Stay Alert: Protect Yourself from Scams and Keep Your Information Safe
Scams are becoming more sophisticated, targeting people from all walks of life. At People Driven Credit Union, we want you to know that anyone can fall victim to a scam, and it’s crucial to stay informed and vigilant. While we may not always be able to recover funds lost to scammers, we are here to provide resources to help you take action and safeguard your information.
Common Tactics Scammers Use
Scammers often impersonate trusted organizations like banks, retailers, or government agencies. Here are some common scenarios to watch out for:
- Fraudulent Activity Alerts: You may receive an email, call, or text claiming unauthorized activity on your account and urging you to verify your information.
- Requests for Personal Data: Scammers may ask for sensitive information such as passwords, account numbers, or One-Time Passwords (OTPs).
- Urgent Payment Demands: They may pressure you to pay fees or fines immediately via gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency.
- Phishing Links: Emails or messages may contain links to fake websites that steal your login credentials.
How to Protect Yourself
- Be Skeptical of Unsolicited Requests: Legitimate companies like Amazon, your bank, or the government will never ask for sensitive personal information or passwords via phone, text, or email.
- Verify the Source: Always check the sender’s email address or phone number. Scammers often use addresses or numbers that look similar to official ones.
- Go Directly to the Source: Avoid clicking on any links if you receive a suspicious message. Instead, visit the company’s official website directly by typing the URL into your browser or using their official app.
- Monitor Your Accounts: Review your bank and credit card statements regularly for unauthorized transactions. Sign up for alerts to track account activity in real-time.
- Report Suspicious Activity: If you suspect a scam, report it to the organization being impersonated. For example, Amazon provides a reporting tool at amazon.com/reportascam.
What to Do If You’ve Been Scammed
Remember, you’re not alone if you’ve fallen victim to a scam. Taking quick action can help minimize the damage:
- Contact PDCU Immediately: If your PDCU account information has been compromised, let us know immediately. While we may not always be able to recover funds, we’ll work with you to secure your accounts and guide you on the next steps.
- Leverage the BBB Scam Recovery Toolkit: The Better Business Bureau has a Scam Recovery Guide Toolkit with resources to help you navigate the next steps after being scammed.
- Monitor and Protect Your Identity: To prevent further damage, consider placing fraud alerts on your credit file or freezing your credit.
We’re Here to Help
At People Driven Credit Union, we care about your security. If you have questions about protecting your accounts or suspect fraudulent activity, please don’t hesitate to contact us. Together, we can help protect you and your information.
For more information on how to keep you and your personal information safe, visit our webpage on fraud alerts.
Stay vigilant and safe!
