Fraud Prevention Center

When a mortgage or home equity loan is recorded, certain information becomes part of the public record. Some third-party companies use this information to send mail or make phone calls that may appear to be connected to your lender—but are not.

These solicitations may include:

1. Mailers that resemble checks or official notices
2. References to your recent loan or home equity line
3. Urgent requests to enroll in “home warranty” or “coverage” plans
4. Requests for credit card or payment information

Alternatives Federal Credit Union does not send unsolicited checks, warranty offers, or payment requests related to your mortgage or HELOC.

Protect yourself

1. Be cautious with unsolicited mail or calls referencing your loan
2. Do not provide payment or card information
3. Verify directly with Alternatives using official contact information

If you receive something suspicious or have questions, please contact us—we’re happy to review it with you.

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.

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.

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 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. Take these steps:

1. Stop all communication — Hang up, don’t reply, and block the number if possible.

2. Don’t send money or share information — Even if you’re being pressured. Take a breath.

3. Call us immediately — 877-273-2328. We’re here to help, no judgment.

4. Change your passwords and turn on multi-factor authentication on your accounts.

5. Freeze your credit if you think your identity was stolen — Equifax, TransUnion, Experian.

6. Monitor your accounts and keep records of all suspicious communications.

Report the scam to:

• FTC — general scams and fraud
• IC3.gov — internet crimes
• Social Security Administration — if your Social Security number was involved
• U.S. Postal Inspection Service: 877-876-2455 — if mail was involved
• Your local police department — especially for identity theft or financial loss
• If the victim is an older adult or person with a disability: Eldercare Locator or call 800-677-1116

If you’ve already shared personal information with someone you’re not sure about, contact us immediately. It happens — we’re not here to judge, we’re here to help.

If your debit or credit card was compromised, act quickly:

Step 1 — Cancel your card:

• During business hours: Call 877-273-2328 → press 1 → press 1
• After hours: Call 877-273-2328 → press 1 → press 2
• After-hours direct line: 501-246-8497

Step 2 — Start your fraud claim: After your card is canceled, call the claim initiation line: 866-279-1399

Step 3 — Review your account: Check your transaction history for any charges you don’t recognize and report them to us.

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.