Fraud Awareness and Prevention

Know the Red Flags

The most common types of scams will target you through fake emails, text messages, voice calls, letters or even someone who unexpectedly shows up at your front door. No matter which technique the scammer uses, here are 5 things to look for:

1. You’re contacted unexpectedly by phone, email, text, direct message or pop-up with a request for personal information or money. Never click a link or download an attachment from someone you don’t know. FAFCU will never text, email or call you asking for personal or account information.
2. You’re pressured to act immediately with an alarming phone call, email or text that plays with your emotions. Scammers may pose as an employee from a familiar organization, such as FAFCU and say there’s a problem that needs immediate attention. Do not act unless you have verified the person who has contacted you and the story or request is legitimate.
3. You’re asked to pay in an unusual way, like gift cards, bitcoin, prepaid debit cards or digital currency to resolve fraud. FAFCU will never ask you to transfer money to anyone, including yourself and will never ask you to transfer money because we detected fraud on your account.
4. You’re asked to provide personal or account information, such as an account verification code, bank account number or PIN. When in doubt, don’t give it out. FAFCU will never text, email or call you asking for an account authorization code.
5. Offered a free product or ‘get rich quick’ opportunity that seems too good to be true? Just like the old saying goes, if something sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Never cash a check for someone you don’t know.

If you authorize a transfer or send money to a scammer, there’s often little we can do to help get your money back, so remember the 5 red flags that signal a possible scam and stay alert for scams!