MyChart®
The phone rings, and the number says it’s your bank. The person on the other end knows your name and says there’s suspicious activity on your account. They sound professional and seem to know enough about you to make the call feel legitimate.
Would you trust them? A lot of us would.
Scammers can spoof the number on your phone and may already have enough personal information to sound like they know you. With AI, they can even imitate someone’s voice.
The safest way to handle a call like this isn’t to decide whether it’s real. Hang up and call your bank or credit union using a number you trust. If there really is a problem with your account, they can help you take care of it. And they won’t be offended that you hung up. They’ll be glad you did.
Hang Up. Call Back.
Use the number on the back of your debit or credit card, a recent statement, or your financial institution’s official app or website. Don’t use a phone number or link provided by the person who contacted you.
Be careful with online searches, too. Scammers can use paid search ads to put fake phone numbers and websites in front of you. Go to a source you trust instead.
When you make the call, you know who you’re talking to. If there’s a problem with your account, they can help you from there.
Know What Your Financial Institution Won’t Ask You to Do
Your bank or credit union may contact you about suspicious activity. But some requests should immediately end the conversation.
Be suspicious if someone asks you to:
- Move money to another account to “protect” it.
- Withdraw cash because your money is at risk.
- Send money by wire, cryptocurrency, gift card or payment app to resolve supposed fraud.
- Share your online banking password, PIN or one-time security code.
- Give them remote access to your phone or computer.
- Keep the conversation or transaction secret.
- Click a link in an unexpected email or text to provide or “verify” account information.
Pay special attention to one-time security codes. Your financial institution may send you a code when you log into your account. Enter it yourself. Don’t give it to someone who calls, texts or emails asking for it.
When Someone Wants You to Hurry, Slow Down
Scammers need urgency. They may tell you money is leaving your account, someone has stolen your identity, or you have only minutes to stop a transaction.
Don’t let their deadline become yours.
Hang up. Don’t respond to the message or click the link. Contact your bank or credit union yourself using information you trust.
And if the call really was from them? No harm done. You took an extra minute to protect yourself. Any financial institution worth trusting should be happy you did.
For more ways to protect yourself, visit the Frontwave Security Center. You’ll find practical guidance on common scams, warning signs and what to do if you think you’ve been targeted. You don’t have to be a Frontwave Member to use it.
Visit frontwavecu.com/security to learn more.
Come home to Frontwave. Get $350.*
Looking for a financial partner that gives you more than a place to keep your money? Through TrueCare’s partnership with Frontwave, you can open a qualifying account and earn up to $350.* You’ll get fair rates, straight answers and real people when you need help.
Learn more at frontwavecu.com/new-member.
About Frontwave Credit Union
Life’s complicated enough. Banking shouldn’t be. Frontwave Credit Union helps TrueCare employees and patients keep more of what they earn, bank wherever life takes them and get real help when they need it. That means competitive rates, everyday benefits, more than 30,000 surcharge-free ATMs and 5,600 shared branches nationwide, backed by real people with straight answers.
*Membership and promotional requirements apply. See frontwavecu.com/new-member for details.
