Fraud Fails When We Stand Together
Your credit union is here to help you stay one step ahead of fraud. Take these three steps when something feels off.
STOP if a message pressures you to act fast or keep things secret.
VERIFY by using a phone number or app you trust.
REPORT suspicious activity to us so we can help and protect others.
Scammers rely on urgency, secrecy, and pressure to trick people into sharing personal information or sending money. You’re not alone. When we pause and look out for one another, the scammer don’t stand a chance.
Follow along as we break down how to spot common scams.
Spoofed Call/Impostor Scam
You get a call that looks like it’s from your credit union or a government agency. They say your account is compromised and you need to act now. That urgency is a red flag.
How this scam works:
Caller ID looks legitimate
The caller claims authority
Pressure creates confusion
Victims asked to “verify” account info
Stolen information used to:
Access online banking
Set up Zelle, bill pay, or transfers
Use debit or credit card information
How to stop it: Hang up. Use a known number to call your credit union directly.
Romance Scams
Romance scams start with a connection. Scammers build trust over time before asking for “help” that feels natural and urgent.
How this scam works:
Emotional connection and trust
Embarrassment prevents reporting
Scammers encourage distrust of financial institutions
Often targeted: Individuals with large savings or retirement funds. Because victims authorize the transactions, losses can be hard to recover.
How to stop it: Pause before sending money. Talk to someone you trust or call your credit union.
Job Scams
Looking for work? Scammers know it, and they’re watching.
How this scam works:
Legit-looking postings
Fake interviews
“Easy” remote work
Small starter payments to build trust
Red flags:
Being asked to send money or buy equipment
Requests for personal or banking info early
Pressure to act fast
How to stop it: Real jobs don’t ask you to pay to get paid.
Investment Scams
Scammers promise high returns with little risk.
How this scam works:
Offer of exclusive investment opportunity
“Guaranteed” high-yield returns
Reference of well-known companies
Fake profits:
After initial deposit, scammers show fake profits to encourage additional investment
Withdrawal requests are stalled with excuses
How to stop it: Pause. If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
For more information, visit www.StopFraudNM.org
Partnership with New Mexico Credit Unions