Spoofing Scam Safety
In today's digital age, scammers are becoming more sophisticated in their tactics to steal your personal and financial information. To help you stay safe, here's how "spoofing" works, along with valuable tips and red flags to watch out for.
Imagine you receive a phone call from someone claiming to be from the Bronco Federal Credit Union Fraud Department. They tell you there's suspicious activity on your account and urgently request sensitive information, such as your online or mobile banking login credentials, your full card number, and even your PIN. To make matters worse, they ask you to accept a "fraud alert" to approve a pending transaction.
Beware! This is a classic spoofing trick.
Red Flags to Look For
- Never Share Sensitive Information: Bronco Federal Credit Union and other legitimate organizations will never ask you to disclose sensitive information over the phone. This includes online or mobile banking login credentials, full card numbers, PINs, or one-time passcodes.
- Legitimate Fraud Alerts are for Verification: Real fraud alerts are designed to empower you to verify the authenticity of transactions. They won't ask for your sensitive information.
- Trust Your Instincts: If someone claiming to be a Bronco employee asks for information we already have, hang up immediately. Scammers use high-pressure tactics to create a false sense of urgency.
Staying Safe: Your Personal Responsibility
Your account security is our top priority, but you also play a crucial role in keeping your information safe. Follow these steps to protect yourself:
- Never share personal information over the phone unless you initiated the call and are certain about the recipient's identity.
- If a call makes you feel pressured or uncomfortable, don't hesitate to hang up.
- If you have any concerns about your account's security, reach out to us directly at 757.569.6000. You can also send us a secure message through Online24 or the Mobile Banking App.
By staying vigilant and following these guidelines, you can help prevent fraudulent activities and keep your personal and financial information secure. Remember, when in doubt, verify and trust your instincts. Your safety is our priority!