Stop. Think. Don't Be Fooled.

Modern fraudsters just don’t quit. They employ tried and true pressure techniques combined with increasingly convincing schemes 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Because of this, it’s important to remain informed so you can avoid being one of their victims.

Know the Signs

1. Scammers PRETEND to be from an organization you know. 

Fraudsters often use “spoof” technology that changes the phone numbers you see on your caller ID or in a text. Because of this, the name and number displayed on your caller ID or in a text may appear to be from an organization you trust, such as Comcast, Microsoft, Apple, Amazon, or even NASA Federal Credit Union—but it may not be real! Hang up and confirm the information by calling the organization directly at the number found on their website or on the back of your credit/debit card.

2. Scammers say there’s a PROBLEM or a PRIZE.

Problem: They might say you’re in trouble with the government, you owe money, a credit was mistakenly made to your account that you need to return, there’s a virus on your computer, you missed jury duty, or tell you that someone in your family or theirs is facing an emergency.

Prize: Others will lie and say you won money in a lottery, a sweepstakes, or someone you met online received an inheritance, but you have to pay fees or taxes to get the money.

3. Scammers PRESSURE you to act immediately.   

Scammers want you to act before you have time to think or to speak with anyone else. If you’re on the phone, they might tell you not to hang up. This is so you can’t verify the information they are telling you. They might even threaten to arrest you, sue you, take away your driver’s license or business license, or deport you if you are a non-citizen. Or they might say your computer is about to be corrupted. All the while, they keep you on the phone for hours, and/or constantly call you back.

4. Scammers tell you to PAY in a specific way.

They often insist that you pay by using cryptocurrency, by wiring money through a company like MoneyGram or Western Union, or by putting money on a gift card and then giving them the number on the back. Some will send you a check, then tell you to deposit it and send them or someone else the money. Unfortunately, this check will often turn out to be fake (counterfeit) or altered. When the funds are withdrawn from your account, you may incur a loss.

Know What NASA Federal Will Never Ask For

The above information provides just a few examples of the scams going on that target people with fake pop-up screens, manufactured text alerts, and spoofed Caller ID phone calls. If you receive such a call or text claiming to be NASA Federal Credit Union, be aware that NASA Federal will never request full card information (for example, number, expiration, and CVV); try to remotely view your account through screen sharing; or forward you to a third party.

Be sure to hang up and call us directly at 1-888-NASA-FCU to receive assistance on possible scams. A Member Service Associate will be happy to help you confirm the validity of any questionable transaction. Doing so will only take a few minutes—but it could save you everything!