Protecting your account isn’t always as simple as ignoring an obvious scam. Today’s fraud attempts can look familiar at first, showing up as texts, calls, emails, or login pages that seem legitimate. That’s what makes imposter scams so difficult to spot.
By learning how these scams work, you can protect your account with more confidence.
An imposter scam happens when someone pretends to be a trusted person or organization. They might say they’re from your credit union, a government agency, a well-known company, or even a family member.
These scams often begin with an email, call, or text that feels personal and urgent. Once they have your attention, they may ask for information or action that could put your account at risk.
Knowing how these schemes can appear is the first step to protecting your account. Here are four examples to watch for.
Fake Digital Banking Links
How it starts: A text or email warns about suspicious activity or another urgent issue with an account. The message includes a link to digital banking and asks for a login to fix the problem.
What happens next: If you click the link, you’re taken to a fake website that looks identical to your real digital banking site. After entering login details, the page may display an error or state that digital banking is unavailable, but your information has already been stolen and could be used to access your account.
Debit or Credit Card Alerts
How it starts: A text may appear to be a routine alert about a debit or credit card charge. The message asks whether the transaction was authorized.
What happens next: After a response is sent, a follow-up call may come from someone claiming to help with the card issue. They may ask for card details, login information, a PIN, CVV, or a verification code. With that information, the card can be added to a digital wallet and used to make purchases.
Phone Calls About Account Access
How it starts: A call comes from someone claiming there is an issue with digital banking, account activity, or a card. The caller may sound legitimate, and the caller ID may look familiar. Phone numbers can be spoofed, which means the number shown may not be the number actually calling.
What happens next: The caller may ask you to verify your identity by sharing digital banking information or a verification code. Once they have those details, they can use them to access your accounts and may even set up transfers to move money out.
External Account Opening
How it starts: A text or call appears to come from someone representing a financial institution. The request may sound like a routine security check, but the goal is to gather enough personal information to open an outside account, such as a Chime account, in your name.
What happens next: The outside account can be linked through digital banking. Because it’s in your name, the connection may not look unusual at first. Once linked, money can be transferred from your account to the outside account.
While imposter scams can look different, many use the same warning signs. Be cautious if a message, call, or email:
- Creates a sense of urgency or fear
- Asks for your digital banking username or password
- Requests your PIN, CVV, or full card number
- Asks you to share a verification code
- Tells you to click a link to fix an account issue
- Instructs you to move money to keep it safe
- Tells you not to contact your financial institution directly
If something feels off, it’s okay to stop and verify before taking action.
A few simple habits can help keep your personal information and accounts safer.
- Be cautious with any message or call that asks you to act immediately.
- Don’t click on links or call phone numbers in unexpected messages.
- Never share personal or account information with someone who contacts you unexpectedly.
- Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) on your accounts for added protection.
- Review account activity often and look for unfamiliar transfers, linked accounts, or card purchases.
- Talk to someone you trust before sending money or sharing information if something feels unusual.
If you clicked a suspicious link, shared information, or approved a transaction you did not make, take action right away.
- Contact Credit Union of America immediately.
- Change your digital banking password.
- Save screenshots, phone numbers, text messages, and emails related to the incident.
- Report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
Key Takeaway: Credit Union of America will never reach out to you by call or text to request sensitive information such as your SSN, account number, card numbers, or Digital Banking username and password. If someone asks for this information, do not respond and contact us immediately.
Imposter scams can be convincing, but a quick pause can make a big difference. If a message, call, or request feels unusual, take time to verify it before sharing information or taking action.
For more tips on how to avoid scams and scammers, including additional warning signs and common scam examples, visit our scam prevention guide.
LEARN HOW TO AVOID SCAMS
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