Protect Yourself from Scams and Fraud

Think You're Being Scammed? Stop, Think, and Verify.

If something doesn't feel right, stop communicating with the caller or sender.

Don't provide additional information, don't share a security code, and don't move or transfer money because someone contacted you and told you to.

Hang up and contact FWCCU directly using a trusted phone number from our Contact Us page.

If you believe you've already provided information to a scammer or notice suspicious activity on your FWCCU account, contact us immediately.

Recognize the Signs of a Scam

Scammers are getting better at making fraudulent calls and messages look legitimate. They can spoof FWCCU’s phone number, use familiar names or information, and may already know personal details about you from previous data breaches.

Knowing some of your information does not mean the caller is from FWCCU.

FWCCU Will Never Call and Ask You For:

  • Your full debit or credit card number

  • Your Digital Banking username or password

  • A one-time security or verification code

  • Your full Social Security number

  • Other sensitive information we already have on file

If someone contacts you claiming to be from FWCCU and asks for this information, do not provide it. Hang up and call FWCCU directly using a phone number you know is legitimate.

Even if your caller ID says “Fort Worth City Credit Union,” the call could be fake.

Watch for These Red Flags

They Tell You Not to Hang Up

A scammer may claim there is fraud on your account and insist you stay on the phone while they “fix” the problem. They may tell you not to call the credit union directly or warn that doing so could interfere with an investigation.

That is a major red flag. Hang up and contact FWCCU yourself.

They Ask for a Security Code

Never share a one-time security or multifactor authentication code with someone who contacts you.

Scammers may already have your username or password and need only the security code sent to your phone to access your account. Once inside, they may change your password, lock you out of Digital Banking, and begin moving money.

If you didn't initiate the login or request the code, don't share it.

You Suddenly Can't Access Digital Banking

If your password no longer works or you are unexpectedly locked out of your account, contact FWCCU immediately.

A scammer who gains access to your account may change your login credentials to prevent you from seeing or stopping fraudulent activity.

You Receive Unexpected Security Alerts

Pay attention to alerts saying:

  • Your password was changed

  • Your contact information was updated

  • A new device accessed your account

  • A security code was requested

  • A transaction or transfer was made that you don't recognize

If you didn't initiate the activity, contact FWCCU immediately.

If you're already on the phone with someone claiming to be from FWCCU, hang up and call us directly.

They Create a Sense of Urgency

Scammers want you to act before you have time to think.

They may claim your account is being drained, your card has been compromised, or an FWCCU employee is under investigation. They may threaten that you'll lose money if you hang up or don't act immediately.

Don't let urgency override caution. Hang up and verify the situation directly with FWCCU.

What If the Scammer Already Knows My Information?

This is one of the reasons impersonation scams can be so convincing.

Information exposed through previous data breaches may be bought, sold, or shared by criminals. A scammer may already know details such as your:

  • Name

  • Phone number

  • Email address

  • Date of birth

  • Address

  • Full or partial Social Security number

  • Information about accounts or companies you do business with

They can use those details to make a fraudulent call or text seem legitimate.

Don't use what a caller knows about you as proof of who they are.

When in doubt, end the conversation and contact the company or financial institution yourself using contact information you independently verify.

What to Do If Your Information Has Been Exposed in a Data Breach

Receiving a notice that your personal information was involved in a data breach can be concerning, but there are steps you can take to help protect yourself.

1. Don't Click Unexpected Links

Don't click links or call phone numbers included in unexpected texts or emails about suspicious activity, data breaches, fraud, or account problems.

Instead, go directly to the company's official website or use a phone number you already know is legitimate.

2. Change Your Passwords

If your login information may have been compromised, change your passwords promptly.

Start with your email account, since password reset links for many of your other accounts are sent there.

Use a unique password for every account. A password manager can help you create and securely store strong passwords without reusing them.

3. Turn On Multifactor Authentication

Whenever it's available, enable multifactor authentication for an additional layer of security.

Remember: the security code is meant for you. Never give a security or verification code to someone who contacts you unexpectedly.

4. Check Your Credit Reports

Review your credit reports for accounts or activity you don't recognize.

You can request your credit reports through AnnualCreditReport.com.

If you discover an account or transaction you don't recognize, visit IdentityTheft.gov for information about reporting identity theft and creating a recovery plan.

5. Consider Freezing Your Credit

A credit freeze can help prevent an identity thief from opening new accounts in your name.

Credit freezes are free to place and remove through Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion.

You can also place a fraud alert on your credit reports, which tells potential creditors to take additional steps to verify your identity before extending new credit.

Report Fraud and Scams

If you've been the victim of fraud or a scam, you can also report it to the Federal Trade Commission through ReportFraud.ftc.gov and report internet-related crimes to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3).

Reporting scams helps law enforcement identify fraud trends and can help prevent others from becoming victims.

For additional information about common scams, identity theft, and protecting yourself from fraud, visit USA.gov's scams and fraud resources.