Recognize the Warning Signs to Avoid Imposter Scams

Phishing occurs when a fraudster tries to get your information via an email or website.

Their tactics can include:

• Sending you an email that requires you to click on the link or open an attachment.
• Receiving alarming messages saying your bill is past due or your account will be suspended unless you take immediate action.
• Receiving unexpected messages that have typos or misspellings.

Vishing happens when:

• A fraudster attempts to steal your information over the phone by pretending to call from a trusted source, such as your financial institution, and sending false or ‘spoofed’ information to your caller ID display to get you to answer the call.
• Asking for personal information for verification purposes. Christian Financial Credit Union will never contact you asking for your account number, social security number, debit card number, or online banking credentials.

Smishing involves text messages from the fraudster, which can include:

• A text message prompts you to click on a link. By clicking the link, fraudsters could install malware on your device.
• A text message about a past due bill or a fraudulent purchase where you need to click on a link to take immediate action.

Here are the most important steps that you can take to avoid falling victim to these scams:

If you were not expecting the call or text, hang up the call or ignore the text message. Do not answer calls from unknown numbers.

NEVER give personal or account information to anyone calling you, even if the caller states that it is for verification purposes. Personal information should only be provided to companies that you have called or initiated contact with. Christian Financial Credit Union will never contact you asking for your account number, social security number, debit card number, or online banking credentials.

Do not share your usernames or passwords with family, friends, employers, lenders, or financial companies offering to help you manage your accounts. Christian Financial Credit Union will never call, text, or email you asking for this information if you did not initiate the call first.

If the person contacting you says there is a problem that must be resolved immediately, hang up and call the company back at a trusted phone number from your account statement or mailed correspondence. Do not call phone numbers provided in text messages. Fraudsters often demand immediate action before you have time to think about what they are asking.

Never send money, gift cards, or deposit funds into a Cryptocurrency machine to be refunded for suspected fraudulent transactions. You will never have to send funds to be reimbursed if you are a victim of fraud.

Never agree to move money for someone, even if they promise a relationship, job, or prize.

If you think you might be a victim of an imposter scam, please contact our Member Solutions Center at 586.772.6330. Then, report it to the FTC at https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/#/assistant.

To stay up to date on the latest consumer scams, visit the Federal Trade Commission for more information https://consumer.ftc.gov/features/how-avoid-imposter-scams.