Scammers are impersonating SAFE Credit Union via calls and text messages and asking to verify unauthorized charges. SAFE will never call you asking for you to provide a one-time passcode, your account password, your card number, or other account details.
The scammers can change their outgoing phone number to make it appear as if the call is coming from SAFE Credit Union, therefore, if you receive a text or other communication from someone saying they are from SAFE, please contact us at (800) SEE-SAFE to verify whether the information is accurate.
If you have received a text from a scammer and went to the fraudulent link and provided your login credentials, contact us immediately at (800) SEE-SAFE. You can also set alerts on your accounts in Online Banking and through the SAFE Mobile App to monitor account activity in real-time.
Tips to Help Identify Fraudulent Text Messages Appearing to be From SAFE Credit Union
The image below depicts an actual fraudulent text message. There are clues to help you determine that it is from a scammer.
Fraudsters will add URLs that look real but are different from those belonging to SAFE’s website. These links usually direct you to a fake version of SAFE’s website that are controlled by the scammer and fraudulently collect your username and password when typed. SAFE works to remove these websites as soon as we become aware of them. For reference, SAFE’s website is https://www.safecu.org
The messages express urgency and often contain unusual punctuation or spelling and grammatical errors.
The phone number sending the text uses a 10-digit phone number rather than the six-digit number SAFE uses to send text alerts.
Take The Following Measures to Protect Yourself
- Set transaction alerts on your accounts to track activity and so you can see if something isn’t right in a timely manner.
- Use two-factor authentication whenever possible.
- Never share passwords or passcodes with anyone. SAFE will never ask for your password or a passcode when we reach out to you.
- Do not share your Social Security number or other personal information.
- Do not interact with suspicious texts, emails, or websites.
- If in doubt about a text, email, or other messaging, contact the financial institution or company the message is purportedly from and confirm whether the message is genuine.
- If the text appears to be from a financial institution and you want to validate that it’s legitimate, call the credit union or bank at the number you usually use. Do not use any links or phone numbers provided on the suspicious text.
- Never click links, reply to text messages or call numbers you don't recognize.
- Do not respond, even if the message requests that you text “STOP" to end messages.
- Delete all suspicious texts.
Learn More
SAFE is here to help you protect yourself against scammers. You can read more about measures SAFE takes and recommendations for members at https://www.safecu.org/personal/member-security-awareness
We also update our website and Beyond Everyday Banking blog periodically to provide information on the latest scams, so be sure to check in regularly.
