Beware of Fake Credit Union Texts: How to Spot a Scam

Text scams, or “smishing,” are on the rise, with fraudsters posing as credit unions to steal personal information. Here’s what to look for and how to stay safe.

Signs of a Text Scam

• Urgency: Scammers try to create panic with phrases like “Immediate Action Required!”
• Suspicious Links: Fake texts may contain links resembling your credit union’s website but with slight differences.
• Requests for Personal Info: Legitimate credit unions won’t ask for account numbers, Social Security numbers, or PINs via text.
• Odd Phone Numbers: Scammers often use random or unrecognizable numbers.
• Typos or Errors: Many scam texts contain mistakes that a real credit union wouldn’t make.

How to Verify a Text

• Contact Your Credit Union Directly: Use the official number on their website, not any contact info in the text.
• Check Your Account: Look for notifications through your credit union’s app or website.
• Avoid Clicking Links: Don’t click links unless you know they’re legitimate.

What to Do If You Get a Fraudulent Text

• Don’t Respond: Ignore any instructions in the text.
• Report the Text: Forward it to Maine Family FCU at contactus@mainefamilyfcu.com or your mobile carrier at 7726 (SPAM).
• Block the Number: Block the message within the Messages app on your phone to prevent further messages from the scammer.
• Monitor Your Account: Watch for unusual activity as a precaution.

Staying Safe in the Future

Enable transaction alerts in Home Banking and Mobile Banking and stay informed on the latest scams. Remember, Maine Family FCU will never ask for sensitive information via text. If something seems off, please call us directly to verify. Staying vigilant can help protect your finances and give you peace of mind.