Summer is a time to relax – but unfortunately, scammers don’t take vacations. Financial phishing scams are on the rise nationwide, and fraudsters are using new tactics to trick people into giving up personal and banking information.

We want to make sure you know what’s out there – and how to protect yourself.

Common Financial Phishing Tactics

Fake Texts and Emails from Financial Institutions

Scammers send messages that appear to be from a bank or credit union, claiming your account is locked or there’s suspicious activity. These messages often include a link that leads to a fake login page designed to steal your credentials.

Zelle or Payment App Scams

In other cases, fraudsters pose as fraud departments and tell people their account was compromised. They then walk the victim through “reversing” a transaction using apps like Zelle or Venmo – when in fact, money is being sent directly to the scammer.

Overdraft and Deposit Alerts

Some phishing messages claim there’s been a large deposit, or that you’ve incurred an overdraft fee. They’ll ask you to click a link or call a number to “resolve” the issue.

QR Code Scams

Phishing emails may now include QR codes that, when scanned, lead to fake websites that look like your financial institutions login page. These can be especially hard to detect if you’re scanning from your phone.

How to Protect Yourself

• Don’t click links in unsolicited messages – If something seems off, go directly to your financial institution’s website or app.
• Be cautious with urgent language – Phrases like “account locked” or “unauthorized charge” are often designed to cause panic.
• Check the sender carefully – Watch for email addresses or phone numbers that seem suspicious or unfamiliar.
• Never share your PIN or login info – Legitimate institutions will never ask for this by phone, text, or email.
• Use multi-factor authentication (MFA) – This adds an extra layer of security even if someone gets your password.
• Keep your software up to date – Updated apps and operating systems help block known security vulnerabilities.

If You’re Unsure, Reach Out

Never share your online banking credentials. NGFCU will never ask you for your password. If you ever receive a suspicious message, don’t engage with it – just contact NGFCU directly at 800.633.2848 or fraud@ngfcu.us. Staying informed is the best way to protect your money.

We’re committed to keeping our members safe and secure.