In today's digital age, scams have become more and more common with the advancement of technology. Scammers take advantage of channels like email, text, and phone calls to target unsuspecting individuals. The best way to safeguard your finances is to stay up-to-date with common scams and remain vigilant. Discover our fraud prevention tips below:
Don’t respond: Exercise caution when you aren’t familiar with the source of a call, email or text. Hang up the phone, refrain from clicking on any links, and avoid responding to suspicious messages.
Don’t trust caller ID: Even if the caller ID appears legitimate, end suspicious calls immediately. Phone numbers can be easily spoofed to appear as if they are from a legitimate, trustworthy caller.
Safeguard personal information: Never disclose personal identifying information unless you’re absolutely certain the request is legitimate. Remember: Associated Credit Union of Texas will never ask you
to send us personal information such as an account number, online banking username and/or password(s), Social Security number, or Tax ID over text, email, or online. Be extremely cautious in providing any personal information over the phone.
Reminder: you must opt-in to receive Fraud Alert text messages regarding potentially fraudulent transactions. If you have not opted in, be cautious of any text messages claiming fraudulent activity. Contact the organization directly through their official phone number to verify any potentially fraudulent transactions or text messages.
Verify requests: If an individual or organization seems suspicious, ensure the request is genuine by ending the call and contacting the organization through their official phone number.
Common Scams and Warning Signs:
- Unsolicited texts requesting authorization for purchases or large transfers.
- Requests for online banking usernames and passwords. Remember, ACU of Texas will never ask for this.
- Appeals to purchase gift cards and provide codes as a form of payment.
- Strangers asking you to cash a check, deposit a check or send money via wire transfer or Zelle.
- Overpayment checks for something that you’re selling, followed by requests to transfer the excess amount to another account.
Threats of legal action or attempts to undermine your trust in your financial institution.
