Pause, Verify, and Protect Your Finances: Avoid Falling for Scams

In today’s digital world, scammers are getting craftier, finding new ways to trick people into sharing their personal and financial information. At Scenic Community Credit Union (SCCU), we’re committed to helping you stay safe and informed.

Recently, we’ve received reports of fraudsters contacting members through phone calls, texts, and emails, impersonating SCCU. These scams are designed to look and feel legitimate, but with the right knowledge, you can spot the red flags and avoid becoming a victim.

How Scammers Operate

Fraudsters are using phone number spoofing to make their calls look like they’re coming from SCCU. Some even claim to represent the "DuPont Community Credit Union fraud department" in an attempt to gain your trust.

Here’s the truth:

  • SCCU will never call, text, or email asking for your account details, passwords, or verification codes.
  • Scammers often send out mass texts, emails, or calls, playing a game of averages. They don’t know if you’re an SCCU member—they’re just hoping you’ll believe their story.

 

What to Do If You’re Targeted

If you receive a suspicious call, text, or email, follow these steps:

  1. Pause. Take a moment to evaluate the situation. Does it seem urgent or unusual?
  2. Hang up immediately. Avoid engaging with the scammer.
  3. Verify. Contact SCCU directly at (423) 875-6955 to confirm if the communication is real.
Pro Tip: Only use the contact information listed on SCCU’s official website. Never click on links in unexpected messages.


Why You Shouldn’t Panic

First, rest assured that SCCU’s data has not been compromised. This is a common scam tactic used by fraudsters to impersonate various financial institutions. They rely on statistics, hoping a small percentage of recipients will fall for their trap.

Here’s the takeaway: It’s not about you—it’s about their numbers game. And with a little vigilance, you can beat them at it.

  

How to Protect Yourself

Scammers count on people acting quickly without thinking. By following these simple steps, you can keep your finances safe:

  • Pause. Don’t rush to respond. Scammers often create urgency to pressure you into acting without thinking.
  • Verify. Call your financial institution using the number on their website—not the one provided in the suspicious message.
  • Protect. Avoid clicking on unexpected links or downloading attachments from unknown sources.


What to Do If You’ve Shared Your Information

Mistakes happen, and scammers can be convincing. If you think you’ve accidentally shared personal or account details with a suspicious person or website:

  • If you are a member, contact SCCU immediately at (423) 875-6955.
  • If you are not a member, notify your financial institution so they can help secure your account.

At SCCU, your financial security is our top priority. By staying informed and taking simple precautions, you can protect yourself from scams and enjoy peace of mind.

For more tips on safeguarding your finances, reach out to us anytime!


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