Protect Yourself from Fraud Scams!

Woman looking at phone suspiciously

In today’s digital age, scams and fraud are becoming more frequent and sophisticated. Understanding how these scams work and what you can do to protect yourself and your finances is essential.

Recognizing the Warning Signs

One of the first steps in protecting yourself is recognizing the warning signs of a scam. Be wary if you receive unsolicited communication asking for personal information or money transfers. Scammers may contact you via phone, email, or even social media.

Fake Financial Institution Representatives

A common tactic involves scammers posing as Financial Institution representatives. They may mimic the language used by genuine employees. Always verify the identity of anyone claiming to represent cPort by contacting the credit union directly.

Common Scam Tactics

Scammers use a variety of methods to trick victims into sending money. Understanding these tactics can help you avoid falling for them.

Requests for Payment via PayPal, Western Union, or Gift Cards

Scammers often ask victims to send money through services like PayPal, Western Union, gift cards or even cash withdrawals. These methods are difficult to trace, providing scammers with anonymity and making it harder for authorities to track them down.

Pressure to Act Quickly

Scammers create a sense of urgency to pressure victims into making quick decisions. They may claim that your account is at risk or that you need to pay immediately to avoid penalties. Remember that legitimate financial institutions will never rush you into making a transaction.

Encouraging Members to Lie

One of the more insidious tactics involves scammers advising victims to lie about the reason for their withdrawal. They might suggest telling bank staff that the money is for personal use rather than disclosing the true purpose. This is a red flag and should be reported immediately.

What to Do if You Suspect a Scam

If you suspect that you have been targeted by a scam, it is important to act quickly. If you receive a suspicious call or text, do not respond. Instead, contact cPort directly at 1-800-464-0253. Our fraud prevention team is ready to help.