Important Notice
Fraud Alert
AEC Unites is committed to protecting our members and the broader AEC community from fraudulent activity. Please read this page carefully if you have received a suspicious communication.
Important notice: AEC Unites has been made aware of fraudulent schemes in which scammers impersonate our organization, staff, or partners. We take these threats seriously and want to help protect our members and the broader AEC community. If you have received a suspicious communication, please contact us immediately.
Common Fraud Schemes
Be aware of the following types of fraud committed in the name of AEC Unites.
Fraudulent Employment Offers
Scammers posing as AEC Unites staff may contact individuals with fake job offers, sometimes requesting personal information or payment to secure a position. AEC Unites never charges fees for job applications or employment opportunities, and we do not make formal offers of employment without a thorough vetting process that includes a direct interview.
Impersonation of AEC Unites Staff
Fraudsters may create fake email addresses, social media profiles, or websites that impersonate AEC Unites executives, staff, or partner organizations to solicit money, personal data, or business information. Always verify the identity of anyone claiming to represent AEC Unites by contacting us directly at info@aecunites.org before taking any action.
Fraudulent Checks & Payment Requests
AEC Unites does not send unsolicited checks or wire transfer requests to individuals or organizations. If you receive a check appearing to be from AEC Unites without an established business relationship, do not deposit it. Contact us immediately to verify its authenticity. Fraudulent checks are often used in identity theft schemes.
Fake Charitable Solicitations
AEC Unites will never contact an organization asking for banking information in exchange for an unsolicited donation. If you receive such a request claiming to be from AEC Unites, it is fraudulent. Legitimate partnership and sponsorship inquiries always begin through our official channels at aecunites.org.
How to Protect Yourself
Follow these steps to protect yourself from fraud schemes targeting the AEC community.
- 1
Verify the sender's email domain — all official AEC Unites communications come from @aecunites.org addresses.
- 2
Never pay fees or provide financial information in response to an unsolicited offer or opportunity.
- 3
Do not click links or download attachments from unexpected emails claiming to be from AEC Unites.
- 4
Confirm any payment instruction changes by calling our office directly using the contact information on this page.
- 5
Report suspicious activity to AEC Unites immediately so we can warn the broader community.
Report Suspicious Activity
If you have received a communication you believe is fraudulent and claims to be from AEC Unites, please contact us immediately. You may also report fraud to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) or the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3).
Federal Trade Commission
Report fraud, scams, and bad business practices to the FTC.
reportfraud.ftc.gov