Stay vigilant to protect yourself from scams.

Below you will find a list of recent scams that you could encounter and how to avoid being a victim.

Account Information Scam: Fraudsters may pretend to be Educators Credit Union or an Educators employee and ask you for information to access your accounts through text message, email or phone call. Educators will never ask for your personal information through an email, text message or an outgoing call to you. DO NOT click on any text message links or provide anyone your Online Banking username, password or your debit/credit card PIN.

Gift Card Scam: A scammer creates a fake identity and tries to convince you to pay with a gift card. Government agencies or legitimate companies will never ask you to pay with a gift card. Always know who you are working with.

Check Deposit Scam: A fraudster may ask you to deposit a check into your personal account and may even promise you can keep some of the money. These checks are typically fake, may be returned or come from illegal activity. Not only could you lose money from this scam, but you could unknowingly become involved in a crime.

Here are more tips to help keep your accounts and personal information safe:

• Set up two-factor authentication as soon as possible. For information on setting up multifactor authentication, please click here.
• If you need to send money, only send money to friends and family using a secure and well-known money transfer app.
• If someone calls, texts or emails you and asks for your account number, security word, username, password or ID, verify that these unsolicited calls are legitimate. Remember, Educators or any legitimate company will never ask for your personal information through an email, text message or an outgoing call to you.
• Do not use your personal account to transfer or deposit funds for someone else.
• If someone requests that you download an app to fix issues on your phone or one that allows them access to your device, be extremely wary of a request like this.
• Be wary of schemes that promise quick or easy money, especially if they are unsolicited.
• If someone requests that you send them money so that you can get paid or earn money, it is likely a scam.
• Protect your Educators credit and debit cards with the CardValet^® app. The CardValet^® app allows you to turn your debit and credit cards on and off, receive instant notifications and implement spending restrictions. Click here for more information on CardValet^®.

Be diligent and take caution to keep yourself safe from fraud. When in doubt, please contact Educators Credit Union directly, we are here to help you.