Stay safe, stay smart

Fraud and scams are unfortunately a part of modern life, and they're only getting more sophisticated. From fake texts that look like they're from your financial institution to clever online cons and impersonators, scammers are finding new ways to try and separate you from your money.

At University Credit Union (UCU), your safety is more than just a priority, it's a responsibility we take seriously. So here are some key tips to help you spot and avoid common scams, along with ways we actively work to keep you and your finances protected.

What you need to watch out for

Today's fraudsters are creative, but their methods often follow familiar patterns. You've likely encountered phishing emails that ask you to "verify your account" or strange text messages with urgent warnings. Some scams come in the form of calls from someone pretending to be from a government agency or even a loved one in distress. Others involve fake online shops or investment "opportunities" that sound great but are too good to be true.

In recent years, we've also seen an increase in those all-too-common romance scams, where someone builds a connection online only to later ask for money. These tactics prey on trust, emotion, and urgency…and no one is immune.

We have your back

UCU offers several built-in safeguards to help you detect and avoid fraud before it happens.

For starters, our fraud monitoring systems work around the clock, scanning for suspicious activity. If something doesn't look right, we'll reach out to confirm the transaction. You can also take control directly from the UCU mobile app, where you can lock and unlock your card instantly, set transaction alerts, and manage spending limits for extra peace of mind.

Perhaps one of the most unique benefits at UCU is that nearly every single team member is a Certified Credit Union Financial Counselor (CCUFC). That means if something feels off-whether it's a phone call you received or an email that made you nervous-you can talk with someone who's trained to help you navigate it. We're not just here to process transactions. We're here to guide and protect you.

Tips for staying fraud-free

So, what can you do to stay ahead of those pesky scammers? Well, it starts with a healthy dose of skepticism. Don't click on links from unfamiliar senders, no matter how enticing or convincing the subject line, body, or text message may seem. Don't give out your account information or passwords, ever, not even if the message looks official, says it's from UCU or another business that you use, or mentions something personal about your life. And if someone contacts you unexpectedly and asks for money or sensitive details, pause and verify. There is no shame in hanging up and then making a quick call to UCU to confirm. Double-checking before doing anything else can make all the difference.

It's also a good idea to regularly review your account activity through digital banking and report anything unfamiliar right away. The faster we catch it, the faster we can act.

What to do if you think you've been targeted

If you suspect fraud or believe your account has been compromised, contact UCU immediately. Our team will help secure your account, walk you through next steps, and provide support if additional reporting is needed.

Scammers may be persistent-but hey, so are we. Together, we can build awareness, share resources, and create a community that looks out for one another!

We're in this together

Fraud prevention isn't just about technology; it's about education, partnership, and trust. UCU is proud to serve our members with tools and resources that make banking safer and smarter. If you have questions, concerns, or just want to learn more about protecting your finances, we're always here to help. Contact us here if you'd like to dive deeper into this discussion. Every tool you gain and learn is a victory against fraud.

Let's stay safe together. Learn more here, watch this video, or stop by your local UCU banking hub to speak with a certified expert.