Fighting Fraud | Fraud Protection | How To Protect Yourself from Fraud

Imposter Scams, Including Fake Texts from Financial Institutions

Members receive a call, text or email alleging to be from a financial institution which asks the victim to confirm a transaction by responding to texts/emails and/or by providing online access. When the victim responds, that will actually confirm a fraudulent transaction.

Zelle Variation: The fraudster sends a fake text purporting to be from Zelle and asking the recipient to confirm a Zelle transaction, which appears to be similar to Zelle's processes. Rest assured, it is not.

Pig Butchering Scam

Beware the Pig Butchering Scam! This is a form of confidence trick and investment fraud, where fraudsters gradually lure victims into making large contributions in cryptocurrency towards a promising investment. But here's where the 'butchering' happens - once you have provided enough funds for them they vanish without a trace.

Remember, if an investment sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Always exercise due diligence and caution when dealing with unknown parties online. Stay vigilant. Stay safe.

Google Family Link Phishing Scam

In this scam, individuals are targeted with fraudulent emails, phone calls or text messages claiming to be from Travis Credit Union, Google or other entities urging them to sign up for Google Family Link. The scammers may use convincing logos and branding to deceive the victims. When victims click on the provided links and enter their personal information, such as their Google account credentials, the scammers gain unauthorized access to their accounts. This can result in identity theft, financial loss, & potential compromise of sensitive data. Stay vigilant and verify the authenticity of such messages before providing any personal information.

Lottery/Award Scams

Members receive a call, text or email claiming to have won funds in a contest. You’re asked to provide bank account and routing numbers so they can send the money. Note: It is illegal for a U.S. citizen to participate in foreign lotteries.

Online Job Scams

Members are sent a fake check for a new job and are instructed to deposit it and forward/wire funds for the purchase of equipment for their alleged new job. Similarly, the scammer may ask you to provide account and online login information so the funds can be sent. The member is then instructed to forward the funds elsewhere.

Variation: Some scammers use online job applications as an opportunity to ask you for online banking login information for what they claim is to help set up direct deposit.

Online Loan Scams

The victim provides online login credentials for the deposit of loan proceeds. A fraudulent check is deposited then the member is instructed to forward funds to confirm the account and to “reduce” the loan rate.

Romance Scams

In this scam, elderly people are targeted, especially those who are widowed or disabled. The scammer promises to help the victim with financial management. Once their online, account and credit card credentials are released, their money is stolen or the victim’s credentials are used for cash advances on a credit card. Victims may be asked to forward money to help the alleged loved one whom they met online.

Puppy/Kitten Scams

In this online purchase scam, usually with Zelle or Venmo, the money is sent for the pet purchase, but no pet is received by the buyer.

Beneficiary Scams

You’re told someone wealthy in a foreign country has died and you’ve been contacted to receive money. You’re asked to forward/wire money to help secure the estate from the foreign government.

Make Money Scams

Be aware of social media ads or personal requests to release your bank credentials such as debit card information. Scammers will deposit fake checks into your account via an ATM and withdraw money via a money app before the fake check is flagged.

Sugar Daddy/Momma Scams

The victim releases banking information to the scammer so that they can receive deposits and forward them per the scammer’s instructions. This often involves the member’s account being used to move stolen funds.

Online Overpayment Scams

The victim is overpaid in a check and is instructed to return the overpayment amount before the fake check is caught by the financial institution.

Holding Computer Hostage Scams

Your computer is hijacked using malware and you are instructed to buy gift cards before the hacker will release it. Note – this is sometimes faked. Scammers can make it seem your computer is compromised by having you click a link, when in fact they are only bluffing.

Social Security/Money Laundering Scheme

The victim is warned that they will be arrested and lose their Social Security benefits if you don’t wire your funds or buy gift cards to protect it from being seized.

Grandparent Scam

Victim receives a call from an alleged grandchild who says they were arrested in a foreign country and needs money sent to help get him or her out of jail. The imposter pleads with the victim not to tell anyone about this since they are so embarrassed.

IRA Deposit Scams

Victims are asked to open an Individual Retirement Account and to deposit large checks into it, then initiate immediate withdrawal requests.

Look For Warning Signs

Collection notices or calls for products or services in your child’s name.
Notice declaring your child owes back income tax or their identifying information was used on multiple tax returns.
Marketing offers arriving in your child’s name. This could mean an account was opened at a financial institution in your child’s name.
Share your child’s private identifying information sparingly and carefully. If asked to share that information, including their SSN, ask and understand how it will be used.

Check Your Child's Credit

Request a credit report in their name from the credit reporting bureaus. Each has their own process. It will take a little time, but will be worth it.
If there is a report in your child’s name, request a fraud alert and consider placing a credit freeze.
- Contact your local police department or Attorney General’s Office to file a report the identity theft and request a copy of any report generated.
- Contact any financial institution and business listed on your child’s report and explain the account was opened because of theft and request it be closed. You may need to produce documentation from the credit bureaus and law enforcement.
- Keep a detailed list of any phone calls made and/or documents received as you may need to produce them later.