Recently, we were made aware of phishing scams targeting people in the local area. While Zeal Credit Union has not experienced a phishing scam to date, we want to make sure our members are aware of these scams in case you are contacted by someone looking to obtain your account information.
Stay safe, and keep your accounts protected!
Phishing scams often use text messages, emails or phone calls to reach members. The current scammers are contacting members and notifying them their credit card/debit card is blocked. After the member responds to the message, the fraudster looks to “authenticate” the member by asking for account information and other personally identifiable information. Once this data has been obtained, the fraudster may take further actions, including changing a PIN or using travel notifications. This is followed by fraudulent activity, often at ATMs.
Do not give anyone your account information or your personal information unless you have initiated the contact. Do not give this information to people reaching out to you by phone, email or text message.
Zeal Credit Union’s Fraud Prevention team is continually monitoring and developing fraud prevention strategies for our members, and members’ knowledge of these scams is essential to building a stronger defense for all. The security of personal information is a primary goal of Zeal Credit Union. We will never ask you for confidential information to include; full social security number, full bank account number, debit or credit card numbers, a CVV or a PIN in an email or via a web site, online chat or from an unsolicited phone call. If you receive a suspicious email, text message or phone call requesting confidential information, it is not from Zeal Credit Union. Suspicious emails/texts/SMS messages can be forwarded to our Zeal team at abuse@zealcu.org.
Reduce the risk of falling victim to fraudulent phone calls, emails and text messages by following these steps:
- Be aware. Legitimate businesses do not make unsolicited calls for personal, sensitive information. If you receive an unsolicited call asking this, it is probably a scam.
- Don’t give in to pressure. Many times, the caller will pressure or try and scare you into giving your personal information. If this happens, simply hang up.
- Don’t answer phone calls from unknown numbers. Valid callers will leave a message.
- Don’t respond to unverified SMS text messages asking you to call your financial institution.
- Stay calm. Fraudsters are masters at emotional string pulling. When in doubt, hang up. Please notify us if you suspect that someone has impersonated a credit union representative. We are happy to assist you. Please call our fraud number at 1-800-321-8570 ext. 7300.
- Be skeptical. Caller ID can be faked. Hanging up is your best defense.
- Never share a One-Time-Password (OTP) with anyone. OTPs are generated to verify your identity and criminals are anxious to obtain them by asking you to read OTPs to them over the phone or via text.
- Carefully review your statements regularly and contact us if you notice any unauthorized activity.
