November 17-23 is Fraud Awareness Week

One of the best ways to fight fraud is to always be on the lookout for warning signs and red flags

Scammers are constantly evolving their strategies. Make sure you’re evolving how you keep your finances and identity safe. The best way to protect yourself from scams and fraud is to always be on the lookout for warning signs and red flags.

Text Message Scams

A scammer texts you claiming you have suspicious or fraudulent activity on your account. They provide you a link to a fake online banking login. Once you login, however, the scammers can now take over your account.
Tech Support Scams
A fake tech support specialist will contact you saying they need access to your device to fix a problem, but they’re just looking for access to your personal information.
Online Shopping Scams
Scammers love to set up fake online stores which require you to pay in ways legitimate stores would never ask. They don’t want you to pay with a credit or debit card because they don’t want you to have the protections offered by those payment methods.
Pay Yourself Scams
A scammer will contact you saying you need to transfer yourself money to resolve fraudulent activity on your account. Except there isn’t a problem, and they now have access to your funds.
Utility Shutoff Scams
A scammer claiming to work for a utility company will say your service is getting cut off because you’re behind on payments and demand immediate payment.
Catfish Scams
A scammer will create a fake social media profile to gain your trust and affection. They’ll then use that trust and affection to get you to send them money.

So many scams, so many ways to protect yourself

 
Seeing all these scams in one place can be overwhelming. But don’t worry, protecting yourself is easy as long as you stay vigilant and follow these tips.

NEVER Share Your Personal Information

This really is the most important step to keeping your finances and identity safe. Never give out your personal information to anyone contacting you. Instead, hang up, call back using a number you know is legitimate, and ask about the communication you received.

Take a Breath and Think

Scammers love to utilize fear to get what they want. A fearful person is often an irrational person open to manipulation. They want you to act without thinking. If you feel pressured, end the communication and call back at a number you know is legitimate to explain what you just encountered.

Abnormal Payment Requests = Fraudulent Requests

Our Fox Communities Credit Union (Fox) credit and debit cards come with fraud protections, which is why scammers request alternative payments methods (gift cards, money transfers, third-party mobile payment apps, etc.). Instead, hang up and contact the company the scammer was claiming to work for to alert them of the situation.

Don’t Answer Online Quizzes

See a fun-looking quiz or a post asking about your first car or your favorite childhood pet on social? Keep scrolling, as these are tools for scammers to gain info on answers to security questions.

Don't forget, we're your partner in all this

We’re here to help you with whatever you need. Have concerns about a call, text, or email you received? Feel uncertain about a payment request or threatening communication? Give us a call at 920-993-9000 or contact us another way, and we’ll do whatever we can to keep you, your finances, and your identity stay safe and sound.