Watch out for impersonation scams involving fraudsters pretending to be representatives of Financial Services Fraud Departments (such as credit unions and banks).

Here’s how the scam works:

  1. You receive a text message claiming to be from the Fraud Department asking you to verify a suspicious transaction.
  2. You respond that you did not authorize the transaction.
  3. Someone claiming to be a Fraud Department representative calls you.
  4. They ask you to log into online banking and may instruct you to set up Zelle, download Cash App, or sign up for Klarna.
  5. They convince you to transfer money or make purchases, claiming these steps are necessary to keep your funds safe.

STOP! THIS IS A SCAM.

Fraudsters may keep you on the phone for two to three hours, creating a sense of urgency and pressuring you to follow their instructions.

Remember: Financial institutions will NEVER:  Ask for your online banking Secure Now codes.  Ask you to transfer or withdraw money to keep it safe.  Ask you to move funds to Zelle, Cash App, or another payment service for protection.  Pressure you into making purchases or downloading apps to secure your account.

What should you do? If someone contacts you and asks you to move money, log into online banking, download an unfamiliar app, or follow unusual instructions: Hang up immediately and contact your financial institution directly using a trusted phone number.

Your money is safest when you take the time to verify who you’re talking to. When in doubt, stop and contact your financial institution directly.

Help us spread the word! Share this alert with family and friends to help protect our community from fraud.