Financial Institutions are reporting a noticeable increase in members who are targeted by scammers posing as their institution’s fraud department representatives. One of the most common scams involves fraudsters calling members, claiming there is suspicious activity on their account, and instructing them to give out personal information like debit card numbers and online banking logins. Although these calls may seem to come from a trusted source, they are designed to trick you into handing over your money. Here are some scam avoidance tips to help you stay safe. 

1. Recognize the Red Flags

• Unusual Requests: AmeriCU will never call you to ask for card information, online banking passwords or one-time passcodes. This is a major red flag. 
• Urgency and Pressure: Scammers often create a false sense of urgency, pressuring you to act quickly without thinking. Always stop to think “does this make sense”. 
• Spoofed Numbers: Fraudsters can manipulate caller ID to make it appear as if the call is coming from AmeriCU. 

2. Verify the Caller

• Hang Up and Call Back: If you receive a suspicious call, hang up and contact AmeriCU using the phone number on your statement or our official website, www.AmeriCU.org. 
• Do Not Share Sensitive Information: Never provide personal details, account numbers, or verification codes over the phone unless you initiated the call with a trusted number. 

3. Safeguard Your Personal Information

• Be Cautious Online and Over the Phone: Always be mindful of sharing personal or financial information unless you are certain of the recipient’s legitimacy. 
• Monitor Your Account: Set up account alerts to stay informed of any unusual activity, ensuring you can respond quickly if something seems off. 
• Enhance Security: Utilize strong passwords and enable multi-factor authentication for an added layer of protection. 

4. Report Suspicious Activity

• Notify AmeriCU: Immediately report any suspicious calls to AmeriCU’s fraud department. 
• File a Complaint: Consider filing a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) or your local consumer protection agency to help prevent others from becoming victims. 
• Spread Awareness: Inform friends and family about the scam tactics so they can be on alert too. 

5. Trust Your Instincts

• Stay Alert: If a call feels off or the request seems unusual, trust your instincts and verify the information before taking any action. 
• Never Rush: Legitimate institutions, including credit unions, will not pressure you to make quick decisions or request non-traditional payments like gift cards. 

By remaining vigilant and informed, you can protect yourself from scams. AmeriCU values your trust and safety, so always verify communications directly through official channels before taking any action. 

Remember: When in doubt, hang up and call AmeriCU using a trusted number. Stay safe!