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STAY ALERT DON'T GET HURT 

THE DO'S AND DON'TS TO HELP AVOID A SCAM

 

 

OVERVIEW

When going through your day, it's important to stay alert. POPA FCU is here to provide you with the red flags to look out for so you don't become a victim of a scam. From emails, to calls, to mobile payments we are here to cover it all. Below will be a quick summary of some of the items covered. In the event you have or had become a victim of a scam we outlined some steps to take. Please stay informed and remember — Stay alert and don't get hurt.

 

 

WHAT TO DO IF YOU FALL FOR A SCAM?

  1. Change your password if you clicked on a link and entered any personal information like your username and password into a suspicious site.
  2. Contact POPA Federal Credit Union by calling the number on the back of your card.
  3. If you lost money, file a police report.
  4. File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission or call 1-877-FTC-HELP(382-4357).

5 Red Flags

When going through your day, stay on the lookout for these five common red flag tactics scammers utilize in text, emails, and phone calls, in order to keep your personal information safe. 

NEVER CLICK LINKS

  • Never click links, especially if it prompts you to sign into your POPA FCU account. Scammers frequently use this method to steal your username and password. If you're unsure, visit the POPA FCU website by typing the URL directly into your browser or use your POPA FCU mobile app to log in. 

URGENT OR FEAR ENDUCED LANGUAGE 

  • Scammers may claim your account is in danger of closing or threaten you with legal action, but don't fall for their false sense of urgency tactics. These high-pressure messages are red flags- POPA FCU would never use those tactics 

INCLUDING ATTACHMENTS

  • POPA FCU will never send unexpected email attachments like PDFs. Be cautious of any misspellings and poor grammar, as these are common signs of phishing scams.

 REQUESTING PERSONAL INFORMATION

  • POPA FCU employees may need to verify personal information if you call. However, they will never ask for your personal pin numbers, passwords to online banking, instruct you to conduct cash withdrawals from your POPA FCU account, or request remote access to your computer. Never disclose information like account passwords, PIN, or one-time login code with someone who calls you unexpectedly even if they pose as POPA FCU employees.

PRESSURED TO LOG-IN OR SEND MONEY

  • Acting hastily when you receive messages pressuring you to log-in via a link or to send money via payment apps. Payment apps are just like handing out cash to someone. Never send money to someone you don't know or have never met in person.


EMAILS 

Emails can appear from POPA Federal Credit Union but be cautious! Everyone has an email, making them the most popular tool for scammers. Often, these bad actors pose as companies, even financial institutions. 

BE SUSPICIOUS OF LINKS

  • If an email urges you to click a link to verify your login credentials or make a payment, it's likely a scam. POPA FCU will never make such requests via email. To stay safe avoid clicking links in unsolicited emails. Instead hover over the link to check its true destination. If you're uncertain contact POPA FCU directly or visit our website by typing the URL into your browser. 

SCARE TACTICS ARE RED FLAGS

  • POPA FCU will never use scare tactics, threats, or high-pressure language to prompt quick action but scammers do. If you receive urgent demands, be on high alert. Regardless of how genuine an email looks, never respond with personal information such as your password, PIN, or Social Security number. 

BE SKEPTICAL OF EVERY EMAIL

  • Always view incoming emails as a potential risk to protect yourself from scams. Fraudulent emails can appear very convincing using official language, logos, and even similar URLs. Always be alert!

LOOK OUT FOR ATTACHMENTS AND TYPOS

  • POPA FCU will never send unexpected email attachments like PDFs be cautious of any misspellings and poor grammar, as these are common signs of phishing scams. 

PHONE CALLS

A common tactic scammers do to cheat you out of your money is by impersonating your credit union. Some act friendly and helpful while others try to threaten or scare you. Often asking for personal information or for you to send them money.

LOOK OUT FOR A FLASE SENSE OF URGENCY

  • Scammers know by including a false sense of urgency, you will act before thinking. Phrases like "Act now or your account will be closed" or "We've detected suspicious activity on your account" may be included. Never fall for their threats.

NEVER GIVE PERSONAL INFORMATION

  • POPA FCU employees may need to verify personal information if you call. However, they will never ask for your personal pin numbers, passwords to online banking, instruct you to conduct cash withdrawals from your POPA FCU account, or request remote access to your computer. Never disclose information like account passwords, PIN, or one-time login code with someone who calls you unexpectedly even if they pose as POPA FCU employees.

DON'T RELY ON CALLER ID

  • Caller ID is easy to change from the scammer's end. Always be wary of incoming calls even if your phone shows POPA FCU is calling, it could be anyone.

HANG UP- EVEN IF IT SOUNDS REAL

  • Stay safe by ending unexpected calls from POPA FCU, even if they appear to be real, and dial the number on the back of your POPA FCU card instead.

TEXT MESSAGES  

Phishing text messages are notable for tricking you into sharing your personal information like passwords, PIN, or social security number to gain access to your POPA FCU account. As long as you ignore and delete these messages, your information remains secure. 

THINK BEFORE YOU ACT
  • Acting hastily when you receive phishing text messages can inadvertently grant scammers access to your POPA FCU account and money. Scammers aim to make you feel confused and rushed, which is a clear red flag. POPA FCU will never use threats or high-pressure tactics to prompt a response.
NEVER CLICK LINKS
  • Never click on a link sent via text message, especially if it prompts you to sign into your POPA FCU account. Scammers frequently use this method to steal your username and password. If you're unsure visit the POPA FCU website by typing the URL directly into your browser, visit our SMS Text Messaging or use your POPA FCU mobile app to log in.
NEVER SEND PERSONAL INFORMATION
  • POPA FCU will never request your PIN, password, or one-time login code via text message. If you receive a text asking for personal information, it's a scam.
DELETE THE MESSAGE
  • Avoid the risk of accidentally replying to or saving a fraudulent text message on your phone. If you need to report the message, take a screenshot to share and then delete it. 

 

MOBILE PAYMENT APPS 

Scams involving payment apps like Cash app, PayPal, Venmo, or Zelle® are becoming more common as these platforms gain popularity. Once you click, it only takes a matter of seconds for the scammer to access your hard-earned money. 

BE CAUTIOUS OF TEXTS OR CALLS ABOUT PAYMENT APPS
  • Payment app scams often begin with an unexpected phone call or text messages. If you receive an unsolicited call or unexpected text, simply hang up and delete. Even if the message appears legitimate, always verify its authenticity by calling POPA FCU or the payment app's customer service number.
USE PAYMENT APPS TO PAY FRIENDS AND FAMILY ONLY
  • Payment apps are just like handing out cash to someone. Never send money to someone you don't know or have never met in person.
STAY ALERT WITH URGENT PAYMENT REQUESTS
  • Scammers may claim your account is in danger of closing or threaten you with legal action, but don't fall for their false sense of urgency tactics. These high-pressure messages are red flags. POPA FCU would never use those tactics.
AVOID UNUSUAL PAYMENT METHODS
  • POPA FCU will never ask you to pay bills via a payment app, or to send money to yourself. Scammers can "spoof" email addresses and phone numbers on caller ID to appear as POPA FCU. If you are unsure, reach out to POPA FCU directly by calling the number on the back of your card.

Who is Eligible for POPA FCU Membership?

Membership at POPA FCU gives you access to any of our convenient products and services, such as online banking, bill pay, direct deposit, and so much more. You also receive one vote during an election at our annual membership meeting.