---
title: What are social engineering scams? 
description: Learn how social engineering scams work, including impersonation, urgency tactics, and romance or job scams, and how to protect your account.
---

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# What are social engineering scams?

## Social engineering scams use manipulation and trust to trick you into sharing information or sending money. Scammers often pretend to be trusted people or create urgency to pressure you into acting quickly.

### **Common Social Engineering Scam Red Flags**

**1. Impersonation of bank staff:** scammers may pretend to be Panacea or another financial institution and ask for sensitive information. 

- They may spoof phone numbers, emails, or texts.
- They may ask for passwords, PINs, or verification codes.

**2. Urgency tactics:** fraudsters often create panic to push you into acting fast, such as: 

- "Your account will be closed."
- "Suspicious activity detected, act now."
- "You must verify immediately."

Urgency is a common tactic to prevent you from thinking or verifying. 

**3. Romance and employment scams:** scammers may build relationships or offer fake jobs to gain your trust, then ask for money or personal information. 

- Requests for fees, equipment purchases, or financial help are major red flags.
- Real employers and legitimate partners will not ask for money upfront.

***Important:** Panacea will never ask you for your password, PIN, or one-time verification codes. If someone does, it's a scam.* 

### **What to Do**

- Do not share any personal or banking information.
- Do not send money or gift cards to someone you just met or haven't verified.
- [**Contact our support team**](https://help.panaceafinancial.com/how-do-i-contact-support?hsLang=en) if you are unsure.

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