• Suspicious Calls and Texts Going to Members (Click here to learn more)

    We have received reports of members receiving phone calls and text messages from our Fraud department that are suspicious. If you receive one of these, please immediately hang up or delete the message and contact us directly at (281) 331-2253! Our phones are open Monday - Friday from 9 AM to 6 PM.

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    • Your guide to banking safety
    • Six common scams targeting your money
    • Safeguard your digital world

    Your guide to spotting modern scams

    Scammers are constantly evolving their tactics to trick you. From elaborate phishing emails to fake investment opportunities, the threats are diverse and ever-changing. Explore the latest scams and methods fraudsters use and learn how to safeguard your finances.

    Digital danger zone

    How scammers reach out

    Scammers target their victims in multiple ways. Knowing how they contact you can help you learn where to be extra aware during your day-to-day interactions.

    Emails

    23%

    Phone calls

    21%

    SMS texts

    16%

    Social media

    14%

    Other

    14%

    Websites/apps

    12%

    Social engineering

    some scam artists want
    to get inside your head.

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    Quiz

    Understanding social media scams

    Think you know how to spot and avoid social media scams? Take this quiz to find out how to protect yourself from common fraud tactics.

    What percentage of all social media fraud loss reports were due to online shopping scams?

    a. 30% b. 44% c. 50% d. 60%

    Take the quiz
    Scam alert

    The new face of fraud targets your investments

    Investment and crypto scams have topped the risk list in recent years, with 80.4% of scam attempts resulting in money loss with a median loss of $3,800. Stay vigilant in your financial decisions to ward off these scammers.

    Account threats

    Six common scams that could empty your accounts

    • Imposter scam:

      Fraudsters pose as financial institutions or government agencies to obtain money or personal information.

      Urgency scam:

      Scammers create false time pressures to force quick, ill-considered actions.

      Phishing scam:

      Deceptive emails, texts or messages trick victims into revealing personal or financial data.

    • Utility scam:

      Con artists impersonate utility companies, threatening service cuts to extort payments.

      Support specialist scam:

      Fake tech support agents claim to fix nonexistent device issues to gain remote access.

      Pay yourself scam:

      Criminals send fake fraud alerts, then pose as bank representatives to trick victims into transferring money.

    Helpful hints for outwitting scammers

    Protecting your finances starts with smart, everyday habits. Discover essential tips and tricks to help you bank safely and confidently, like enabling two-factor authentication and the importance of regular account monitoring. Understanding these practical strategies can help you build a robust defense against financial scammers.

    Safety tips

    • Safeguard your digital world

      Protect your financial future with these digital safety tips.

    • Create unbreakable and unique passwords every 90 days using a combination of capital letters, numbers and symbols.

    • Embrace two-factor authentication and never share one-time codes.

    • Avoid accessing accounts that contain sensitive information like email on public networks or shared devices.

    • Shield devices with licensed antivirus software and keep operating systems updated to guard against cyberthreats.

    • Lock down and add trackers to all of your devices to protect personal information.

    Trendspotting

    Rising fraud categories

    • Imposter scams are the leading fraud category

      Scammers will impersonate financial institutions, government officials, distressed relatives, businesses or tech support to gain access to your sensitive information.

      Losses from investment scams have been on the rise

      These scams often promise high returns through lucrative opportunities like cryptocurrency.

      Social media can be a hot spot for fraud

      Scammers hack your profile to gain access to your personal information, impersonate you and con your contacts.

    Key insights

    Red flags that reveal banking imposter scams

    Imposters will:

    • 1

      Ask you to send money

      Real financial institutions never ask you to move money for any reason using transfers, gift cards or peer-to-peer payments.

      2

      Request verification codes

      Your financial institution will never ask you to repeat one-time verification codes over the phone.

      3

      Create a false sense of urgency

      Scammers pressure you to act quickly, while your financial institution will allow plenty of time for verification.

      4

      Contact you unexpectedly about account issues

      When in doubt, end the communication and call your financial institution directly.

    Banking safety checklist

    Fortify your banking information

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    Tools for your financial security

    We’re committed to helping you protect your finances, which is why we offer advanced security products and services designed to safeguard your accounts from fraud and scams. From real-time transaction alerts to secure authentication methods, we offer tools that put you in control. Learn how you can use these tools to bank with confidence.

    Security features

    How we keep your transactions secure

    • 1

      Fraud detection and monitoring systems:

      Automated systems monitor digital bill payments for suspicious activity, flagging and reviewing potential fraud.

      2

      Enhanced activity controls:

      A network of financial institutions anonymously shares fraud data to enhance detection, tracking consumer behaviors for signs of fraud.

      3

      Real-time account verification:

      Instantly verify external accounts, ensuring secure account-to-account transfers.

      4

      Zelle® payments:

      Ensures fast and safe transactions with real-time data enrichment to enhance fraud detection accuracy.*

      5

      Flexible risk systems:

      Adaptable risk management strategies evolve with changing fraud patterns to maintain security standards.

    Zelle® banking safety

    Remember, if the recipient is enrolled, payments can’t be canceled,

    U.S. checking or savings account required to use Zelle®.
    Transactions between enrolled uers typically occur in minutes.

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    Safety tip

    Keep your accounts safe by setting up banking alerts

    • Setting up alerts on your accounts can help you stay informed in real-time about suspicious activity on your account, like unexpected withdrawals or large purchases.

    Frequently asked questions and helpful links

    Discover the answers to common questions about banking safety and explore links to resources that can help you in the event of a fraud attempt.

    FAQ

    Q:How do I recover after a cyberattack?

    A:

    If you’ve provided your financial information to someone you later think is a scammer, first call your financial institution. Whether it’s your credit card issuer, financial institution or Medicare contact, call and ask about canceling fraudulent transactions and blocking future charges. You might also need to change your account numbers and freeze your credit to make sure no one uses your existing accounts or creates new accounts in your name.

    Q:What if my personal email account, bank account or other accounts were compromised?

    A:
    1. Immediately change your passwords for any potentially compromised accounts.
    2. Contact your financial institution to let them know your accounts may be compromised. Ask them to put a fraud alert on your accounts.
    3. Check your financial statements and credit reports to regularly identify any false charges or suspicious activity.

    Q:What should I do if I suspect my identity has been stolen?

    A:

    Check your credit card, financial institution and other financial accounts for unauthorized charges or changes. If you see any, report them to the company or institution. Then go to IdentityTheft.gov to see what steps you should take.

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