Scam Alert

Don’t Fall for Imposter Scams: Protect Your Personal Information

Scammers are getting smarter, and one of the most common ways they try to trick people is through imposter scams. These fraudsters pretend to be from trusted organizations—like your credit union—to steal personal information and access your accounts. At Alta Vista Credit Union, your security is our top priority, and we want to make sure you know how to recognize and avoid these scams.

What is an Imposter Scam?

An imposter scam occurs when a scammer pretends to be someone you trust, such as a representative from Alta Vista Credit Union, a government agency, or a well-known company. They may contact you by phone, email, text, or even social media, claiming there’s an urgent issue with your account that requires immediate action.

These fraudsters often use scare tactics, such as telling you that your account has been compromised or that you need to verify sensitive information. Their goal is to trick you into providing personal details, such as:

• Your online banking username and password
• Your debit or credit card number
• Your Social Security number
• Your PIN or one-time security codes

How to Protect Yourself from Imposter Scams

Protecting yourself starts with awareness. Here are some essential steps to safeguard your accounts and personal information:

1. Don’t Click on Suspicious Links

Scammers often send emails or texts that look official, with links directing you to fake websites designed to steal your login credentials. Alta Vista Credit Union will never send you a link asking you to enter your account information. If you receive an unexpected message with a link, do not click—delete it immediately.

2. Know That Alta Vista Credit Union Will Never Call and Request Personal Information

We will never call, email, or text you asking for your account login, password, or personal details. If someone claiming to be from Alta Vista asks for this information, it’s a scam. Hang up and call the number on the back of your debit or credit card to verify the request.

3. Verify Before You Act

If you receive a call or message that seems suspicious, don’t respond immediately. Instead, contact us directly using the official phone number listed on our website or the back of your card. Scammers often spoof phone numbers, making it look like they are calling from Alta Vista Credit Union, so always verify before providing any information.

4. Enable Account Alerts and Two-Factor Authentication

Set up account alerts to receive notifications about any unusual activity. Also, enable two-factor authentication (2FA) for an extra layer of security when logging into your accounts.

5. Trust Your Instincts

If something feels off, it probably is. Scammers rely on urgency and fear to pressure you into making quick decisions. Take a moment to think, verify, and protect yourself.

What to Do If You Think You’ve Been Targeted

If you believe you’ve been contacted by a scammer or have accidentally provided personal information, take these steps immediately:

• Contact Alta Vista Credit Union at our official number to report the scam.
• Change your passwords and enable additional security measures.
• Monitor your accounts for any unauthorized transactions.
• Report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at reportfraud.ftc.gov.

Stay Safe and Informed

Scammers are always looking for new ways to trick people, but by staying informed and vigilant, you can protect yourself and your finances. Remember, Alta Vista Credit Union will never call, text, or email you requesting personal login credentials. When in doubt, hang up and call the number on the back of your card.

Stay safe, and if you ever have concerns about your account security, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We’re here to help!