Avoiding Fraudulent Scams
Fraudsters usually prey on those most vulnerable, and during the COVID-19 pandemic, they are taking full advantage of those who’ve fallen on hard times. While the CARES Act creates more ways for Members to get financial assistance, it also creates more opportunities for fraud. Be careful if you receive any calls requesting personal information or if you receive checks or payments that you did not expect. To avoid fraudulent activity, you should:
- Be wary of any unexpected requests or requests from people you don’t know.
- Make sure you only send money to people you know.
- Search the business or phone number online using terms such as ‘complaint’ or ‘scam.’
It’s always best to be cautious and share your personal information only with people you know and trust and for valid reasons. If you can’t verify someone’s identity, then there is a possibility that you are being scammed for your personal information, your money, or your identity. It’s also important to remember that we will never call you and request your personal information.
If you feel uncomfortable with a request for money or personal account information, you can call us first! The FTC recommends talking to someone you trust whenever you have doubts. We have trained professionals that can help you identify any red flags.
An everyday way you can protect yourself is by verifying all transactions in your account were authorized by you. You can do this easily with our CardControl app by turning on transaction alerts for every time your cards are used. Looking for more ways to protect yourself? You can find tips under ‘Protect’ on our Financial Fitness page.