All the “ings”: Know the Signs, Avoid the Traps
Scammers don’t knock — they text, call, or email. At Complex Community Federal Credit Union, we understand the need to be able to identify and avoid these scams.
Fraudsters are masters of disguise. They use fake identities, spoofed numbers, and official-looking emails to trick you into revealing personal or financial information. Whether it’s phishing, vishing, or smishing, their goal is the same: to get your guard down and get your information fast.
What Are These Scams?
- Phishing involves fake emails or websites that look legitimate. They might say your account is frozen, or that you’ve won a prize — but they’re trying to get your login credentials or card numbers.
- Vishing (voice phishing) happens over the phone. The caller may pretend to be from your credit union, asking for account numbers or urging you to act immediately.
- Smishing (SMS phishing) is when scammers send text messages designed to make you click a malicious link or call a fake support number.
How These Scams Work
Let’s say you get a text that says: “Your debit card has been locked. Click here to reactivate.” It links to a page that looks just like your credit union’s site. But if you enter your information, the scammer has it instantly.
Or perhaps someone calls claiming to be from our fraud department. They sound calm and professional. They even know your name. Then they ask for your security code. That’s your cue to hang up — because we will never ask for that.
Red Flags to Watch For
- Unfamiliar phone numbers or email addresses.
- Messages that pressure you to act fast or face consequences.
- Spelling or grammar mistakes in emails and texts.
- Suspicious links or attachments.
- Requests for personal or financial information.
Tips to Stay Safe
- Pause and verify. Don’t click links or call back numbers in suspicious messages. Use official contact info from our website.
- Enable two-factor authentication on your banking and email accounts.
- Keep software and apps updated to protect against vulnerabilities.
- Use a spam filter and report phishing attempts to your email provider.
- Talk about scams with family members, especially teens and seniors who may be targeted.
What CCFCU is Doing to Protect You
Your credit union monitors for suspicious activity 24/7. Our systems are designed to detect fraud attempts quickly, and the Complex Community team is always ready to assist you. We also offer fraud alerts and verification steps to help catch unauthorized access early.
Report, Don’t React
If something seems off, don’t respond. Report it. – Call us directly at 432.550.9126 or 800.375.2168. – Forward phishing emails to our fraud team. – Take a screenshot of suspicious texts.
Your instincts matter. If it feels wrong, trust that feeling.
Final Thoughts
The more you know, the harder it is for fraudsters to succeed. Being cautious doesn’t mean being paranoid — it means being empowered. Follow our fraud alerts at comcfcu.com and check out our Fraud New Center at comcfcu.com/financial-security-and-fraud-news-center.
Coming Next: Phishing, Vishing and Smishing: Know the Signs, Avoid the Traps.