We live in a world of nonstop messages—emails, texts, pop-ups, and posts—all competing for your attention. Some are helpful. Many are harmless. But others? They're designed to trick you into clicking, giving, or acting before you've had time to think.

The good news is that with a bit of know-how, you can spot the red flags. One of the best tools? Knowing the buzzwords that scammers and shady marketers love to use.

Here are a few terms that should raise your eyebrows—and make you pause before engaging.

"Urgent" or "Act Now!"

This is a classic pressure tactic. Whether it's a fake delivery notice or a too-good-to-be-true investment "opportunity," anything that demands immediate action is worth slowing down for. Scammers count on you acting fast—so you shouldn't play into their hand.

What to do: Don't respond in the moment. If it's real, it can wait. Reach out to the company or person through official channels to verify.

"Congratulations, You've Been Selected!"

This phrase plays on excitement and ego. Whether it's a prize, a grant, or a mystery "reward," the truth is that legitimate organizations don't randomly pick people for money or gifts.

What to do: Ask yourself: Did I enter something? If not, it's likely a scam. Don't click links or share personal info.

"Risk-Free"

In finance, there's no such thing as a guaranteed gain without risk. Phrases like these are a huge red flag for investment fraud and phishing attempts.

What to do: Run it by a trusted financial advisor. If it sounds too good to be true, it usually is.

"Official Notice" or "Final Warning"

Language meant to scare you into action—like threats of account suspension or legal trouble—is a major manipulation tactic. Using this language, fraudsters often impersonate banks, government agencies, or utility providers.

What to do: Don't click. Instead, log into your account directly through the official website or call the institution to verify.

"Exclusive Deal—Just for You"

Scarcity is a powerful sales tool. But scammers often use this tactic to make you feel special—so you're more likely to act without thinking.

What to do: Take a moment to research. If the same offer pops up elsewhere, it's probably not so "exclusive."

Stay In Control

Manipulative messaging is designed to make you feel like you're missing out, in trouble, or about to score big. But you hold the power when you pause, think critically, and verify before clicking.

If you're ever unsure about a message, offer, or email—especially one that claims to involve your account—contact us. We're here to help.

Remember: When in doubt, throw it out—or check it out with someone you trust. Keep your money and peace of mind where they belong—safe and secure.