Fraud Prevention: How to Protect Your Information and Stay Ahead of Scammers
In today’s world, scammers are getting more sophisticated by the day, from masked phone calls and phishing emails to texts that look identical to the real thing. It’s easier than ever to be tricked into handing over personal information without even realizing it.
At St. Cloud Financial Credit Union, your safety is our top priority. We’re committed to protecting our members from fraud and the exposure of personal information. That is why we have gathered key tips, red flags and helpful resources to help you stay informed, alert and in control of your personal information.
What SCFCU Will NEVER Ask You For
Scammers often pose as trusted institutions, including your credit union, in hopes of tricking you into giving up personal information. Here’s what we want to remember — SCFCU will never call, text or email you asking the following:
Your account information
Your balance information
Your full Social Security Number (SSN)
Your account number or card PIN
Online banking login details (username and/or password)
Personal details like your address, email, or other account holders
If you receive a call or message requesting this information, hang up immediately and call us directly at 320-252-2634.
Common Red Flags of Fraud
Be on the lookout for these warning signs that could indicate a scam:
A call or message that feels urgent or threatening (“act now or lose access!”)
A request to confirm or update your account by clicking a suspicious link or an email attachment
Messages from unknown numbers or email addresses asking for personal info
Unfamiliar transactions or sudden card activity
Someone claiming you received too much money for something and requesting large amounts of money back from you
When in doubt, pause, verify and call us. SCFCU is here to help you, and it’s always better to be safe than sorry.
How to Prevent Fraud and Keep Your Information Safe
Here are a few tips and ways to stay safe and protect your information:
Don’t rely on caller ID. Scammers can tailor numbers to make it look like they’re calling from a legitimate source, even SCFCU.
Never give out personal, private or sensitive information (like your SSN, card number or online banking username/password) to an unknown caller or message.
Watch out for a false sense of urgency. If someone is pressuring you to act fast or you’ll “lose access,” that’s a red flag.
Avoid clicking on suspicious links. Phishing emails and texts often contain links that lead to fake websites.
Be aware of scare tactics. Messages that threaten account closures, legal action, or urgent problems are designed to make you panic and act without thinking.
Never open attachments from unknown senders. These can contain viruses that compromise your device and data.
Never send money via gift cards or bitcoin ATM. These two methods have become more commonly used by scammers.
Trust your instincts. If something feels off, hang up. Then contact SCFCU directly using a trusted number or stop into one of our branch locations.
How to Stay Safe With Mobile Banking
You have the tool right at your fingertips to help stop fraud before it starts. With the SCFCU mobile app — available in the Apple App Store and on Google Play — you can:
Instantly block or unblock your card
Set alerts by location, amount or merchant type
Limit transactions based on spending habits or geography
Stay in the loop with real-time notifications about card activity
Reporting Fraud or Suspicious Activity
If you think you’ve been targeted by fraud or noticed suspicious activity on your account, don’t wait, take action right away:
Stop by any of our five branch locations to speak with a team member.
Chat with us directly on our website for quick help.
Call us at 320-252-2634 to report anything unusual.
If the fraud occurred online, report it to the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3).
We’re here to help you stay protected, every step of the way.