Scammers are master storytellers, spinning high-stakes tales designed to make you react before you think. They might pose as a desperate loved one, a threatening stranger or even a trusted institution. Their stories vary, but their goal is always the same: to create panic and pressure you into a quick decision, often one that involves handing over money or sensitive information.
Even the most careful, financially savvy people can be caught off guard when fear takes over. Because scammers don’t just lie, they make their lies feel real. The true stories below, from clients and friends within our very own community, reveal the tactics they use and the warning signs to watch for.
Stay alert, and we’ll show you how to protect yourself.
5 Real Scams People Have Encountered
1. The Desperate Phone Call
One afternoon, my grandmother got a call from a young man with a distressed voice. "Grandma," he said, " I’m in trouble."
The caller claimed to be my brother, stranded in Mexico with no wallet, no money and no way home. He needed her to wire him cash, fast.
Fortunately, my grandmother had just seen my brother a few hours earlier. She knew immediately it was a scam and hung up.
What makes this type of scam convincing?
- The caller sounded like a family member (artificial intelligence, or AI, voice cloning technology can replicate voices with alarming accuracy these days, making this even more believable).
- He used urgency to push for quick action.
- He heightened fear by making it seem like her grandson had no other way to get help.
2. The $10,000 Demand
A man walked into one of our branches, visibly nervous, and asked to withdraw $10,000 in cash. A teller casually asked if he had something exciting planned, maybe a vacation, a big purchase?
He hesitated. "I don’t really want to talk about it." That’s when we knew something was wrong.
After some gentle conversation, he admitted someone had called him out of the blue, claiming to know where his family lived. The caller threatened to hurt them if he didn’t send money immediately, and ordered him not to tell anyone, especially the bank.
What makes this type of scam convincing?
- The scammer triggered panic by threatening a loved one.
- He demanded secrecy, making the victim feel trapped and alone.
- By rushing the victim, he prevented the victim from questioning the threat.
3. The Fake Arrest Warrant
One Saturday, a bank colleague got a call from someone claiming to be a police officer with a local sheriff’s office. "You’ve missed a jury summons," the caller said. "There’s a bench warrant out for your arrest."
Alarmed but skeptical, my colleague offered to come to the station to resolve the issue. The caller’s tone immediately changed: "If you set foot on government property, you’ll be arrested on the spot."
Instead, the scammer claimed my colleague could “defer” the arrest by paying a bond over the phone. To make it seem real, he even faked (or "spoofed") their caller ID so it appeared to come from the sheriff’s department.
What makes this type of scam convincing?
- The scammer posed as an authority figure, which made the claim feel legitimate.
- He used verbal intimidation, making the victim afraid to challenge the demand.
- He manipulated caller ID, making it look like the real sheriff’s office was calling.
4. The Fake Arrest Warrant, Part II
As if one fake arrest scam wasn’t alarming enough, another bank colleague received a similar call. This time, the scammers went even further.
Just like the first story, the caller posed as a local sheriff’s sergeant, claiming she had missed jury duty and now had a warrant for her arrest on three misdemeanor charges. To add credibility, he used the name of a real judge in the community. Similar to before, he said she could either show up to the courthouse to be arrested or post bail, but when she insisted it was an error, he changed tactics.
Then came the escalation.
Showing sympathy, he told her to stay on the line while his "boss" called to help her understand the fraudulent jury summons. Moments later, another call appeared to come from the sheriff’s office. The new caller, posing as a lieutenant, claimed others had also missed jury summons, suggesting fraud. He warned she’d need to testify in a federal investigation but insisted she still had to comply with the warrant until that investigation was closed.
Then came the demand for payment.
The scammer pushed her to use a specific bail bond company, claiming it was the fastest resolution. When he asked if she’d pay by card or cash, she grew suspicious. When she questioned why it mattered, he became belligerent, insisting it was protocol. He offered to patch her through to the bond company, but she refused and asked for the number instead.
By then, she was certain it was a scam. Looking up the company, she found the real number didn’t match the one he provided. When she called the legitimate number, no one answered. Meanwhile, the scammer — who insisted she stay on the line —falsely claimed he had just spoken to the bond company and accused her of not calling.
As she continued pushing back, his agitation grew. When she mentioned consulting a lawyer, he snapped, wished her "good luck in court," and abruptly ended the call.
What makes this type of scam convincing?
- The scam involved two different voices, making it seem like the case was being taken seriously and moving up the chain of command.
- The scammers had scripted explanations for every question, keeping the conversation structured and official.
- They provided a fake number for the bond company, knowing most people wouldn’t verify it.
5. The Fake Bank Fraud Alert
A client received a call from someone claiming to be from their bank’s fraud department. The caller sounded professional. "We need to verify your identity to secure your funds," he said.
The scammer then asked for the client’s online banking username, password and even Social Security Number to confirm the account was still safe. When the client hesitated, the scammer pushed harder: "If we don’t verify this now, your account could be locked, and you may lose access to your funds."
Thankfully, the client was suspicious and called the bank directly. Of course, there had been no fraud; it was just an attempt to steal credentials.
What makes this type of scam convincing?
- The caller sounded official and professional.
- He used banking terminology to sound credible.
- He asked for highly sensitive information under the guise of security.
6 Steps to Take If You Get a Suspicious Call, Text or Email
1. Pause and breathe. Scammers rely on panic to get you to act quickly. If you feel rushed, take a moment to calm down and assess the situation before responding.
2. Watch for red flags. If the call, text or email is unexpected, question its legitimacy. In a phone call, listen for unnatural pauses or mismatched emotions; these could be signs of an AI-generated voice. In emails and texts, look for awkward phrasing, generic greetings, strange formatting or misspelled words. If something feels off, trust your instincts.
3. Verify independently. If you receive a suspicious call, hang up and contact the company, bank or agency using a trusted phone number, one you look up yourself, not the one shown on your caller ID. If it’s a text or email, don’t click on links or reply. Instead, visit the official website directly or call the organization to confirm if the message is legitimate.
4. Never share personal information or send money. No legitimate business will ever ask for your online banking credentials, PIN or Social Security number over the phone. If someone asks for wire transfers, gift cards or cryptocurrency, it’s a scam. These payment methods are nearly impossible to trace or reverse, making them a favorite tool for scammers to take money without a way for victims to recover it.
5. Be cautious with emergency requests. If someone claims to be a relative in trouble, confirm their story by contacting them or another family member through a separate phone line or method before sending money.
6. Talk to someone you trust and report the scam. If you feel unsure or pressured, ask your bank for advice before taking action. If you suspect fraud, report it to your bank, local law enforcement or the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). The more scams are reported, the harder it is for fraudsters to succeed.
Final Thoughts
Scammers are getting more sophisticated, but so are the tools and resources available to protect you. At Bank of Utah, for example, we have robust fraud detection measures in place to help safeguard clients’ accounts. But if the worst happens, we also provide Identity Theft Recovery Services free to every Bank of Utah checking account holder and their qualified family members living at the same address, including spouses, IRS dependents, parents and grandparents.
Remember, the best defense against fraud is awareness and action. Scammers constantly evolve their tactics, so knowing the warning signs can help you stay one step ahead. And, asking for help isn’t just okay, it’s the smartest thing you can do.
If you have any questions about fraud or scams or need to report something, we have a team of friendly bankers waiting to assist you.
Staci Olson has been with Bank of Utah for eight years and has worked in banking since 2015. As the branch manager of our Tremonton location, she enjoys building relationships with clients and helping them reach their financial goals. An active member of the Kiwanis International Club in Tremonton, she is passionate about supporting local youth programs and making a positive impact in the community. Outside of work, she loves spending time with her family and getting creative with crafts.
