Fraud Watch April 2026: Scam Waivers, FIFA Fraud, & Fake Investments

From fake World Cup tickets to bogus investment opportunities, fraudsters are finding new ways to target our community this summer. This month, we're breaking down three scams you need to know about - including deceptive letters circulating locally - so you can protect yourself and your finances.

Notice Scams

Several customers have received a fraudulent letter, referred to as a "Scam Waiver" or "Notice." This letter is not from BankSouth. If you have received or will receive one of these letters in the future, do not call the number listed or provide any personal or financial information.

What to Do if You Receive This Letter:

• Do not call the phone number listed on the letter.
• Do not provide your account number, Social Security number, or any other personal information.
• Bring the letter into your local branch so we can document it.
• If you have already called the number or shared personal information, contact us immediately at (706) 453-2265.

FIFA World Cup Scams

With the 2026 FIFA World Cup coming to Atlanta this summer, scammers are capitalizing on the excitement. Fake ticket sellers, phony merchandise shops, and fraudulent sweepstakes claiming you've "won" World Cup packages are already circulating.

How to Have a Positive World Cup Experience:

• Only buy tickets from FIFA's official ticketing platform or authorized resellers; if someone offers tickets via social media, email, or text at a steep discount, it's likely a scam.
• Watch out for fake World Cup merchandise sites; verify the website URL carefully and look for signs of legitimacy before entering payment information.
• Ignore messages saying you've won a World Cup trip or tickets, especially if you never entered a contest - these are phishing attempts designed to steal your personal data.
• If you're traveling to attend a match, use the travel and vacation rental tips above to avoid getting scammed on accommodations and transportation.

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Investment Scams

Investment scams promise big returns with little money and low risk, often involving financial markets, cryptocurrency, or coins. These scammers often reach you by hacking the social media account of someone you know (without that person's knowledge). They make posts claiming they invested a small amount and got a huge return, directing you to follow the profile of their 'expert'. If you see this type of post from a friend, reach out to them directly because their account may have been compromised.

How to Avoid Investment Scams:

• Resist the urge to commit to the so-called investment quickly.
• Research the investment program online with the person's name or company. Add on words like "scam" or "review." This is likely to yield possible red flags that it's a scam.
• Know your risk. All investments involve risk with no guaranteed returns. Never trust anyone who says an investment return is guaranteed.