Southland News

Fraud is hitting closer to home than many people realize. We’re seeing more Members targeted by scams that can lead to real financial loss. The good news is, being aware of what’s out there is one of the best ways to protect yourself.

Here are five common scams we’re seeing right now and what you can do to avoid them.

1. Phishing scams

Scammers send fake emails, texts or calls pretending to be your credit union, a delivery service or government agency. They try to trick you into sharing personal information or clicking on a link to gain access to your account. 

How to protect yourself:

Don’t click on unknown links or give out personal information unless you initiate the contact. If it feels suspicious, call us directly at 800-426-1917.

2. Check fraud

This scam usually involves receiving a check and being asked to deposit it, and then sending some money back to the fraudster. The check later bounces, and you’re stuck covering the loss.

How to protect yourself:

Don’t deposit checks from strangers. If someone asks you to send money back, it’s almost always a scam.

3. Wire transfer & imposter scams

These scams involve urgent requests for money, often from someone pretending to be a family member, a utility company or a government agent.

How to protect yourself:

Always verify the story by contacting the person or organization directly. Never send money under pressure.

4. Card skimming

Criminals place hidden devices on ATMs or gas pumps to steal your card information and PIN.

How to protect yourself:

Use contactless payments when possible. If something looks odd or loose on a card reader, don’t use it.

5. Online shopping scams

Fake websites and social media ads can trick you into buying products that never arrive, or worse, steal your payment information.

How to protect yourself:

Stick to trusted retailers, and be cautious of deals that seem too good to be true.

Staying one step ahead

Fraud can happen to anyone, but a few simple steps can help you stay protected. Enable transaction alerts to keep track of activity in your accounts and add multi-factor authentication for an extra layer of security. If something seems unusual, take a moment to double-check. And if you ever spot a suspicious charge or message, contact us right away. We are here to help you stay safe.