Stay Alert: Common Phishing Scams and How to Avoid Them

What Is Phishing?

Phishing is a scam where criminals pretend to be a trusted source—such as your credit union, a bank, or a government agency—to trick you into sharing sensitive information. These messages are often designed to look urgent or threatening. They may ask you to verify account details, reset your password, or click a link to avoid a penalty. Their goal? To steal your identity or gain access to your accounts.

Common Red Flags of Phishing

Phishing attempts often share similar warning signs. Keep an eye out for the following:

• Requests for sensitive information: Reputable organizations will never ask for your full Social Security number, account number, password, or PIN by email, text, or phone call.
• Urgent or threatening language: Messages that claim your account will be locked or charged unless you act right away are a major red flag.
• Suspicious links or attachments: These could install malware or lead to fake login pages designed to steal your credentials.
• Unfamiliar senders or strange email addresses: Even if the message looks official, a weird sender address is often a giveaway.
• Spelling and grammar mistakes: Many phishing messages contain awkward language or typos that legitimate companies wouldn’t send.

How to Protect Yourself

A few simple habits can go a long way in safeguarding your identity and financial information:

• Be cautious with unexpected calls. If someone calls claiming to be from ECU or another financial institution and asks for personal details, hang up. Call the organization directly using the number on your debit or credit card.
• Never share personal info. Legitimate companies will not ask for your full Social Security number, password, or account number via text, email, or unsolicited phone call.
• Avoid clicking unknown links or downloading attachments. These may contain malware or direct you to fraudulent websites.
• Visit sites manually. Instead of clicking a link in a message, open a new browser tab and type in the organization’s official web address.
• Keep your software up to date. Regular updates help protect your devices from known security threats.
• Monitor your accounts often. Review your transactions regularly and set up alerts so you’re notified of any suspicious activity.

What to Do If You’re Targeted

If a message seems suspicious, trust your instincts—don’t click on anything or respond. Instead, report it immediately. Contact ECU directly using the phone number on our website or the back of your card.

Staying informed is your best defense. By recognizing phishing scams and taking the right precautions, you can help keep your identity and your finances safe.