Would You Fall for This Scam? Test Yourself

Your phone buzzes.

“Illinois Tollway Alert: You have an unpaid toll. Pay immediately to avoid additional penalties.”

There’s a link underneath.

You drive on Illinois toll roads. The message looks official. And you definitely don’t want another fee.

What do you do?

1. Click the link and check the amount.
   B. Reply and ask for more information.
   C. Ignore the link and verify the issue through an official source.
   D. Forward it to someone else and ask if they think it’s real.

    

Answer: C.

If this one almost got you, that’s exactly the point.

Scams aren’t always obvious anymore. They can look like messages from financial institutions, government agencies, delivery services and companies you recognize. They may even reference situations that feel completely believable.

And scammers are getting expensive.

According to the Federal Trade Commission, consumers reported losing approximately $15.9 billion to fraud in 2025. Imposter scams alone accounted for more than $3.5 billion in reported losses.

So, how scam-proof are you?

Let’s find out.

Scenario #1: The Unpaid Illinois Toll

That first example isn’t random.

Illinois consumers have been warned about scam texts claiming the recipient has an unpaid traffic or tollway violation and needs to make an immediate payment.

The urgency is part of the trick. The goal is to get you to click before you stop and question whether the message is legitimate.

The safer move: Don’t click the link or respond to the message. Instead, go directly to the official website or contact the agency using contact information you’ve independently verified.

And don’t assume a message is legitimate simply because it appears to come from a local number.

Scenario #2: “There’s Suspicious Activity on Your Account”

You receive a text:

“Fraud Alert: A $487.23 transaction was attempted on your account. Was this you?”

You definitely didn’t make that purchase.

What should you do?

1. Reply “NO.”
   B. Click the link to lock your account.
   C. Call the financial institution using a number you know is legitimate.
   D. Provide your account information so the transaction can be canceled.

    

Answer: C.

Fake financial institution alerts are a common form of impersonation scam. The message creates an urgent problem—and then conveniently gives you a way to “fix” it.

Instead of interacting with the message, independently contact your financial institution.

If a message claims to be from Vicinity Credit Union and something doesn’t feel right, contact us directly using the number on the back of your card or the contact information on our official website.

Scenario #3: Your Package Can’t Be Delivered

You’re expecting a package when this arrives:

“Delivery unsuccessful. Please confirm your address and pay a small redelivery fee.”

Perfect timing. Or is it?

1. Pay the fee. It’s only a couple dollars.
   B. Click the link to check the tracking number.
   C. Go directly to the delivery company’s website or app and check your shipment there.
   D. Reply with your address.

    

Answer: C.

Package-delivery scams were among the most commonly reported text scams in recent FTC data.

And that tiny “redelivery fee” may not be the real objective. The fake website could be designed to capture your card number or other personal information.

When you’re expecting a package, that coincidence can make the scam particularly convincing. Skip the link and check your shipment independently.

Scenario #4: Someone From Vicinity Credit Union Calls You

Your phone rings and the caller ID says Vicinity Credit Union.

The caller says there’s suspicious activity on your account and needs you to confirm your online banking credentials or provide sensitive information.

The caller ID says Vicinity Credit Union, so it’s safe…right?

What should you do?

1. Provide the information since the caller ID says Vicinity Credit Union.
   B. Ask the caller to prove they work for Vicinity before continuing.
   C. Hang up and contact Vicinity CU directly using a number you know is legitimate.
   D. Stay on the line but refuse to provide your password.

    

Answer: C.

Caller ID can be spoofed, meaning scammers can make a call appear to come from a legitimate organization.

If someone unexpectedly contacts you claiming to be from Vicinity CU and asks for sensitive information, hang up. Then contact Vicinity CU directly using a number you know is legitimate.

Never let the urgency of a call pressure you into providing information you normally wouldn’t share.

Scenario #5: “Can You Send Me the Code?”

You receive a verification code on your phone.

A moment later, someone claiming to be helping with your account asks you to read the code back to them.

What do you do?

1. Give them the code since they’re already helping with your account.
   B. Ask them why they need it before deciding.
   C. Give them the code, then immediately change your password.
   D. Keep the code to yourself and end the conversation.

    

Answer: D.

Verification codes are designed to prove you are the person accessing your account. Someone asking you to provide one may be attempting to get past an account’s security protections.

Treat verification codes like passwords: don’t give them to someone who unexpectedly contacts you.

How Did You Do?

5 correct: Scam spotter. Keep it up.
3–4 correct: Pretty sharp—but remember, scammers only need you to act quickly once.
0–2 correct: Time for a fraud-defense refresh. The good news? Knowing what to look for is one of your best defenses.

Whatever your score, remember one simple rule:

Stop. Verify. Then act.

Scammers want urgency.

They want you worried about the strange transaction, unpaid toll, locked account or missing package.

Taking even a moment to independently verify what’s happening can make all the difference.

Think Something’s Not Right?

If you notice suspicious activity on your Vicinity Credit Union account or receive a communication claiming to be from Vicinity CU that doesn’t seem right, contact us directly.

You can also visit our Fraud Awareness resources for more information about phishing, text scams, card fraud, identity theft and impersonation scams.

Stay alert. Stay informed. And when in doubt, verify before you act.