Protect yourself from identity theft, fraud, and scams. Criminals are constantly finding new ways to target consumers, but staying informed is one of your best defenses. Explore tips, resources, and best practices to help safeguard your personal information, recognize common scams, and respond quickly if you become a victim.
Identity Theft
What is Identity Theft?
Identity theft happens when someone uses your personal information, such as your Social Security number, bank account details, or credit card info, without permission. This can lead to fraudulent charges, damaged credit, and long-term financial stress.
Stay a Step Ahead: Prevention Tips.
- Protect Personal Info. Never share your Social Security number, PINs, or account info over the phone or online unless you initiated the contact and trust the source.
- Watch for Phishing Scams. Be cautious of emails or texts asking for sensitive information. Metro Plus CU will never ask for your full account number or password via email or text.
- Use Strong, Unique Passwords. Use a password manager to keep logins safe and updated across all your financial accounts.
- Shred Sensitive Documents. Bank statements, pre-approved credit offers, and anything with personal details should be shredded, not just tossed.
- Check Credit Reports Regularly. You can get a free report from each of the three credit bureaus every 12 months. Visit annualcreditreport.com to request yours.
Warning Signs of Identity Theft. If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to act quickly.
- Unexpected withdrawals or transactions
- Bills for accounts you didn’t open
- Denials of credit for no clear reason
- IRS notifications of unreported income
What To Do if You’re a Victim
- Report the fraud to the Federal Trade Commission at identitytheft.gov.
- Place a fraud alert with one of the three credit bureaus.
- Contact your financial institutions, including Metro Plus CU, to freeze or close affected accounts.
- File a police report to support your case with creditors.
We’ve Got Your Back. Always. You’re not alone when it comes to protecting your identity. If something ever seems off, or if you fall victim to identity theft, we’re here to help you every step of the way. Simply stop by, or give us a call at (859) 258-3990.
Scams
Scammers are constantly adapting their tactics, using technology, social media, email, text messages, and phone calls to target unsuspecting individuals. They often pose as trusted organizations, government agencies, financial institutions, employers, or even friends and family members to gain access to your personal information or money. At Metro Plus Credit Union, protecting our members' accounts and financial well-being is a top priority, and staying informed is one of the best ways to avoid becoming a victim.
Common scams include phishing emails and text messages that appear to come from legitimate companies, fraudulent phone calls claiming there's an urgent issue with your account, fake online marketplaces, and identity theft. Scammers frequently create a sense of urgency, fear, or excitement to pressure people into acting quickly without verifying the request. If you receive an unexpected request for passwords, account information, security codes, money transfers, or gift card purchases, pause and verify the source before taking action.
Our team has also seen an increase in more sophisticated scams, including:
Romance Scams
Scammers build trust through dating websites, social media, or messaging apps, often creating emotional connections over weeks or months before requesting money for an emergency, travel expenses, medical bills, or other personal hardships.
Computer Malware & Tech Support Scams
Victims may receive a pop-up message, phone call, email, or text claiming their computer has been infected with a virus. The scammer then attempts to gain remote access to the device or convince the victim to pay for unnecessary software or services. Once access is granted, criminals may steal personal information, passwords, or financial account details.
Online Loan & Employment Scams
Fraudsters advertise easy loans or work-from-home opportunities and request upfront fees, personal information, or banking details. In some cases, victims are asked to deposit fraudulent checks and send a portion of the money elsewhere before the check is returned unpaid.
Investment & Cryptocurrency Scams
Scammers promise guaranteed returns, exclusive opportunities, or fast profits through investments or cryptocurrency platforms. These schemes often pressure individuals to act quickly and may use fake websites, testimonials, or account balances to appear legitimate.
Impersonation Scams
Criminals may pretend to be a credit union employee, government official, law enforcement officer, utility company, or well-known business. They often claim there's a problem that requires immediate action, hoping to convince victims to provide sensitive information or send money.
Remember: if something sounds too good to be true, creates a sense of panic, or pressures you to act immediately, it's worth taking a closer look. Never share online banking credentials, verification codes, or passwords with anyone. Metro Plus Credit Union will never contact you and ask for your online banking password or a one-time security code.
If you receive a suspicious message, phone call, email, or request for money, contact Metro Plus Credit Union directly before responding. Taking a few moments to verify a situation can help protect your finances, personal information, and peace of mind.
To learn more about current scam tactics and how to protect yourself and your accounts, visit the Stop Scams Kentucky resource page.
Card Fraud Prevention
Your debit and credit cards provide a convenient way to make purchases, but they can also become targets for fraudsters looking to gain access to your money and personal information. Card fraud can occur when criminals steal card information through data breaches, card skimming devices, phishing scams, fraudulent websites, or even stolen mail. The good news is that a few simple habits can significantly reduce your risk.
Common Types of Card Fraud
Card Skimming: Criminals place hidden devices on ATMs, gas pumps, or payment terminals to capture card information when you swipe your card. They may also use hidden cameras or fake keypads to collect PINs.
Card-Not-Present Fraud: This type of fraud occurs when stolen card information is used for online, phone, or mail-order purchases without the physical card being present.
Lost or Stolen Cards: If a card falls into the wrong hands, unauthorized purchases can occur quickly if the card is not reported missing immediately.
Phishing and Smishing Scams: Fraudsters send emails or text messages pretending to be your financial institution, a retailer, or a government agency to trick you into revealing card details, passwords, or one-time verification codes.
How to Protect Your Cards
- Monitor your account activity regularly and review transactions for anything suspicious.
- Set up account and transaction alerts to notify you of purchases, withdrawals, or changes made to your account.
- Keep your debit and credit cards in a secure location and report lost or stolen cards immediately.
- Use secure websites when shopping online and look for "https://" before entering payment information.
- Be cautious when using ATMs or payment terminals and inspect them for anything unusual before inserting your card.
- Never share your card number, PIN, CVV code, online banking credentials, or one-time security codes.
- Avoid clicking links in unexpected emails or text messages asking for account information.
- Consider using digital wallet services, which help protect your card information during transactions.
Know the Red Flags
Be suspicious if you receive a call, text, or email claiming there is a problem with your card and asking you to provide account information, passwords, or verification codes. Metro Plus Credit Union will never contact you and ask for your card PIN, online banking password, or one-time authentication code.
If You Suspect Card Fraud
Act quickly. Contact Metro Plus Credit Union immediately if you notice unauthorized transactions, lose your card, or believe your card information has been compromised. Prompt reporting can help limit losses, prevent additional fraudulent activity, and allow us to take steps to protect your account.
Remember: The sooner you report suspicious activity, the better protected your account will be.