Phone & Payment Scams Targeting Credit Union Members
We are seeing a rise in sophisticated scams affecting credit union members across the country. Criminals are pretending to be financial institutions by spoofing phone numbers, using real employee names, and gathering personal information from public records and data leaks.
These scammers may already know details about you and may sound legitimate — but they are not calling from your credit union. Their goal is to gain your trust, collect sensitive information, and convince you to move or approve money before you realize what’s happening.
How These Scams Work
Fraudsters may:
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Call from a number that looks like ours
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Use the name of your loan officer or staff member
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Ask for “verification” details such as driver’s license info, debit card numbers, or joint owner names
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Pressure you to approve or move money through Zelle or other payment apps
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Claim a transaction is “on hold” and must be released immediately
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In some cases, take control of your phone number through your mobile carrier so they can intercept calls and texts
Once a phone number is compromised, even calling the member back may no longer be safe.
What Somerset Federal Credit Union Will NEVER Do
We will never:
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Ask for your full debit card number, PIN, online banking password, or one-time passcodes
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Ask you to move money to “secure” or “safe” accounts
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Pressure you to act immediately
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Threaten account closure or legal action
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Ask you to approve transactions you did not initiate
What You Should Do
If you receive a suspicious call, text, or email:
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Hang up immediately.
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Do not click links or provide any information.
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Call us directly.
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If you believe your phone or account may be compromised, contact us right away so we can protect your account.
Your Security Is Our Priority
Scammers are becoming more advanced, but so are our safeguards. To protect our members, we may require additional verification or in-person confirmation before releasing certain transactions.
This may feel inconvenient — but it is designed to keep your money safe.
If you ever feel unsure, stop and call us at 508-678-2851. We are here to help.
