"Fraud Department" Phone Scam Reported
Our team has identified a phone scam that has affected several members in our area. Below, we will detail how the scam works, what it affects, and what to do if you fell victim.
First and most importantly, FCCU has not been hacked. Scammers can pretend to be ANY person, business, or even financial institution and can target random phone numbers within the same area code.
We are grateful to the keen members who reported to FCCU the strange phone calls they received so that we could investigate further, identify patterns, and warn others that they may receive similar scam calls.
How does the scam work?
Several members have reported receiving calls from the "fraud department” at FCCU regarding fraudulent charges on their debit card.
Members noted that the caller ID displayed FCCU’s real phone number, making the phone call appear legitimate. This is called caller ID spoofing, where a caller can deliberately falsify the information transmitted to your caller ID display to disguise their identity. Any phone number can be spoofed, even saved contacts in your phone.
After notifying them about fraudulent charges, the “FCCU team member” (AKA scammer) requested the member’s digital banking username and password. They even went as far as having the member recite the two-factor authentication code sent to their phone or email— bypassing the last account security measure and completing account takeover.
The scammer then used the members’ login credentials to sign in, change the account password, lock their debit card(s), and schedule outgoing transfers using the Contact feature.
The members that made it this far recalled receiving an account alert that a new Contact had been added, which was the final red flag indicating something was wrong and that they should contact FCCU directly.
Should I be concerned? Should I contact FCCU?
- Have you received an alert that a new Contact or External Account was added to your FCCU account, but you didn’t add it yourself?
- Have you given your digital banking username or password to another person, even if they are claiming to be from FCCU?
If you answered “yes” to any of the above questions, you need to call FCCU as soon as possible at (920) 563-7305 between 9:00 am and 5:00 pm (Monday - Friday) or 9:00 am and 12:00 pm (Saturday). We will walk you through any necessary account security measures.
Bottom Line
FCCU will NEVER contact you and request your digital banking username and password.
Trust your gut. If something seems off, give FCCU a call using the contact information on our website or social media.
Learn more about phone scams and how to block unwanted calls below.
