Fraud Prevention Center

Romance scammers build emotional connections over time, often through dating apps or social media, then ask for money under false pretenses — like needing help with travel, medical emergencies, or legal trouble.

Example: A person you’ve been chatting with online for months suddenly asks for help covering emergency surgery costs for a sick relative.

Scammers target older adults by pretending to be a grandchild or someone calling on their behalf. They claim to be in trouble and ask for money urgently — often insisting that it be kept secret.

Example: “Grandma, I’m in jail. Please don’t tell Mom. I need $1,000 for bail — can you wire it now?”

You’re told a wealthy relative — usually someone you’ve never heard of — has left you an inheritance. But before you can receive it, you must pay taxes or processing fees.

Example: A lawyer emails you saying you’re the last known heir of a millionaire estate, but you’ll need to send $2,500 for "legal fees" before receiving the inheritance.

Scammers pretend to be IRS agents or tax collectors, threatening arrest, fines, or deportation if you don’t pay immediately. The real IRS will never call or email you for payment.

Example: A caller claims you underpaid taxes and must wire money within the hour or face jail time.

You’re told you’ve won a prize or lottery — but must first pay fees, taxes, or customs charges to claim it. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

Example: A letter arrives announcing you’ve won millions in a foreign lottery — even though you never entered one. All you have to do is pay the taxes upfront.

These fraudsters pretend to be someone you know or trust — like a police officer, government official, or company representative — to convince you to hand over information or money.

Example: A caller says they’re from Social Security and your number is suspended due to suspicious activity. You’re told to confirm your number or face penalties.

Scammers post fake job listings and conduct fake interviews. They may ask for banking info to “set up direct deposit” or ask you to pay upfront for training, equipment, or certifications.

Example: You’re offered a remote job with great pay — but they need you to pay $150 for a background check before you can start.

You’re recruited to “mystery shop” a retailer, then sent a check and told to buy gift cards or wire money as part of your assignment. The check bounces — and you’re out the money.

Example: A job offer pays you $300 to shop at a store. You’re sent a $1,500 check and told to send the extra back via wire. Days later, the check bounces.

Pop-ups or calls claim your computer is infected. They pressure you to grant remote access or pay for unnecessary software or services.

Example: You get a pop-up saying your computer has a virus and to call a toll-free number. The “tech support” person asks for your passwords or installs malware.

You’re offered a limited-time opportunity — a sweepstakes, giveaway, or “exclusive” deal — if you act fast. These often involve clicking a malicious link or providing personal info.

Example: A pop-up promises a free iPhone if you just pay for shipping. After entering your credit card info, you’re charged repeatedly or enrolled in a scam subscription.

You’re told you’re approved for a loan, grant, or large prize — but must pay a fee in advance to secure it. These are often wire transfers that cannot be recovered.

Example: A lender says you’re approved for $10,000, but first, you must send $500 via Western Union for insurance.

Fraudsters use manipulation to gain your trust and trick you into giving away sensitive information. This can happen through phone calls, emails, or even in-person. They may impersonate authority figures or pretend to be in crisis, using urgency or fear to cloud your judgment.

Example: Someone claiming to be from your credit union calls, says your account is compromised, and asks you to “verify” your login details or send a payment to secure your funds.

Phishing involves fake emails made to look like they’re from a trusted company — like a bank, shipping service, or tech company. These emails usually contain urgent messages and links that lead to fake websites designed to steal your credentials.

Example: You get an email from “FedEx” about a missed delivery. When you click the link to reschedule, you’re prompted to enter personal info or download a virus.

This scam uses text messages (SMS) to trick you. Messages may contain malicious links or fake alerts about your account, often asking you to click or call a number right away.

Example: You receive a text saying your debit card has been locked and you must click a link to unlock it — the link takes you to a fake website that steals your info.

Voice phishing, or “vishing”, happens when scammers call you pretending to be from a legitimate business or government agency. They often sound convincing and use scare tactics to get you to give up your private information.

Example: A caller says they’re from your credit card’s fraud department and need to “verify” your card number due to suspicious charges.

Pharming silently redirects you from a real website to a fake one — even when you type in the correct web address. These scams typically target online banking and shopping platforms.

Example: You go to what looks like your bank’s website, but any login information you enter is instantly stolen.

These scams target people looking to invest in cryptocurrency. Scammers promote fake investment platforms, impersonate well-known crypto personalities, or trick victims into transferring funds that can’t be recovered.

Example: You see a social media ad about a “once-in-a-lifetime” crypto investment with guaranteed returns. After you invest, the platform disappears — along with your money.

Scammers pressure victims into withdrawing cash and depositing it into a cryptocurrency ATM, converting it to crypto (like Bitcoin) and sending it to a digital wallet the scammer controls. These transactions are irreversible and untraceable, which is why scammers love them.

Example: You get a call from someone claiming to be from law enforcement, saying your Social Security number is compromised. To “protect your funds,” they tell you to take out cash and deposit it into a crypto ATM — sending it to their wallet address for “safekeeping.” Once you send it, the money is gone for good.

Scammers transfer your phone number to another carrier, allowing them to intercept calls and texts — including two-factor authentication codes for your bank or email.

Example: You suddenly lose cell service. Within hours, your bank account has been emptied using text-based verification codes.

Fraudulent lenders offer guaranteed approval or “no credit check” loans — but require upfront fees or steal your information instead of providing a real loan.

Example: You receive an email offering you a “pre-approved” loan, but the lender asks for an upfront fee to process your application. After you pay, the loan never arrives, and you lose your money.

How to Spot It:

• Be cautious of unsolicited loan offers, especially if you’re asked to pay upfront.
• Always verify the legitimacy of a lender before providing any personal or payment
  information.

Scams that happen through digital platforms, including fake websites, online marketplaces, and social media. These schemes lure you with too-good-to-be-true deals or false identities.

Example: You buy an item from a marketplace, but it never arrives. The seller deletes their profile, and you’re unable to get your money back.

How to Spot It:

• Only shop from trusted websites with secure payment methods.
• Look for “https://” and a padlock icon in the browser address bar.

Fraudulent activity that happens inside your online banking, such as fake transactions, transfers, or password resets initiated by someone else.

Example: You download a mobile banking app that appears to be from your credit union, but it’s a fake version designed to steal your login credentials. After logging in, the fraudster gains access to your account and steals your funds.

How to Protect Yourself:

• Only download apps from official app stores (Google Play or Apple Store).
• Always ensure the app is from a legitimate source before using it.

Scammers pretend to be someone you trust (a boss, teacher, or family member) and urgently ask you to buy gift cards. They’ll request the codes on the back of the cards, which they can cash out instantly.

Example: You get an email from your supervisor asking you to urgently buy $500 in gift cards as part of an office surprise, and to just text the card numbers.

Card readers at ATMs or gas stations may have hidden devices that “skim” your card info. Your details are then sold or used to make unauthorized purchases.

Example: You use a gas pump and later discover charges from another state. A skimmer had copied your card data.

Scammers gain access to your banking details and initiate unauthorized Automated Clearing House (ACH) transfers to steal money directly from your account.

Example: You give account details for direct deposit — days later, large withdrawals show up you didn’t authorize.

This involves malicious software installed on your computer or phone that records everything you type, including passwords and account info.

Example: You download what looks like a free budgeting app. Unbeknownst to you, it records  every keystroke and sends it to a hacker.

Large-scale data breaches from companies or institutions may expose your personal and financial information. Scammers use this data in identity theft and phishing attacks.

Example: Your email and password from an online store breach are used to access your bank or social media accounts.

This occurs when a fraudster gains full control of your online account — often through stolen login credentials or security question answers — and locks you out.

Example: You get an alert that your password has been changed, but it wasn’t you. Suddenly, your email or bank account is inaccessible.

How to Prevent It:

• Use strong passwords and change them frequently.
• Enable multi-factor authentication on your accounts whenever possible.

Identity theft happens when someone steals your personal information, such as your Social Security number, to commit fraud or open accounts in your name.

Example: A thief steals your wallet and uses your credit card information to make unauthorized purchases. They might also open new credit accounts in your name, damaging your credit score.

How to Protect Yourself:

• Regularly check your credit report.
• Use strong, unique passwords and enable two-factor authentication.

If something doesn’t feel right, trust your instincts. Here is what to do next:

1. Stop all communication – Hang up, don’t reply to the text or email, and block the number if possible.

2. Don’t send money or share info – Even if you’re being pressured. Take a moment to breathe and verify.

3. Contact Alternatives immediately –Call us at 877-273-2328 to report suspicious activity. We’re here to help.

4. Report the scam – File a complaint with:

• • FTC – Report general scams and fraud.
  • IC3.gov – For internet crimes.
  • Your local police department – Especially for scams involving identity theft or financial loss.

5. Strengthen your security

1. 1. 1. Change passwords immediately.
      2. Set up multi-factor authentication.
      3. Freeze your credit if identity theft is suspected (Equifax, TransUnion, Experian).

6. Report Social Security Fraud to the Social Security Administration.

7. Report Mail Fraud to the U.S. Postal Inspection Service at 877-876-2455.

8. Report to Local Authorities or contact your state’s consumer protection office.

9. Monitor your accounts – Review your statements for unfamiliar transactions. Set up alerts for activity if you haven’t already.

10. Keep Records of all communication, transactions, or reports related to the fraud.

If you’re not sure where to start, our team at Alternatives is here to help. Contact us right away so we can support you through the next steps.

If you feel that you’ve become a victim of fraud or identity theft, please act swiftly:

• Report the identity theft to us immediately
• Cancel your card(s) to prevent further fraudulent transactions
• Balance your account for accuracy
• If you would like to dispute a charge or report fraud on your Alternatives FCU debit or credit cards, call:
  • (877) 273-2328, option 1, option 1 (during business hours)
  • (877)-273-2328, option 1, option 2 (after hours) or direct line 501-246-8497
  • After calling the above number to cancel/reorder debit card, please call the claim initiation line at 866-279-1399

Stay alert and cautious when it comes to your debit and credit cards.

• Text Alerts will never include a link to click. They will only provide details about a suspicious transaction.
• Scam Warning: Fraudsters may pretend to be a contact center agent and ask you to verify a fake transaction. When you respond “no” they may say your card will be blocked and a new one issued — but they’ll ask for your current card’s PIN. This is a scam. A real agent will never ask for your PIN.
• Check Your Account Often using our mobile app or online banking. It’s convenient and gives you peace of mind knowing your activity is yours alone.
• Contact Us at 877-273-2328 or info@alternatives.org if you receive a suspicious voice or text message claiming to be from Alternatives FCU.

Being careful with your devices — whether it’s a phone, tablet, or computer — is one of the best ways to protect your personal and financial information.

• Always Log Out of online banking or the mobile app when you’re done using it, especially on shared or public devices.
• Never Save Login Credentials on a public computer or leave the computer unattended while logged in.
• Look for the Lock Icon in your browser’s address bar — it means you’re on a secure, encrypted website.
• Install Anti-Virus Software on your computer and keep it up to date to protect against malware and tracking tools.
• Don’t Share Your Device if it’s logged in to your email, online banking, or social media accounts. Even a trusted person could accidentally put your information at risk.

Staying informed, alert, and connected is your best line of defense. We’re here to help every step of the way.

According to the CFPB, if you suspect a scam, there are a few important steps you should take right away.

1. Contact your local police or sheriff’s office to report the scam.
2. Contact your state attorney general. Visit the National Association of Attorneys General website for the contact information of each state attorney general.
3. If the victim is an older person or a person with a disability, contact your local adult protective services agency. You can find your state or local agency that receives and investigates reports of suspected elder financial exploitation by using the online Eldercare Locator or calling (800) 677-1116.
4. If you or someone you care about is the victim of a fraud, scam or financial exploitation, you can report fraud with the Federal Trade Commission.

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