Fraud Awareness

Empower Yourself: Educate, Detect, Prevent Fraud

Stay Alert, Stay Safe: Navigating the World of Fraud

One of the key priorities of PFFCU is to provide insights into the most prevalent forms of fraud that individuals and organizations encounter. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting to navigate the digital landscape, our resources are designed to help you recognize red flags, understand how fraudsters operate, and take proactive steps to protect yourself and your assets.

Together, we can work towards creating a secure environment where every member feels protected and valued.

Spot the “Red Flags”

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While some scams may be highly deceptive, there are often several warning signs that can help you avoid becoming a victim of fraud. If unsure, it’s essential to conduct thorough research, verify information, and seek guidance from reliable sources before taking any action

Keep an eye out for these “red flags”:

• Unsolicited Requests: Be wary of unsolicited emails, messages, or phone calls asking for personal information, payment, or access to your devices. Legitimate organizations typically don’t initiate contact in this manner.
• Pressure Tactics: Fraudsters often create a sense of urgency or fear to compel victims to act quickly without thinking. Watch out for high-pressure sales tactics, deadlines, or threats if you don’t comply.
• Too Good to Be True Offers: If an offer promises unusually high returns with little or no risk, it’s likely a scam. Remember the adage: “If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.”
• Mismatched URLs or Email Addresses: Check the URLs of websites and email addresses carefully for misspellings, extra characters, or domains that don’t match the purported organization. Fraudulent sites may mimic legitimate ones to deceive victims.
• Poor Grammar or Spelling: Many fraudulent communications contain grammatical errors, spelling mistakes, or awkward language. Legitimate organizations typically maintain professional communication standards.
• Refusal to Answer Questions or Provide Information: Legitimate businesses are usually transparent and willing to address concerns or provide additional information. If someone avoids answering questions or seems evasive, it could be a warning sign.

Tips on Identifying and Avoiding Fake Check Scams

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By familiarizing yourself with common types of check fraud and learning how to prevent them, you can better protect your finances. Explore our resources for more tips and tools to safeguard your financial well-being.

If you answer “yes” to any of these questions, you may be at risk of fraud or a scam:

• Is the check from an item you sold on the internet, such as a car, boat, etc.?
• Is the check amount greater than the item’s selling price?
• Did you receive the check via an overnight delivery service?
• Is the check connected to communicating with someone via email?
• Is the check drawn from a different account than the buyer’s?
• Have you been informed that you were the winner of a lottery that you did not enter?

How to protect yourself from check scams:

• Verify Before Depositing: Avoid using funds from a check to purchase gift cards, money orders, cryptocurrency, or to wire money to individuals requesting it.
• Be Skeptical: Question unsolicited offers, overpayments, or prizes that require you to send money back.
• Educate Yourself: Stay updated on the latest scam tactics and share this information with friends and family.
• Contact the Authorities: Reach out to any PFFCU branch or contact the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) directly at 1-877-382-4357 (1-877-FTC-HELP).

For more information and additional resources visit their website at https://reportfraud.ftc.gov

Our team is here to assist you with any concerns and verify the legitimacy of any suspicious activity.