Halloween is the time for costumes, pumpkins, and a little spooky fun. But while ghosts and goblins are harmless, there are real “monsters” out there you should watch for: financial scams. Just like a haunted house, scams are designed to surprise you when you least expect it. Here are some of the most common schemes haunting the financial world — and how you can protect yourself.

1. Phishing: The Digital Disguise

Scammers send emails or texts that look like they’re from your bank, favorite store, or even the IRS. Behind the mask, though, they’re trying to trick you into sharing personal information.

How to avoid the fright: Never click on suspicious links. Instead, log in directly through the company’s official website or app.

2. Phone Spoofing: The Creepy Caller

Your phone rings, and the caller ID says it’s your bank or a government agency. But it’s a trick — scammers can spoof phone numbers to look official.

How to protect yourself: Hang up and call the official number on your bank card or statement to verify.

3. Romance Scams: Love at First Fright

Scammers build fake online relationships, then ask for money or gift cards. It’s one of the fastest-growing fraud tactics today.

Tip: Be cautious if someone you’ve never met in person asks for money — no matter how convincing their story sounds.

4. Investment Scams: Too Good to Be True Treats

“Guaranteed” returns, secret opportunities, or pressure to act quickly are classic signs of fraudulent investments.

What to do: Take a step back and consult a trusted financial advisor before committing.

5. Account Takeover: The Real Nightmare

Once scammers get your login details, they can drain accounts, open credit cards in your name, or worse.

How to stay safe: Use strong passwords, enable multi-factor authentication, and monitor your accounts regularly.

Stay Safe This Spooky Season

This Halloween, don’t let scammers play tricks on you. Stay alert, question anything that feels “off,” and remember — your bank will never call, email, or text you asking for passwords or sensitive personal information.

Takeaway: The best defense against financial “boogeymen” is awareness. When in doubt, stop, think, and verify before taking action.