Cybersecurity Awareness Month

October is National Cybersecurity Awareness Month

Scammers are getting smarter, but knowing the warning signs can help you stay one step ahead.

This October, FWCCU is focusing on the red flags of fraud, common scams, phishing warning signs, and tools you can use to help protect your accounts.

Think You’re Being Scammed?

Stop. Think. Verify.

If a call, text or email doesn’t seem right:

  • Stop communicating. Don’t let anyone pressure you to act quickly.

  • Don’t send money or share a security code.

  • Call FWCCU directly at 817-732-2803 using a number you know is legitimate.

Even if caller ID says “Fort Worth City Credit Union,” it can be spoofed. When in doubt, hang up and call us yourself.

5 Red Flags of Fraud

Most scams have a few things in common. Watch for:

Urgency

“Act now.” “Your account is compromised.” Scammers create panic so you’ll act before you think.

Secrecy

Be suspicious if someone tells you not to contact your financial institution, family or law enforcement.

Unusual Payment Methods

Requests for gift cards, cryptocurrency, wire transfers or other unusual payment methods are a major red flag.

Payment App Requests

Only send money through Zelle® or other payment apps to people you know and trust.

Security Code Requests

Never share your Digital Banking password, PIN or one-time security code. FWCCU will never call or text asking you for this information.

Common Scams to Watch for in 2026

Financial Institution Impersonation: A scammer pretends to be FWCCU or another financial institution, sometimes even spoofing the real phone number, and claims there’s a problem with your account.

Phishing: Fake emails and texts use suspicious transactions, deliveries, tolls, account problems or other urgent messages to get you to click a link or provide information.

Government & Business Impersonation: Scammers pose as government agencies, law enforcement, utilities or familiar businesses and demand money or personal information.

Payment App Scams: Someone convinces you to send money through a payment app, often by impersonating someone you know or an organization you trust.

Investment, Crypto & Romance Scams: Someone you meet online may build trust before introducing an investment opportunity, asking for cryptocurrency or requesting financial help.

Spot Phishing Before You Click

Before responding to an unexpected email, text or call, look for:

  • Urgent or threatening language

  • Unexpected links, attachments or QR codes

  • Requests for passwords, security codes or personal information

  • Unusual sender addresses or phone numbers

  • Requests to send or move money

Don’t trust caller ID alone. If someone claims to be from FWCCU, hang up and call us directly.

Use FWCCU Tools to Protect Your Account

A few simple steps can add an extra layer of protection:

Turn on alerts. Transaction and account alerts can help you quickly spot activity you don’t recognize.

Use Card Management. Manage your debit and credit cards in Digital Banking, set transaction alerts, and control when, where and how your cards can be used.

Lock your card. Misplaced your card or notice something suspicious? Use Card Management to lock it and contact FWCCU if needed.

Use strong, unique passwords. Never reuse your Digital Banking password for other accounts.

Use multifactor authentication. It adds another layer of security, but remember: your security code is for you. Never give it to someone else.

Learn More About Fraud & Cybersecurity

Learn more with these FWCCU resources:

Account Takeover Fraud: Learn how scammers impersonate financial institutions to gain access to Digital Banking accounts.

Phishing: Don’t Take the Bait

Spoofing: Don’t Trust Caller ID

Passwords: The Importance of Strong Passwords and Password Managers

Multi-Factor Authentication: Always Enable MFA

Online Romance Scams: People Online Aren’t Always as They Appear

Payment App Scams: Only send money to people you know and trust.

If Your Information Has Been Compromised

If you receive notice of a data breach or believe your information may have been stolen:

Change compromised passwords. Use unique passwords and enable multifactor authentication when available.

Review your accounts and credit. Check for transactions or accounts you don’t recognize. Visit AnnualCreditReport.com to review your credit reports.

Consider freezing your credit. A free credit freeze with Equifax, Experian and TransUnion can help prevent someone from opening new accounts in your name.

Report identity theft. Visit IdentityTheft.gov for a personalized recovery plan.

Contact FWCCU immediately at 817-732-2803 if you believe your FWCCU account or card information has been compromised.

Remember: Stop. Think. Verify.

Scammers want you to act quickly. Give yourself permission to slow down.

Don’t send money. Don’t share security codes. Don’t click suspicious links.

If something doesn’t feel right, stop and verify it independently. That extra minute could protect your money and your identity.