Stay Alert: Common Scams to Watch For
As technology and payment systems evolve, scammers are finding new ways to target people. Fraudsters are using emails, phone calls, and text messages to try to steal money or personal information.
If you suspect that you have been targeted by fraud or an attempted scam, contact us right away at 315-781-1334 or 855-866-9328.
Scam Alerts: What to Look Out For
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Don’t rely solely on Caller ID. Scammers can fake phone numbers so it looks like the call is coming from a trusted source, including Finger Lakes Federal Credit Union (FLFCU).
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FLFCU will never send emails asking you to confirm sensitive details, such as your name, account number, debit card information, online banking code, or PIN number.
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Be cautious of anyone requesting payment through gift cards, cryptocurrency, wire transfers, or cash. Legitimate companies won’t ask for payment this way.
Important Safety Tips
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If something feels suspicious, hang up and call FLFCU directly using the phone number listed on our official website: flfcu.org
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It only takes a few seconds to go to flfcu.org, log in to your account and check your activity.
Protect Yourself by Saying “No” If:
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A situation feels off or sounds too good to be true.
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Someone you don’t know asks you to send money in a way that’s hard to trace or recover, such as wire transfers, gift cards, prepaid cards, or payment apps like Venmo, Zelle® or Cash App.
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Anyone contacts you by phone, text, email, or in person asking for personal or sensitive information. Scammers may already have partial details to gain your trust and pressure you into sharing more, such as:
- Social Security number
- Online Banking Login information
- Bank account information
- Credit or debit card numbers (or PINs)
- Medicare ID
- Driver’s license number
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Someone sends you a check and promises you a portion of the money if you deposit it and return part of the funds.
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You receive an email claiming there’s suspicious activity on your account or threatening closure unless you act immediately. These messages often include links—do not click them, even if they appear legitimate.
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A caller asks you to share a code sent to your phone or email. These are two-factor authentication codes and should never be shared with anyone.
Imposter Scams
An imposter scam is when a scammer lies and pretends to be someone, they’re not to trick you into giving them money, access to your financial accounts, or your personal information. Scammers often pretend to be from a business you know or from a government agency — or both. They try to gain your trust and get you to believe they are who they claim to be.
Overpayment Scams
In these scams, someone pretending to be a buyer overpays you for an item you’re selling online and asks you to return the excess amount. They may request repayment through gift cards, cash, or person-to-person payment apps and often urge you to act quickly.
Never send money back in these situations. If a buyer overpays, do not comply with unusual refund requests.
You should also never pay for shipping agents, vehicle wrap services, or computer equipment using funds from a check they provide. Legitimate buyers or companies will pay those costs directly.
Phishing and Spoofing Scams
Scammers may impersonate well-known agencies such as the IRS or Social Security Administration, sending emails designed to trick you into clicking links or downloading harmful software.
They can also spoof phone numbers to make it look like calls are coming from your bank, credit union, or a government agency. Do not share any information. Hang up and contact the organization using a verified number from its official website.
“Person in Need” Scams
Fraudsters may pretend to be a grandchild, family member, or friend claiming to be sick, stranded, or in trouble. They often ask for money, gift cards, or cash and insist you keep it confidential and act immediately.
Before sending any money, verify the story by contacting another trusted family member or friend.
Using Zelle® Safely
If you don’t personally know the recipient or are unsure, you’ll receive what you’re paying for such as items purchased online you should not use Zelle®.
These transactions carry significant risk, similar to sending cash to a stranger. Neither FLFCU nor Zelle® provides protection for authorized payments if something goes wrong, such as not receiving an item or receiving something different than expected.
Additional Resources
You can also help prevent fraud by reporting scams to:
Contact Us
If you believe you’ve been a victim of fraud or an attempted scam, act quickly. Call us at 315-781-1334 or 855-866-9328.