Don’t Fall for Imposter Scams: Protect Yourself and Your Money

Scammers are getting smarter, and one of the most common tricks they use is called an Imposter Scam. In this type of fraud, someone pretends to be from a trusted organization—like Educational Community Alliance Credit Union, a government agency, or even a utility company—in order to steal your money or personal information.

How the Scam Works

  • You get a phone call, text, or email that looks official. The caller ID or email address may even appear legitimate.
  • The scammer claims to be from your credit union, the IRS, Social Security, or another well-known group.
  • They often create urgency or fear—saying your account has been locked, you owe money, or your benefits will stop.
  • They’ll ask you to provide personal details (like your Social Security number, online banking login, or debit card number) or to send money immediately, often through gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency. 

Red Flags to Watch For

  • Anyone asking for your password, PIN, or one-time code—Educational Community Alliance Credit Union will never do this.
  • Being pressured to act right away without time to think.
  • Requests for unusual payment methods (gift cards, wire transfers, prepaid debit cards, or cryptocurrency).
  • Messages or calls that come out of the blue and threaten dire consequences if you don’t comply.

What to Do If You’re Contacted

  1. Pause and don’t respond right away. Scammers rely on panic.
  2. Verify independently. If someone says they’re from your credit union or another agency, hang up and call the official phone number listed on your statement or on the organization’s website.
  3. Do not click links in suspicious emails or texts. They can install malware or take you to fake websites.
  4. Report the attempt. If it claims to be from Educational Community Alliance Credit Union, call us directly so we can make sure your account is safe. 

Remember

Educational Community Alliance Credit Union will never call, text, or email asking for your login credentials, PIN, or full account numbers. If you ever feel unsure, stop and check with us—we’re here to protect you.

Posted by Maggie Latham in Fraud & Scams, Uncategorized.