An 80-year old family member recently received a phone call with the person on the other end stating her grandson was in jail and needed bond money. Of course, they needed the cash wired to them immediately. Luckily, she was aware of similar scams. After asking a few questions that only members of the family would know, she told them to get a better story.
Experts say that this kind of fraud is far too common.
Being a victim of scammers can have long-term damaging consequences, so it's important to take steps to safeguard your finances and yourself.
First and foremost, trust your instincts. If it seems too good to be true or suspicious in any way, it most likely is a scam. Use extra caution and delete or confirm whatever it is.
Be sure to stay vigilant to protect your personal information. Only share your personal information when necessary. Personal information involving your credit union accounts, social security number or credit and debit cards should only be shared with trusted organizations.
Make certain that your passwords are complex and unique. Never use the same password across multiple platforms. A password manager can help store and generate strong passwords.
Unsolicited text messages, emails and phone calls asking for personal information or details are most likely fraudulent. Your credit union or any other legitimate company will never ask you to provide unsolicited sensitive information through these communication channels. Call the organization back directly or visit their website to communicate with them.
Remember to review your financial activity on a frequent basis. You can do this through your credit union's online banking site or mobile app. Immediately report any unauthorized or suspicious activity.
Visit our website to get updates on the latest fraud schemes. By staying informed, you will be able to identify possibly suspicious activity more easily and implement the necessary precautions.
Always stay vigilant in safeguarding your information. Report any activity involving your Bellwether account immediately by calling 1.866.996.9828.
