February is all about love and unfortunately, that makes it a prime season for scammers looking to take advantage of trust, generosity, and emotion. At Aeroquip Credit Union, your financial security is always a top priority. Knowing what to watch for is one of the best ways to protect yourself and the people you care about most.

Here are some of the top fraud scams to be aware of this February and how you can stay safe.

Romance Scams

With Valentine’s Day approaching, romance scams are especially common. Scammers often create fake online profiles and build emotional connections quickly, then ask for money, gift cards, or personal information.

Red flags to watch for:

Someone professing love very quickly

Requests for money, gift cards, or cryptocurrency

Excuses for why they can’t meet in person or video chat

How to protect yourself:

Never send money or financial information to someone you haven’t met in person. If something feels rushed or too good to be true, trust your instincts.

Tax Season Scams

As tax season begins, fraudsters pose as the IRS or tax preparers to steal personal information.

Common tactics include:

Emails or texts claiming there’s a problem with your tax return

Threats of arrest or legal action

Requests for immediate payment

How to protect yourself:

The IRS will never contact you via email, text, or social media. Always verify tax-related communications directly through trusted channels.

Charity Scams

February is a popular month for fundraising, and scammers may exploit generosity by impersonating legitimate charities.

What to look out for:

High-pressure donation requests

Requests for payment via gift cards or wire transfers

Charities with little or no online presence

How to protect yourself:

Research charities before donating and give through official websites or trusted platforms.

Stay One Step Ahead

Aeroquip Credit Union is Your Partner in Fraud Prevention

We're committed to helping you protect yourself from fraud. If you suspect you've been targeted by a scam, contact us immediately at

517-789-2890 or at 517-789-2886 or visit your local branch. You should also report the scam to the FTC and your local law enforcement agency.

Stay vigilant, stay informed, and stay safe!