Protecting Yourself From Fraud This Fall
October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month, which makes it the perfect time to talk about something LVECU takes seriously year-round: keeping your money and your identity safe.
Scammers don't take breaks and fall brings its own wave of tricks. Here are a few making the rounds right now, plus how to protect yourself!
The "Classroom Supplies" Scam
Educators are especially targeted this time of year by fake requests for classroom donations or gift cards. Often impersonating a principal, district office, or even a fellow teacher, the message usually asks you to "quickly" buy gift cards for a student event or staff appreciation gesture and send the codes right away. If a request feels urgent and asks for gift cards, stop and verify by phone using a number you already know - not one provided in the message.
Fake Fraud Alerts
Scammers love posing as "your credit union" with a text or call claiming suspicious activity on your account, then asking you to confirm your PIN, password, or one-time code to "cancel" a transaction. LVECU will never ask for your full card number, password, or online banking code over the phone or by text.
Fake Tech Support and Retail Pop-Ups
Pop-up ads or emails alleging to be from software providers or retailers, such as Amazon, claim your computer has a severe virus or that your account was accidentally overcharged. They trick you into calling “customer service” and granting remote access to your device or instructing you to withdraw cash from your credit union account. Never provide remote access to your device unless you initiate contact through a trusted and verified source.
Three Habits That Help
Slow down. Urgency is a scammer's favorite tool.
Verify independently, using a number or website you trust.
When in doubt, call us directly at (610) 820-0145.
Staying alert is one of the simplest ways to protect your paycheck and your peace of mind. Visit our Fraud Prevention Hub anytime for more tips, and if something feels off, reach out. We're here to help!