Client Fraud Education

by COUNTRY Financial

With many types of fraud on the rise, it is important for you to recognize signs of a scam. Scammers use several methods to conduct scams such as phone calls, text messages, emails, and ads. These tips may help you avoid being the victim of a scam. Your security is important to us.

Four signs of a scam

1. Scammers pretend to be from an organization you know and may use technology to change the phone number that appears on your caller ID.
2. Scammers claim there is a problem and want you to verify personal information or claim you won a prize and request your credit card information to pay a fee to claim.
3. Scammers create a sense of urgency and pressure you to act before you have time to think.
4. Scammers insist you pay in a specific way such as wiring money, using a payment app or requesting you to put money on a gift card and giving them the numbers on the back of the card.

Common types of fraud and scams

Grandparent scam or Imposter scam

Scammers may call and pretend to be a family member (or another person you know and trust) who is in trouble and urgently needs money.

Romance scam

Romance scammers steal your heart, then your money. Scammers use dating sites and other social media to connect with potential victims, build trust, and then ask for money. Scammers use the power of emotions to convince victims to send money and always have a reason why they need more.

Phishing

Scammers often use shock value to try to scare or trick a person into giving them personal information. By providing information, opening an attachment, or clicking a link, scammers can access your computer and accounts, open new accounts or make purchases.

Fake charities

Scammers will try to extort money using charities that are not legitimate.

Inheritance scam or Sweepstakes prize scam

The victim receives a notice of an unexpected inheritance or a sweepstake prize. Generally, the victim must send money to collect. If it sounds too good to be true, make sure to investigate it before sending any money.

QR code scams

Scammers create counterfeit QR codes that lead to malicious websites or prompt the download of malware.

Tips to protect yourself

• Shred personal and financial documents when no longer needed.
• Block unwanted calls and text messages.
• Resist the pressure to act immediately.  Before you do anything, tell a friend or family member about the situation.  
• Report fraud or scam attempts that involve your COUNTRY Financial account to us and the Federal Trade Commission.
• Don’t click, forward or open suspicious links and attachments.
• Don’t reply or forward suspicious emails, texts, and phone calls that ask for personal or financial information and passwords.
• Don’t call phone numbers in suspicious emails. Always look the number up and call a known number.

Reminders regarding your COUNTRY Financial® account

• You will never be asked to provide cash to your COUNTRY Financial Representative or their staff.
• Checks should be made payable to the entity you are doing business with or its authorized affiliate. For example, COUNTRY Trust Bank®, COUNTRY Life Insurance Company®, COUNTRY Mutual Insurance Company®, etc.
• Checks should never be made payable to your COUNTRY Financial Representative or their staff.

Report suspicious activity on your COUNTRY Financial account to your COUNTRY Financial Representative or COUNTRY Financial at 866-COUNTRY (866-268-6879).

Updated 2-10-25