Credit Union Impersonation Scams
When a member is convinced they are communicating with Community Choice, either through email, text message, or a phone call, while really they’re sharing confidential account information with a scammer, this is called a Credit Union Impersonation Scam. These scammers are posing as credit union employees, spoofing Community Choice’s, and other financial institutions’, email addresses and phone numbers, and then use members’ personally identifiable information to gain the member’s trust before stealing account funds.
Scammers may use spoofing techniques to make it appear as though the communication is from the credit union so they can:
- Steal your debit/credit card information
- Bypass security protections and access your account online; and/or
- Solicit funds for fake payments
Community Choice will never contact you by phone, email, text, direct message or pop-up with a request for personal or account information. Never click a link or download an attachment from someone you don’t know, and be wary of scammers that may be spoofing the Community Choice phone or text number. Never give anyone your login information or codes sent by text or email. Please call us if you are unsure at 877.243.2528.
Credit Union Impersonation Scam Scenarios
A scammer will do everything they can to convince members that they are legit credit union employees attempting to assist you with your account. Here are some examples of how this scam might play out:
Typical Email or Text Message Scam Scenario:
Posing as a credit union fraud department employee, the scammer sends a spoofed email or text message to a member alerting them to suspicious debit card activity. Instructions urge the member to reply to the original message with account details, such as card numbers, CVC codes, PINs, or other online account credentials. This gives the scammer confidential information that they can use to make unauthorized charges, or to access the member’s account.
Typical Phone Call Scam Scenario:
Posing as a credit union representative, the scammer contacts the member using a spoofed phone number. This means the call will look like it’s coming from the credit union. The caller claims they need to discuss an important matter, but they must first confirm the member’s identity. The scammer is already on the credit union’s online banking website and informs the member they need them to provide the PIN sent to the member’s phone or answer security questions. Since the caller says they’re from the credit union and the number appears to confirm it, the member doesn’t hesitate to provide the requested information. This allows the scammer to use the information provided by the member to login to their account. The scammer proceeds to lock the member out of their account by changing the online banking password. The scammer then transfers funds from the member’s account to their own temporary account.
Report a lost/stolen card or fraudulent activity
For lost or stolen Community Choice Mastercard® cards, please call 877.243.2528.
If you believe your account is being used fraudulently, contact us immediately at 877.243.2528.
Additional scam alerts
- Microsoft is warning of a large scale fraud/scam using their name. Learn more
- There are things we will never ask you for. Learn more
Preventing scams
Community Choice Credit Union’s priority is to safeguard members’ data. We work hard to prevent, or quickly detect, fraud in all its forms – from counterfeit checks to unauthorized credit and debit card transactions. When fraud occurs, or is likely to, we will notify our members and work with them to close the account and rectify any loss to the member.
To help mitigate fraud, you should report any suspected fraud to Community Choice immediately. Here are some additional tips to maximize security.
- Use e-Banking and our mobile app to protect yourself. By using these e-services, you can monitor your financial accounts regularly for fraudulent transactions. Sign up for e-Alerts from Community Choice to monitor transactions.
- Receive notifications of potential fraudulent card activity quickly. Register for text alerts.
- Beware of phishing scams. Never give out personal financial information in an email or over the phone unless you have initiated the contact.
- Monitor your credit report. Order a free copy of your credit report every four months from one of the three credit reporting agencies at annualcreditreport.com.
Likewise, you can contact individual credit reporting bureaus:
Report fraud: 800.525.6285 or P.O. Box 105069, Atlanta, GA 30348
Order credit report: 800.685.1111
TDD: 800.255.0056
Experian
Report fraud: 888.397.3742 or P.O. Box 9532 Allen, TX 75013
Order credit report: 888.397.3742
TDD: Use relay to fraud number above.
TransUnion
Report fraud: 800.680.7289, P.O. Box 6790, Fullerton, CA 92834 or via email .
Order credit report: 800.888.4213
TDD: 877.553.7803