How to Protect Yourself and Stay One Step Ahead of Scammers

Fraudsters and scammers never take a break—and recently, there have been reports of bad actors targeting members by posing as credit union representatives and claiming there’s suspicious activity on a card. These scams are designed to create urgency and fear, hoping you’ll act quickly without stopping to think.

Protecting your financial well-being is a top priority at Town & Country Federal Credit Union. According to Heidi Olson, the credit union’s Vice President of Member Engagement, Digital Services and Payments, “we believe staying safe is a shared effort. Knowing what you need to watch for—and what we will never ask—can help you avoid becoming a victim to fraud.”

What We Will Never Ask You

One of the easiest ways to spot a scam is by understanding how legitimate financial institutions operate. Town & Country will never contact you and ask for:

• Your online banking username or password
• Your debit or credit card number
• Your PIN or security codes
• Sensitive personal information over an unsolicited call, text, or email

If you receive a call or message asking for this information—even if it seems convincing—treat it as a red flag.

Trust Your Instincts

Scammers rely on emotion. They may sound urgent, helpful, or even friendly—but if something feels off, trust that instinct. Olson recommends if this occurs, hang up immediately and contact your financial institution directly using a phone number from a trusted source, like the official website or your account statement.

Even if the call turns out to be legitimate, it’s always okay to verify. You will never be penalized for being cautious.

You Are Your First Line of Defense

While financial institutions today use advanced tools to monitor and prevent fraud, your awareness plays a critical role. A few simple habits can go a long way in protecting your accounts and personal information.

Strengthen Your Online Security

Town & Country Federal Credit Union uses multi-factor authentication (MFA) to add an extra layer of protection to your online banking experience. There are a couple of important points to keep in mind when you receive an MFA code:

• Codes are one-time use and time-limited
• No one — not even the organization — should have access to them
• They must be entered directly into the authentication prompt
• Sharing them can lead to account compromise or fraud

When you receive an MFA code by text, call, or email, do not share it with anyone. It is meant for your direct use only and should be entered immediately into the authentication screen.

Here are some other smart ways to keep your accounts secure:

• Use strong, unique passwords.
  Create passwords that are at least eight characters long and include a mix of upper- and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters. Avoid using personal details like birthdays, names, or common words.
• Don’t reuse passwords across sites.
  If one account is compromised, reused passwords can give scammers access to multiple accounts.
• Keep login information private.
  Store usernames and passwords securely and never share them with anyone.

Be Smart About Devices and Internet Use

• Avoid public computers for financial activity.
  Public devices may contain malware that can capture your login information. Stick to secure, private devices when accessing your accounts.
• Never leave your device unattended while logged in.
  Always log out completely when you’re finished—not just close the browser.
• Keep your software up to date.
  Install updates for your operating system, apps, antivirus, and anti-spyware programs regularly. These updates often include critical security patches.
• Download apps from trusted sources only.
  Whether using the Apple App Store, Google Play, or another platform, make sure apps are legitimate and from reputable developers.

Watch What You Share Online

Social media can unintentionally give scammers the information they need to impersonate you or gain your trust. Be mindful of what you post publicly, especially details like birthdays, locations, or family information.

Stay Alert to Suspicious Emails

Be cautious with emails from unknown senders—especially those with attachments or links. These can contain malware or phishing attempts designed to steal your information.

If You Suspect Fraud, Act Quickly

Olson suggests if you believe you’ve been contacted by a scammer or your information may be compromised, contact your financial institution immediately. Quick action can help minimize potential damage and protect your accounts.

Scammers may be persistent, but with the right knowledge and habits, you can stay one step ahead. By staying informed and cautious, you’re helping to keep your financial future

If you have questions or concerns about potential fraud or the security of your accounts, please reach out to a Town & Country Member Services Representative at info@tcfcu.com, by calling 1-800-649-3495, or scheduling an appointment here.