Advances in complex scams are everywhere. FVCbank is here to help you stay alert and keep your finances safe.
Have you ever received a frantic call from someone claiming to be a relative in trouble? An urgent text that appeared to come from your bank? Or an unexpected invoice landing in your inbox? If any of this happened to you in 2025, chances are you were targeted by a sophisticated scam.
Stories like these are increasingly common—whether it’s an elderly woman losing her life savings after receiving a distress call from her “grandson,” or a business owner unknowingly paying a fraudulent invoice.
According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the average financial loss per scam victim is estimated at nearly $10,000, contributing to more than $12.5 billion in total losses nationwide.
Since 2007, FVCbank has been a trusted financial partner serving customers throughout the Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia region. As a community bank, we combine advanced security technology with local decision-making and personalized service—so you always know who to call if something doesn’t feel right.
FVCbank offers a wide range of secure banking services, including personal checking and savings accounts, business banking with treasury management solutions, and fraud-prevention education through our online resources. You can explore additional tips on the FVCbank blog, including Best Practices for Mobile Banking.
Below are the top financial scams to look out for in 2026, along with practical steps to help protect your money, identity, and peace of mind.
AI-Generated “Deepfake” Banking Calls
AI-generated voices have advanced well beyond robotic or choppy speech. Today, scam calls can sound convincingly human, making them difficult to detect.
Warning signs include:
- An urgent or threatening tone demanding immediate action
- Requests for personal or account information without proper verification
- Requests for passwords, PINs, or one-time passcodes
- Unusual background noise or overly scripted responses
What to Do if You Suspect Fraud
- Never share sensitive information
- Hang up and call your bank directly using a trusted phone number
- Enable two-factor authentication on your accounts
- Report the incident to your bank and the FTC
Check out FVCbank’s Online Security and reach out if you suspect any fraudulent activity.
QR Code Phishing in Public Places
Once considered novelty technology, QR codes are now widely used for menus, payments, and promotions. Unfortunately, scammers exploit them by placing fraudulent codes over legitimate ones.
Protect yourself by:
- Inspecting QR codes for stickers or signs of tampering
- Scanning codes only from trusted businesses
- Previewing URLs before clicking and verifying the web address
- Closing your browser immediately if prompted to download third-party software
What to Do if You Accidentally Fall for a QR Code Scam
- Contact your bank immediately to stop transactions
- Change all passwords and place a freeze on your credit reports
- Notify the business where the QR code was located
Check out FVCbank’s Mobile Banking Best Practices to learn how to protect yourself from identity theft!
Fake Payment App Refunds
As peer-to-peer payment apps like Zelle® and PayPal® grow in popularity, scammers increasingly pose as individuals or businesses claiming a mistaken payment.
Red flags include:
- Requests to return money you never received
- Offers to let you keep part of the funds “for inconvenience”
- Requests to verify a refund by sending a small payment first
- Messages impersonating well-known retailers or online marketplaces
What to Do if You Receive a Suspected Fake Refund
- Never send money under any circumstances
- If you clicked a link or sent funds, contact your bank immediately
- Change your account passwords and enable two-factor authentication
Small Business Invoice Spoofing
Invoice spoofing targets small businesses by impersonating vendors or service providers in hopes of collecting fraudulent payments.
Watch for:
- Threats of penalties or service disruption if payment is not immediate
- Requests to change payment or wiring instructions via email
- Invoices from unfamiliar vendors or containing spelling errors
- Requests for payment through third-party apps
What to Do if Invoice Spoofing Is Suspected
- Verify the invoice by contacting the vendor directly
- Alert your internal accounting or accounts payable team
- Report suspected fraud to the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3)
Learn more about FVCbank’s Business Treasure & Fraud Controls.
Subscription Renewals & Auto-Pay Traps
Many apps and services require free trials or auto-renew subscriptions. While not illegal, these charges can quietly add up.
Best practices include:
- Reading all cancellation terms carefully
- Setting calendar reminders before trial periods end
- Reviewing monthly bank statements for recurring charges
How to Get Out of Auto-Pay Traps
- Use subscription-monitoring tools
- Contact the vendor directly to cancel
- File a dispute through your bank when appropriate
“Emergency” Text Scams Using Real Personal Information
Often referred to as “smishing,” emergency text scams use real personal details to create panic and urgency. Scammers may pretend to be a loved one, law enforcement, or a government agency.
Common warning signs include:
- Messages claiming to be from someone who does not normally text you
- Requests to keep the emergency a “secret”
- Unknown or international phone numbers
- Demands for payment using cryptocurrency, gift cards, wire transfers, or third-party apps
What to Do if You Suspect “Smishing”
- Never send money or provide personal information
- Do not reply to the message
- Contact the person directly using a trusted phone number
- Block and report the number as spam
If you are unsure whether a message is legitimate, contact FVCbank directly. Our team is always here to help.
Senior Safety Sidebar: A Special Warning for Older Adults
Scammers frequently target seniors by exploiting trust, fear, and concern for loved ones.
Important reminders:
- Banks and government agencies will never demand payment by text
- Requests for secrecy are a major red flag
- Always pause, verify, and speak with a trusted family member or banker
At FVCbank, we encourage seniors and caregivers to reach out whenever something doesn’t feel right.
Quick Reminder: Stop. Verify. Call Your Bank.
If you receive an urgent request for money or personal information:
- Stop
- Verify
- Call FVCbank directly
A few moments of caution can prevent lasting financial harm.
Fake Investment & Crypto Multiplication Scams
Scammers often promote “guaranteed” investment returns using fake endorsements or limited-time offers.
Be cautious of:
- Promises that sound too good to be true
- Pressure to act immediately
- Offers originating solely on unfamiliar social media platforms
How to Protect Yourself
- Research the investment or platform thoroughly
- Never share financial or login information
- Report suspected scams to the FTC
Protect Your Finances with FVCbank
While these are some of the most common financial scams expected in 2026, new threats continue to emerge. That’s why banking with FVCbank means having a trusted partner—not just an account. Contact us today to learn more.
