Fraud Prevention

Member Resources

Community First Credit Union Fraud Resource Center

What to do if you've been scammed

If you suspect you've fallen victim to a scam, the first thing to do is call us at 707-546-6000. You can also visit your local branch.We will be able to help you take next steps to protect your information and lessen the risk of further attacks.

Common Types of Scams

It seems like bad actors come up with another devious method to scam us every other day. It can be hard to keep up with the next scheme to look out for, but we will keep a running list here so you can educate yourself. Here are some of the most recent scams reported to us by members and seen ourselves!

Impersonations Scams

Personal Contacts

Caller ID spoofing has become an incredibly simple feat for scammers. They will impersonate a person you know through a text, email, or sometimes even through social media (did we mention that Facebook profiles can be easily hacked too?) and coerce you into clicking a link or sending them money.

Be wary of unsolicited or unexpected messages. If you can, try to verify the identity of the sender through other means.

Government Agencies

Urgent alerts regarding unemployment, warrants for arrest, or available relief packages should be regarded with caution.

Remember that official agencies will not text you asking you to click on links. If you receive a suspicious alert, do not click on any links. If you think the message might be legitimate, reach out to the agency directly using their official contact information so you can confirm the information.

Waiting or Delayed Package

Especially around busy shopping times, you may get texts explaining that a package is waiting for you, has been delayed, or needs your attention in some way. Don’t click on these links!

If you’ve ordered something, contact the company directly.

Special Deals Scam

Holiday Deals

Especially around the holidays, look out for deals that seem too good to be true! These are often linked to spam sites that are created to steal your personal information. Don’t click on any offers from communications you haven’t requested.

If you are shopping online with a store you haven’t used before, make sure to do your research! Sometimes a quick Google search will save you a world of trouble. Another easy way to check a site is to make sure that it is secure (little lock icon by the web address).

Sweepstakes/Contest Winner

Ever get a text, email, or even a call stating that you’ve won a grand prize? Who wouldn’t want a new car or some cash?

Unfortunately, you can be sure these messages are fraudulent. These scams will tell you you’ve won a prize, then ask you to pay some sort of shipping or tax fee to claim your ‘prize’. Like the holiday deals, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is!


If it's too good to be true, it probably is!

All these different scams are coming from various mediums: calls, texts, social media, even in person! Even though it can be exhausting to keep your guard up all the time, remember that if something is too good to be true, it probably is! Don't click on anything that comes from a contact you can't verify. If you think something may be legitimate, call the official phone number of whatever agency or person is reaching out.

Frequently Asked Questions

Get answers to some common questions we receive from other members.
What does Community First Credit Union do to help protect my information?
How can I know if someone is using my personal information, like my social security number?
How can I check to see if a website is safe to use?
How do I report a suspicious email or spam phone call?
Can I get my money back after I've been scammed?

Additional Resources

Fraud Prevention Center - MyCreditUnion.gov
Learn More
Consumer Advice From the FTC
Learn More
Report Fraud with the FTC
Learn More
Scams and Safety-FBI
Learn More

Additional Articles

Internet Safety Tips For 2023
Staying safe online means staying up to date on the latest ways you could be vulnerable to scams and identity theft.
Read now
Recognizing and Avoiding Scams
Recognizing potential scams is a skill everyone should hone. Learn about the common red flags you should be on the look out for.
Read now
Cybersecurity
Sometimes we all need a little help. A cybersecurity program can take some of the load off your shoulders when it comes to protecting your information and spotting potentially dangerous sites.
Read Now
Scams Targeting Seniors
Unfortunately, seniors are the most highly, and aggressively, targeted demographic when t comes to scams. Recognizing the most common ploys criminals use is key to protecting yourself.
Read Now
Internet Safety For Kids
Internet safety is important at any age! Learn how to introduce the kids in your life to internet safety skills that they'll no doubt be using when they're older.
Read Now
Preventing Identity Theft
While sometimes scammers are just looking for a quick buck, others have more nefarious motives. Make sure your identity doesn't get stolen by recognizing these common scams that target your highly sensitive data.
Read now

Have some more questions?

Find out how else to reach out to us here