Fraud Resource Center

Table of contents

What to do if you've been scammed

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Caught in a scam? Don't panic, we've got your back! Give us a call at 707.546.6000 or swing by your nearest branch. We'll work together to safeguard your information and lessen the risk of further attacks.

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Common types of scams

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Contact spoofing

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Watch out for Caller ID spoofing and scams where familiar contacts are impersonated through texts, emails, or social media. Stay cautious of unsolicited messages and verify the sender's identity through other means.

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Government alerts

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Beware of urgent alerts regarding unemployment, arrest warrants, or relief packages. Official agencies won't text you links. If suspicious, contact the agency directly to verify.

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Waiting or delayed package

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Be cautious of texts about package status—especially during busy shopping times. Avoid clicking on links. If you've ordered something, contact the company directly.

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Holiday deals

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Avoid clicking on unsolicited offers and do your research before shopping online. Remember to check for a secure website (lock icon by the web address).

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Sweepstakes/Contest winner

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Be wary of any messages claiming you’ve won something. Scammers often use this tactic, requesting a shipping or tax fee to claim your “prize”.

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How to protect yourself from fraud

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Protecting your info from scams is easier than you think! Here's what you need to know:

  1. Keep personal info private. We'll never ask for it over the phone!
  2. Don’t reply or click on any links from unsolicited or unexpected messages.
  3. Verify senders and reach out to trusted contacts for peace of mind.
  4. Remember: If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is!

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Other resources for fraud prevention

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Suspect you’ve fallen victim to a scam?

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Contact us immediately.

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FAQs

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Can I get my money back after I've been scammed?

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Unfortunately, it can be difficult to recover any lost funds after a scam. The best thing to do is contact the institution that issued the payment, let them know it was fraud, and ask them to reverse the transaction.

If you sent cash by mail, you can contact the US Postal Inspection Service and ask them to intercept the package.

When it comes to cryptocurrency payments, it's important to note that they're usually not reversible. This means extra caution is needed.

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How do I report a suspicious email or spam phone call?

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If you receive a suspicious email, there are a few steps you can take to protect yourself and help combat phishing attempts.

  1. Check if your email provider offers a "mark as spam" option to filter out emails like that one into your spam folder.
  2. Forward suspicious emails to reportphishing@apwg.org, which is the Anti-PhishingWorking Group.
  3. Prevent unwanted messages from reaching your device by blocking any numbers that send them to you. You can also forward spam texts to SPAM (7726).
  4. Report phishing attempts at https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/

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How can I check to see if a website is safe to use?

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To ensure your online safety and protect against scams, follow these tips:

  1. Search the website's name along with keywords like "scam" or "reviews" to see if any red flags come up.
  2. Look for the padlock symbol (indicating a secure connection) near the website address. You can also use Google's Transparency Report to check a site's safety.
  3. Watch for suspicious signs like typos or unusual spellings.
  4. Consider using trusted tools like Norton or McAfee that can help you monitor your computer for malicious software or cookies and alert you to potential risks.

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How can I know if someone is using my personal information, like my social security number?

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Discovering that your personal information may have been compromised can be stressful.Here's what you can do if you suspect your Social Security Number (SSN) has been stolen:

  1. Notify the relevant authorities, such as the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), and file a report to establish a record of the incident and protect yourself from potential identity theft.
  2. Contact the major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) to request a credit freeze and help safeguard your financial accounts.
  3. Regularly check your credit reports for any suspicious or fraudulent activity. You can obtain free credit reports from the credit bureaus once a year.

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What does Community First Credit Union do to help protect my information?

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Safeguarding members is our top priority. We are dedicated to maintaining a secure environment by employing proactive measures and staying vigilant against emerging fraud schemes.

If we detect suspicious activity, we’ll contact you through the number we have on file—so be sure to keep your contact info current.