Fraud Prevention

Fraud Alert: Common Scams to Look Out For

Scammers are taking advantage of Credit Union West members, just like you. We're asking our members to be vigilant against fraudsters who claim to be from Credit Union West. Please be aware, we will never ask for your debit card PIN or your Online Banking password, especially through an unsolicited call, email, text, or message through social media.

To protect yourself from fraud:

Don't respond to unsolicited requests for personal identifiable information
Validate a person's organization by calling them back through an official phone number
Never click on unsolicited emails, attachments, or links until you verify the request is legitimate
Monitor your account transactions and set up notifications to alert you of potential fraud in Online & Mobile Banking

If you feel you may have been a victim of a scam, let us know immediately by calling toll-free at 800.621.0287

How to Spot Fraud

Common Scams

Select a scenario below to reveal the warning signs.

"I'm with Credit Union West, calling to notify you of a fraudulent charge on your checking account. We need your online banking password to verify your account."

🚩 You can spot this imposter when they ask for your debit card PIN, banking password, or other personal information to verify your identity. Please be aware, Credit Union West will never ask for your debit card PIN or your Online Banking password.

"I'm with the IRS. I can get your stimulus check to you faster for a fee." Or, "You need to pay a fee in order to cash your Stimulus Payment."

🚩 The IRS will never charge a fee to issue a refund or payment. They will never contact you by phone, email, text or social media to ask for verification of your personal and/or banking information.

"I can help you with errands, it's no trouble. I just need your credit card for your items." Or, "I can pick up your prescriptions and groceries. You don't need to leave your house if you give me your debit card."

🚩 Be cautious of anyone that asks for your PIN or credit card information so they can pay for your items. Or, ask for your personal information such as date of birth and social security number to verify your identity for the pharmacy.

"Glad I got you! You recently responded to one of our ads about purchasing our product. Would you like to place an order?"

🚩 Be cautious if you're asked to purchase an item you never heard of and to pay for it with a money transfer, gift card, PayPal, or Zelle before the item is received.

"Hi, the reason for my call is to see if you would donate."

🚩 You can spot this imposter who requests a donation to a charity that you've never heard of and you cannot find an official website.

"Grandma, I need your help. I need some money, fast!"

🚩 You receive a call from someone claiming to be a family-member or loved one asking for money to help with an emergency and instructions on where to send the funds. Don’t send money unless you’re sure it’s the real person who contacted you. Be sure to verify the story with your family-member or loved one by calling them from a saved phone number, email, or in-person.

"Your Social Security benefits are going to be suspended. You need to pay a fee to verify your checking account."

🚩 Spot this scam requesting a payment to verify your checking account or pay a fee to maintain regular benefit payments. The SSA will never ask you to pay a fee, especially by gift card, wire transfer, internet currency, or by mailing cash.

"We've detected malware on your computer. Let's get this fixed for you."

🚩 You receive a request from tech support claiming your computer has malware and they request payment to fix the for you. Be cautious of individuals who request access to your computer, especially if the request was unsolicited.

"Your email was randomly selected to participate in a drawing. Please send us your details."

🚩 You receive a request to prepay fees or taxes in order to receive a large prize you supposedly won.

"I can help reduce or eliminate your debt."

🚩 Be cautious if you receive a request for payment in order to establish a service relationship to pay, settle, or get rid of debt.

What you need to know To

Protect Your Information

Warning Signs

Know the red flags of fraud.

The best way to avoid fraud is to know the tricks scammers use. During a fraud attempt, you may be:

Instructed to not trust your financial institution (Credit Union West) or asked to respond to questions in ways that aren’t truthful
Pressured to send money
Told to purchase gift cards or codes, wire transfer, or mail cash as a form of payment
Asked to cash a check for a stranger
Asked to deposit a check that overpays for something you're selling and then send the difference elsewhere
Tempted to buy products online that seem too good to be true or are hard to find
Ask for your personal identifiable information

Practices

Develop secure habits.

To protect yourself from fraud:

Don't respond to unsolicited requests for personal identifiable information
Validate a person's organization by calling them back through an official phone number
Never share your Social Security number, PIN, Passwords, Medicare ID number, or Driver's license number
Never click on unsolicited emails, attachments, or links until you verify the request is legitimate
Monitor your checking account and set up notifications to alert you of potential fraud in Online and Mobile Banking

Report It

What to do if you are targeted.

If you feel you may have been a victim of a scam, let us know immediately:

If you received a phone call that may be a phishing scam, hang up and, if you are concerned about your account, contact us toll-free at 800-621-0287

or
If you have received an email impersonating Credit Union West that may be a phishing scam, forward it to info@cuwest.org and delete it

and
Report it to the Federal Trade Commission at FTC.gov/complaint or by calling 1-877-FTC-HELP

Security Alerts & Resources

Member Security

Find the right tools to better protect your information.

LEARN ABOUT Member Security

Online Banking

secure access 24/7