Protecting yourself from Scams

Stay Informed and Secure Your Finances with These Essential Tips

Person online shopping with a credit card

STAYING SAFE IN A TIME OF RISING SCAMS:

At Journey Credit Union, we are committed to keeping your personal and financial information secure. Unfortunately, scams are on the rise, affecting many industries, including ours. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has warned of a recent increase in telephone, texting, and email scams aimed at stealing personal and financial information. It’s crucial for all Iowans to remain vigilant and proactive in protecting their data.

WHAT IS A CREDIT UNION IMPERSONATION SCAM?
Highlighted "Scam" in Dictionary
Credit union impersonation scams occur when a scammer convinces a member that they are communicating with a legitimate credit union representative. These scams can take place through email (phishing), SMS text messages (smishing), or live voice calls (vishing). Members may unknowingly share account numbers and other sensitive information with scammers, leading to potential financial losses.
RECOGNIZING AND AVOIDING COMMON SCAMS:
Person shuffling through checks

Imposter Scams:

Scammers pretend to be someone you trust, like a credit union employee, to gain access to your personal information or money.

Tip: Government agencies and credit unions will never ask for money or your financial information. Verify any request by contacting Journey Credit Union directly.

Online Shopping Scams:

Online shoppers may fall victim to scams involving fake websites, undelivered products, and stolen payment information.

Tip: Review refund and return policies before making purchases. Regularly monitor your credit/debit card transactions to catch unauthorized purchases early.

Check-Washing Scams:

In check-washing scams, scammers steal checks, alter the payee names and amounts, and deposit them fraudulently.

Tip: Collect your mail promptly and send outgoing mail from secure locations like the post office. If you’re away, have your mail held at the post office.

Prizes, Sweepstakes, and Lottery Scams:

Scammers claim you’ve won a prize and ask for money or account details to cover taxes or fees.

Tip: Genuine government agencies and sweepstakes do not ask for money or financial information upfront. Legitimate sweepstakes are free and based on chance.

Fake Check Scams:

Scammers send fraudulent cashier’s checks or money orders and ask you to send part of the money back.

Tip: Cashier’s checks can take weeks to verify. If a check amount is higher than expected, void it and ask for a new check with the correct amount.

 

IDENTIFYING AND RESPONDING TO SUSPICIOUS MESSAGES:

Journey South Branch

Be wary of any message asking you to click a link or provide personal information. Journey Credit Union will never ask for your PIN or other banking credentials through text, email, or phone.

Signs of a Scam Include:

  • Urgent requests for information
  • Spelling and grammatical errors
  • Requests for additional personal details 
 
If you Receive a Suspicious Message:
  • Do not click on any links or respond to the message.
  • Confirm your account status by contacting Journey Credit Union using the contact information on our official website.
  • If you have responded to a suspicious message, contact us immediately. We may recommend changing your online banking credentials and take additional steps to secure your account.
 
Together, we can stay ahead of scammers and ensure your financial security remains intact, providing you with the peace of mind you deserve as a valued member of Journey Credit Union.
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