⚠️ Fraud Alert: How to Spot a Fake Purchase Email Before It Costs You

Every day, scammers are getting more creative—and more convincing. One of the latest tactics making the rounds is a fake purchase confirmation email, designed to look like it came from a trusted company like Geek Squad.

At first glance, these emails seem legitimate. They often include logos, order numbers, and even customer support phone numbers. But their real goal is simple: to create urgency, spark panic, and get you to act before you think.

Let’s break down how these scams work—and how you can stay one step ahead.

🎭 The Setup: Creating Panic on Purpose

These emails typically claim that you’ve been charged for a service or subscription you don’t recognize—often for a few hundred dollars. The message may say something like:

  • “Your order has been processed”
  • “You will be charged within 24 hours”
  • “Call immediately if you did not authorize this purchase”

That last line is the hook.

Instead of directing you to a legitimate website, the email pushes you to call a phone number. On the other end? Not a real company—but a scammer ready to “help” you cancel… while collecting your personal or financial information.

It’s less customer service, more digital pickpocketing.

🚩 Red Flags That Give It Away

Even the most convincing scams tend to leave a few breadcrumbs. Watch closely and you’ll often spot:

Unexpected charges
You receive a receipt for something you never purchased.

Urgency and pressure
The message tries to rush you into acting immediately.

Suspicious contact methods
Instead of sending you to an official website, it tells you to call a number.

Strange email details
The sender, recipient, or billing email may look unfamiliar or mismatched.

Formatting issues
Awkward phrasing, inconsistent fonts, or slightly “off” branding.

🛑 What To Do (And Not Do)

When an email like this lands in your inbox, the best move is a calm, controlled response—not a rushed reaction.

Do this instead:

  • Pause before taking action
  • Verify the claim through the company’s official website
  • Check your bank or credit card activity directly
  • Delete the email once confirmed as fraudulent

Avoid this at all costs:

  • Calling the number listed in the email
  • Clicking on any links
  • Replying to the message
  • Sharing personal or financial information

🔐 Build Your Fraud Defense System

Think of fraud prevention like locking your doors at night—it’s simple, but powerful.

Here are a few habits that go a long way:

  • Monitor your accounts regularly
  • Set up transaction alerts
  • Use strong, unique passwords
  • Be cautious with any unexpected communication

🤝 We’re Here to Help

If you ever receive a suspicious message and aren’t sure what to do, reach out to us before taking action. It’s always better to double-check than to deal with the fallout later.

At Aurora Policemen Credit Union, protecting your financial well-being isn’t just a service—it’s part of who we are.

Stay alert. Stay informed. And when something feels off, trust that instinct.