As fraud rises nationwide, safeguarding your financial security has never been more crucial. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) reported that over $10 billion was lost to fraud in 2023, a 14% increase from the previous year. Rest assured, we are committed to keeping you safe.
October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month, and while we are vigilant year-round in monitoring and anticipating fraud trends, your awareness and caution are equally vital. Here are some prevalent scams and what you can do to protect your money and yourself.
SCAM: Skimming occurs when criminals illegally install devices on or inside ATMs, point-of-sale (POS) terminals and fuel pumps, machines that capture your card data and record your PIN entries. Once the data is captured, scammers create counterfeit payment cards to make unauthorized purchases or withdraw funds from victims’ accounts.
Protect Yourself: To safeguard your information, always inspect card readers before using them and report any suspicious devices or activities to the business, our Member Services at 765-453-4020 or 800-999-5894 and the FALCON Fraud Alert Callback Number at 888-241-2440.
SCAM: Phishing occurs when criminals attempt to trick individuals into sharing personal information such as login credentials, credit card numbers or other sensitive data. Scammers pretend to be reliable sources through emails, text messages or even phone calls.
Protect Yourself: Check the email address or phone number for inconsistencies or slight tmisspellings. Scammers often use “Dear Customer” instead of your actual name, and be cautious of messages that create a sense of urgency or fear, urging you to act immediately.
SCAM: Heart-related scams…now stick with us on this one. With elder or romance fraud, scammers target individuals who are elderly or may be looking for love. These fraudsters call grandparents, pretending to be grandchildren in need of money or will pretend to fall in love with victims to win their trust and steal their cash. This is often one of the most difficult scams to detect because the scammers get us thinking with our hearts and not our heads.
Protect Yourself: Report it! These scams often go unreported because victims feel ashamed, but there is nothing to be embarrassed about. Scammers are practiced at taking advantage, so don’t let them get away with their nonsense.
For more detailed advice on protecting yourself, visit our Scams & ID Theft page. Remember, we will never contact you by phone or email asking for passwords, your full debit card number or secure access codes.
Together, we can combat fraud and protect our community. If you suspect any suspicious activity, please contact our Member Service Team at 765-453-4020 or 800-999-5894 or stop by either of our branches. Your vigilance and partnership in this effort are greatly appreciated.
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