Fraudsters are always looking for new ways to trick people out of their hard-earned money. As a trusted financial partner, AmeriCU Credit Union is committed to helping our members stay informed and protected against emerging scams. Understanding these threats and taking proactive steps can help safeguard your finances. Here are some of the latest scams and what you can do to avoid them.

1. AI-Generated Voice Scams (Imposter Calls)

Scammers are now using artificial intelligence (AI) to mimic voices with alarming accuracy. They may call you pretending to be a loved one in distress, claiming they need urgent financial help.

How to Protect Yourself:

• If you receive a call like this, stay calm and verify the caller’s identity.
• Hang up and call the person directly using a known phone number.
• Set up a family code word for emergencies so you can verify a real distress call.

2. QR Code Scams

Fraudsters are placing fake QR codes on public signs, restaurant tables, or even sending them in emails. When scanned, these codes lead to phishing websites designed to steal personal information or install malware on your device.

How to Protect Yourself:

• Only scan QR codes from trusted sources.
• Double-check the URL before entering personal or financial information.
• If a business or institution asks you to scan a QR code, verify it through their official website.

3. “Pig Butchering” Crypto Scams

This long-term scam involves fraudsters building trust over time—often through social media or dating apps—before convincing victims to invest in fraudulent cryptocurrency schemes. Once the victim has invested large sums, the scammer disappears.

How to Protect Yourself:

• Be cautious of online relationships that quickly turn into investment discussions.
• Never send money or crypto to someone you’ve never met in person.
• Research any investment opportunity thoroughly and consult a financial advisor.

4. Fake Job Offers & Employment Scams

Scammers are targeting job seekers with fake job postings, often offering remote positions with great pay. They may ask for personal information upfront or send fraudulent checks for “work equipment” that later bounce.

How to Protect Yourself:

• Verify job postings on official company websites.
• Be wary of jobs that require upfront payments or personal banking details.
• If you receive a check from a potential employer, verify its legitimacy with your financial institution before depositing it.

5. Subscription Renewal Scams

Fraudsters are sending fake emails and text messages claiming your subscription to services like Amazon, Netflix, or antivirus software is about to expire. They provide a fake customer service number, where they’ll try to steal payment information or install malware on your device.

How to Protect Yourself:

• Go directly to the official website of the service to check your subscription status.
• Avoid clicking on links in unsolicited emails or texts.
• Use multi-factor authentication (MFA) to add an extra layer of security to your accounts.

6. Spoofing & Call Forwarding Scams

Fraudsters are becoming more sophisticated with spoofing scams. The are currently conducting a scam where they impersonate legitimate phone numbers to appear as if they are calling from your bank, credit union, or another trusted institution. A particularly dangerous variation involves scammers hacking into phone providers and turning on call forwarding without the victim’s knowledge. This allows them to intercept verification calls and approve fraudulent transactions on your behalf.

How to Protect Yourself:

• Regularly check your phone settings to ensure call forwarding isn’t activated without your consent.
• If you receive a phone call from your financial institution that seems suspicious, hang up and call the number of the back if your card instead.
• Enable multi-factor authentication on your mobile carrier account to prevent unauthorized changes.
• Set up account alerts for both your phone, and your banking so that you receive notifications of any changes with your settings.

7. Peer-to-Peer (P2P) Payment Scams

Scammers are posing as financial institutions, claiming there’s an issue with your account. They may trick you into transferring money to yourself—only for them to intercept the transaction.

How to Protect Yourself:

• AmeriCU will never ask you to take money out of your account.
• Always verify requests for fund transfers directly with your financial institution.
• Enable alerts on your banking app to monitor transactions in real time.

Stay Vigilant & Report Suspicious Activity

Fraud tactics are constantly evolving, but staying informed can help keep you and your finances safe. If you suspect fraud or have questions about suspicious activity, contact AmeriCU Credit Union through verified channels (visiting AmeriCU.org and clicking ‘Let’s Connect’ in the bottom right-hand corner, or calling us) immediately. Our team is here to help protect your accounts and provide guidance on fraud prevention.

Want to learn more about financial security? Visit AmeriCU.org/membersecurity for the latest fraud alerts and safety tips.

Stay safe, stay informed, and always verify before you trust!