Don’t Fall for Impersonation Scams

Impersonation scams (or imposter scams) are on the rise. Criminals are using advanced technology to mimic trusted businesses, government agencies, or
even people you know, such as celebrities.

Their ultimate goal? Trick you into handing over online banking passwords, credit card numbers, financial records, or your Social Security number and other personal identifying information.

How the Scam Works
Scammers use spoofed phone numbers, fake emails, and lookalike text messages to appear completely legitimate. They rely heavily on fear and a false sense of urgency to stop you from thinking clearly.

They will often claim you are facing:
• A fraudulent bank transaction
• An internal “insider abuse” bank investigation
• A classified government inquiry
• An accidental overpayment refund
• Pending legal action or immediate arrest

Red Flags
Protect yourself and your finances by watching out for these major warning signs:
• High-Pressure Tactics: Demands that you act immediately or face severe consequences.
• Unusual Payment Requests: Demands to pay via gift cards, cryptocurrency, or wire transfers.
• Demands for Secrecy: Instructions to not tell your family, friends, or bank tellers.
• Sensitive Data Requests: Asking for PINs, passwords, or one-time login codes.
• Slight Misspellings: Email addresses or web links with altered letters (e.g., arnazon.com).

What to do next?
If you think you have been targeted, stop communicating immediately and contact Patriot Federal Credit Union for further assistance. Never log into accounts through links sent in a message. Instead, look up the official phone number independently to verify the claim.