In today’s digital world, fraudsters are getting more creative in the ways they try to steal personal and financial information. One of the more common tricks is website spoofing – a scam where criminals create a fake version of a trusted website, like your financial institution, to trick you into entering your login credentials, account details, or other sensitive information.

What is Website Spoofing?

Website spoofing happens when scammers build a site that looks nearly identical to a legitimate one. From logos to colors to layout, everything is designed to fool you into believing you’re in the right place. Often, their sites are linked through emails, text messages, or even search engine results.

How to Spot a Spoofed Website

Protecting yourself online starts with knowing what to look for:

• Check the URL carefully. Spoofed sites often use slightly misspelled or extra characters in the web address. (e.g., “gooogle.com” instead of “google.com”).
• Look for the lock. A secure website, like NGFCU’s, will have “https://” and depending on browser, a padlock symbol in the browser bar. If you don’t see them, don’t enter personal information.
• Watch for urgent or suspicious messages. If a link comes from an unexpected email or text urging you to “act no” or “verify immediately,” it may be a scam.

How to Stay Safe

• Always type a website address directly into your browser instead of clicking on links in emails or texts.
• Bookmark our official homepage (https://www.ngfcu.us) so you can easily and safely access your account.
• If something doesn’t look right, stop and call us before entering any information.

Your security is our priority. If you ever suspect you’ve visited a spoofed site or given information to a scammer, contact us immediately so we can help protect your accounts. Call 800.633.2848 or email fraud@ngfcu.us.