Top Fraud Scams: How to Stay Safe

Fraudsters are getting more sophisticated every day and unfortunately, they are targeting people just like you. Here are five of the most common scams affecting credit union members right now and what you can do to avoid them.


1. Phishing & Smishing Scams (Fake emails or Texts)
You might receive an email or text message that looks like it is from Workers’ – warning you of suspicious activity or urging you to click a link to verify your account. Fraudsters often trick members into providing their online banking usernames which they then use with the “forgot password” feature which generates a passcode sent to you. The fraudsters pretending to be from Workers Credit Union fraud department then ask you to provide these passcodes allowing them to successfully reset online banking passwords.
- Workers Credit Union will NEVER ask for this code over the phone.
- Don’t click on any links in texts or emails
- Always log in through our official website or mobile app.
- If you are unsure, reach out to us directly. It’s always better to double-check!


2. Romance or “Emergency Help” Scams
Fraudsters build online relationships and eventually will ask for money, often saying it’s for an emergency or a once in a lifetime opportunity.
- Be cautious of anyone you meet online who quickly asks for money.
- If you are not sure, talk to someone you trust first – fraudsters often pressure you to act fast. 


3. Spoofed Phone Calls and Letters
Fraudsters are now spoofing phone numbers and letters – meaning a call might look like its coming from Workers Credit Union when it’s not or you might receive a letter from someone on fake letterhead. They will claim there is fraud on your account and ask for personal information, a verification code or ask you to withdraw cash and move to a secure account.
- We will never ask for your password, online banking information, debit card number, PIN, or a one-time security passcode over the phone.
- We will never ask you to withdraw money and place in a “secure” account or purchase digital currency, gift cards, or money orders.
- If you receive a suspicious call or letter, call us back at our official number located on our website/statement, or stop by your local branch.


4. Payment App Scams
Fraudsters may contact you pretending to be from our fraud department. They might say that your account is compromised and ask you to send a “test” payment using a money transfer app. 
- We will not ever ask you to send money to yourself or anyone else to “verify” your account.
- If something seems off, hang up and call us directly from the number on your debit card, our website, or from your bank statement.
- Remember money transfer app transactions are usually instant and irreversible – only send money to people you know and trust!


5. Fake Check or Overpayment Scams
Somone may send you a check and ask you to send part of the money back, usually saying they “overpaid” you by mistake. Days later, the check returns as fraudulent, and you are left responsible for the entire amount.
- Never send money back from a check that you were not expecting.
- Just because the funds show up in your account, does not mean that the check has cleared from the other financial institution.
- Talk to us before depositing suspicious checks – we will help you confirm if the check is legitimate.


6. Check Washing/Check Fraud
Check washing is a type of fraud where fraudsters steal a legitimate check, erase the ink (usually with chemicals) and rewrite the check to themselves for a higher amount.
- Use gel pens with permanent fraud resistant ink. Gel Pens (like Uni-Ball 207 or Pentel EnerGel Pro) are much harder to remove than regular ballpoint pens.
- Avoid leaving outgoing mail in your home mailbox if it contains checks or other sensitive information. Instead, drop checks directly at the post office.
- Fill out checks completely avoiding blank spaces (draw lines through empty spaces). Include cents even, if it’s “.00” to prevent alteration. (Example “One hundred and 00/100 dollars”)
- If you can, avoid mailing checks. If possible, use online bill pay or electronic transfers when you can. These methods are safer and faster.


Finally, if something ever seems off, give us a call or stop by your nearest branch. Fraudsters thrive on confusion and urgency. Legitimate requests will never pressure you to act immediately.