Security Alert: Beware of Fraud Alert Scam
Protecting your finances is our top priority. We want to make sure you know about a sophisticated new scam involving fake fraud alerts followed by high-pressure phone calls, and what you can do to stay safe.
We use advanced fraud-monitoring systems to keep your accounts safe. When our system detects a suspicious transaction on your card, it automatically triggers a real-time text alert asking you to approve or deny it. Unfortunately, scammers are pretending to be a part of our security system.
How the Scam Works
The Fake Alert: A fraudster obtains your card details and attempts an unauthorized transaction. This triggers an automated text alert from our system to your mobile phone asking if you recognize the charge.
The Trap: Because you know you didn't make the purchase, your natural instinct is to reply "Deny" or ignore the text.
The Phone Call: Right around the time you receive the text (or shortly after), you receive a phone call from someone claiming to be from our Fraud Department. They sound professional, urgent, and may even spoof our official phone number on your caller ID so it looks legitimate.
The Pressure: The caller claims they are "helping you fix the problem." They pressure you, panic you, or try to convince you that you must approve a new transaction, move your money, or read them a verification code to "stop the fraud" or "reverse the charges."
The Reality: The person on the phone is the fraudster. They initiated the fake transaction specifically to trigger that text alert, hoping to trick you into lowering your guard so they can manipulate you over the phone.
Red Flags to Watch Out For
High-Pressure Tactics: Scammers rely heavily on panic. They will rush you, tell you there is an immediate emergency, or threaten that you will lose your money if you don't act right now. Legitimate financial institutions will never bully or pressure you.
Requests for Sensitive Information: We will NEVER ask you for your digital banking passwords, full card numbers, PINs, 3-digit CVV security codes, or any verification codes sent via text. If someone on the phone asks for these, it is a scam.
Caller ID Spoofing: Remember that fraudsters can fake caller ID information to make it look like our institution is calling. Never trust caller ID alone.
What You Should Do
If you receive a text alert for a transaction you didn't make:
Deny the transaction via the automated text prompt or freeze your card immediately inside your Digital Banking app.
Hang up on suspicious callers. If someone calls claiming to be from our fraud department and makes you feel uneasy, hang up immediately.
Verify independently. Do not call back the number that just called you or text them back. Instead, look at the back of your debit/credit card or visit our official website to find our verified customer service number and call us directly.
Stay Vigilant
Fraudsters are constantly evolving their tactics, but member awareness is our strongest defense. When in doubt, pause, hang up, and call us directly. We are always here to help keep your account secure.