrong, your account has already been compromised.

SAFETY TIP: Always go straight to your bank’s website by typing the URL directly into your browser, not by clicking on a link in an email or text. And when downloading apps, stick to trusted sources like the Apple Store or Google Play.

3. Person-to-Person Money Scams & Wire Transfer Scams

We can all agree that peer-to-peer apps like Zelle® and Cash App are incredibly convenient, but scammers know this too! A common trick of theirs is pretending to be a buyer or seller in an online marketplace (sometimes called “marketplace scams”). Fraudsters will pressure you to send money quickly through payment apps or wire transfers, often with a story about needing it “right away” to secure a deal. Once you send the funds, the scammer disappears—leaving you without the item you paid for and no way to recover your money. In wire transfer scams specifically, the amounts are often bigger and harder to reverse, providing victims with little chance of recovery.

SAFETY TIP: SLOW DOWN before sending money electronically. Transfers should only go to people you know and trust—not strangers online. And if anyone pushes you to act quickly, that’s a red flag!

4. Fake Text Messages (Smishing)

We all get random texts. But in 2025, scammers have turned this into a common weapon. You might see a text message claiming there’s an urgent issue with your account: “Suspicious activity detected. Confirm your details now.” This text scam usually includes a link that sends you to a fake website or connects you to a fraudulent “customer service” line. The cyber criminal’s goal is to make you panic and act without thinking.

SAFETY TIP: Never click on links in unsolicited text messages. Instead, log into your mobile banking app directly or call your bank’s official phone number to confirm the legitimacy of a text message.

5. Check Fraud & Deposit Scams

It may sound old-fashioned, but counterfeit check scams are still going strong. Fraudsters send you a check that looks real and ask you to deposit it. Then, they request you send part of the money back to them for some “urgent” reason. The check may show as deposited at first, however it eventually bounces days later. This leaves you responsible for the full amount.

SAFETY TIP: Don’t accept checks from unknown parties, and avoid sending funds back until the check has fully cleared—even if the funds initially appear available in your bank account.

Academy Bank Safety Highlights

Scammers may be clever, BUT SO ARE WE. At Academy Bank, we take fraud prevention seriously and use a variety of safeguards:

• We use fraud detection systems to spot fake websites and suspicious activity before it reaches you.
• Our specialized fraud protection team works around the clock to monitor and respond to threats.
• We organize local events at our banking centers to help clients recognize and avoid bank fraud.
• Our technology platforms have advanced security features and verification methods to keep your accounts safe.
• We offer online tools and educational resources to help you stay informed about cybersecurity.

How to Report Scams to Academy Bank

If something feels off, it probably is. Contact Academy Bank right away. Here’s how:

• OPTION 1: Log into Mobile* or Online Banking, then send us a secure message through the chat feature.
• OPTION 2: Head to academybank.com and select the chat icon in the bottom right corner. Ask to speak to a banker, available Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM Central Time; AND Saturday 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM Central Time.
• OPTION 3: Call the Academy Bank Client Care line at 877-712-2265, Monday through Friday 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM Central Time.
• OPTION 4: Visit your local Academy Bank branch and work with a personal banker to report fraud. (Find Banks Near Me).

Remember, online safety means financial safety. Stay alert and be ready to take action when something seems unusual!

 

CYBERSECURITY EDUCATION: Scams & Fraud; Preventing ID Theft; Reporting ID Theft; Fraud Alerts & Freezes; Mobile Security Tips; Visa Card Security.

FRAUD-SPECIFIC RESOURCES: Crypto Scams; Phone Scams; Phishing Emails; Text Message Scams; SIM Swap Scams; Payday Loan Scams; Business Fraud; Holiday Season Scams; Pig-Butchering Scams; Elder Financial Abuse; Tax Season Scams.