In today's world, we all have to be on alert for fraudulent calls, emails and even text messages. Scammers are getting smarter and it can sometimes be hard to detect what is real and what is a scam.
There are a few things to always remember when you receive a call or any other type of communication that you’re not quite sure is real, especially when it comes to your financial safety. If you get a call, email, text, etc from a number or email claiming to be your financial institution, do not share any type of sensitive information. Sensitive information includes:
- Online Banking Login Info (username and password)
- Secure Access Codes to access Online Banking
- Debit/Credit Card Information
- Social Security Number
- Account Number
All of the information above are things that your financial institution should not be asking you for, especially not over the phone or through an email, to protect your identity and your money. If anyone requests this information, we recommend that you hang up and call your financial institution directly using the number commonly found on their website or in the phone book. If requests come in an email form, remember not to click on any suspicious links and do not reply to the email. If you receive any fraudulent communications from someone claiming to be your bank or credit union, please alert your financial institution.
If you’ve already given out sensitive information and are concerned that the call was a scam, or notice suspicious activity on your account, please contact your financial institution right away.
In any situation, if something doesn’t seem right, it’s always safer to contact your credit union or bank directly.
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