Stay one step ahead so you can protect your information!
Red Flags
The most common types of scams will target you through fake emails, text messages, voice calls, letters or even someone who shows up at your front door unexpectedly. No matter which technique the scammer uses, you may be:
- Instructed to not trust 1st Ed Credit Union, or to respond to questions in untruthful ways
- Pressured to send money
- Threatened with law enforcement action
- Told to purchase gift cards and provide codes as a form of payment
- Asked to cash a check for a stranger or send money via wire transfer
- Asked to deposit a check that overpays for something you’re selling, then send the difference elsewhere
If you authorize a transfer or send money to a scammer, there’s often little we can do to help get your money back.
The best ways to avoid being scammed
Don’t respond: If you’re not 100% certain of the source of the call, email or text, then hang up the phone, don’t click on the link in the email, and don’t reply to the text message.
Don’t trust caller ID or answer phone calls from unknown numbers: If you recognize the caller ID but the call seems suspicious, hang up the phone. Phone numbers can be easily spoofed to appear to be from a legitimate caller.
Don’t give out your information: Never provide any personally identifiable information unless you’re absolutely certain the person and reason are legitimate. Remember, 1st Ed Credit Union will never ask you to send us personal information such as an account number, Social Security number or Tax ID over text, email or online.
Research and validate: If the individual or organization seems suspicious, make sure the request being made is legitimate by calling the organization through an official number from their website or consulting with a trusted family member or friend.
If you feel you may have been a victim of a scam, contact us immediately.
Criminals are always looking for ways to get access to your personal and financial information by doing these things:
- They pretend to be your financial institution. Do not transfer money or provide any personal information to someone you do not know via a cell phone, text message, email, or any type of pop-up message. We will never ask you to do this.
You should never give device access or download any type of mobile app at the request of unknown companies or individuals.
Many scammers often pose as a legitimate company. Make sure to verify any emails or other requests for money using a number from a trusted source.
We want to help protect you, our members, against potential scams. The most common types of scams will target you through fake emails, text messages, phone calls, letters, or even someone showing up at your front door.
By having this information and knowing what signs to look for, we can help you identify potential fraud events before they happen.