Welcome to SafePoint!
Welcome to SafePoint, your fraud prevention resource center from Santa Cruz Community Credit Union. We created SafePoint to make it easier to stay informed, recognize potential scams, and know what to do when something doesn’t seem right.
Fraud and scams are constantly changing, so we hope you’ll visit often and take advantage of the information and tools available here. You’ll find the latest scam alerts, warning signs to watch for, simple ways to protect your accounts, and clear steps to take if you think you’ve been targeted by a scam.
Stay informed. Stay alert. Stay one step ahead with SafePoint and SCCCU.
Spot the Warning Signs
Scams may look different, but many rely on the same tactics: creating urgency, building fear or excitement, pretending to be someone you trust, and pressuring you to act before you have time to think. Knowing the warning signs can help you recognize when something isn’t right. Be cautious if someone:
- Pressures you to act immediately or tells you there’s an emergency.
- Asks for your password, PIN, account information, or one-time security code.
- Demands payment by gift card, cryptocurrency, wire transfer, or payment app.
- Sends an unexpected link or attachment and asks you to click it.
- Claims to be from SCCCU, a government agency, law enforcement, or another trusted organization and asks for money or sensitive information.
- Tells you that you’ve won a prize but need to pay a fee or provide financial information to receive it.
- Asks you to move money to a “safe” or “secure” account.
- Tells you not to discuss the situation with your financial institution, family, or anyone else.
Always remember to: STOP. CHECK. VERIFY. If something feels unusual, don’t let the person on the other end rush you. End the conversation and independently contact the person or organization using contact information you know is legitimate.
Use strong, unique passwords. Avoid using the same password for multiple accounts. A password manager can help you create and securely store different passwords.
Turn on multi-factor authentication. When available, add an extra layer of security beyond your password. Start with your email account since access to your email can often be used to reset passwords for other accounts.
Set up account alerts. Turn on notifications for transactions, transfers, login activity, and other account changes. Alerts can help you spot suspicious activity quickly. Download our free mobile app.
Keep your contact information current. Make sure the Credit Union has your current phone number and email address so we can reach you if there’s a question about your account. Feel free to call us during our open hours at 831-425-7708.
Keep your devices updated. Install software, browser, and app updates when they become available. Updates often include important security fixes.
Protect your security codes. Never share a one-time passcode, PIN, or online banking password with someone who contacts you. A scammer may even claim they need the code to “protect” your account.
Review your accounts regularly. Don’t wait for your monthly statement. Check your accounts frequently and report transactions you don’t recognize. Enroll in Online Banking.
Secure your phone. Use a passcode, fingerprint, or facial recognition, and enable features that allow you to locate or remotely lock your device if it’s lost or stolen.
Slow down when something seems unusual. If someone contacts you about a problem with your account, don’t feel pressured to resolve it during that conversation. Hang up and contact SCCCU directly at 831-425-7708.
Slow down. Scammers often create urgency, so you’ll act before you have time to think.
Question unexpected requests. Never share personal or financial information with someone who contacts you unexpectedly.
Verify before you act. Contact the person or organization directly using a phone number or website you know is legitimate.
Never give remote access to your device. Allowing someone to control your computer or phone can give them access to sensitive information.
Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong or sounds too good to be true, stop and check it out before taking action.
- Create a strong, unique password. Use a password for SCCCU Online and Mobile Banking that you don’t use anywhere else.
- Use the SCCCU mobile app to monitor your accounts regularly. A quick daily check can help you spot unfamiliar activity early and act sooner.
- Turn on account alerts. Set up alerts for transactions and account activity so you can quickly spot something unusual.
- Keep your contact information current. Make sure SCCCU has your current phone number and email address so we can reach you when needed.
- Protect your security codes. Never share your password, PIN, or one-time verification code with someone who contacts you.
- Sign up for Power Perks Checking. You’ll then have access to IDProtect®, giving you 24/7 identity theft and credit monitoring protection. Get details.
Before You Send Money, Stop and Ask:
- Are you being pressured to act quickly or keep the situation a secret?
- Did someone ask you to deposit a check and then send some of the money back?
- Did you receive a call, email, or message claiming there’s a problem with your account and you need to move money to “protect” or “secure” it?
- Are you being asked to pay money or provide personal information to receive a prize, job, or inheritance?
- Is someone asking you to pay with gift cards, a wire transfer, or cryptocurrency?
If you answer yes to any of these questions, stop. Before sending money or sharing information, call SCCCU at 831-425-7708 or visit any SCCCU branch.
Once money is sent to a scammer, it can be very difficult to get it back. Before making a payment, take a moment and ask yourself:
- Am I sure this offer, ad, or request is legitimate?
- Do I know and trust the person or business I’m paying?
- If something goes wrong, will I have a way to dispute the payment or recover my money?
Remember: Credit and debit cards generally offer more purchase protection and may allow you to dispute unauthorized or fraudulent transactions.
Scammers can impersonate people, businesses, and organizations you trust, making their calls, emails, messages, and ads look surprisingly real. Here are a few ways it can happen:
“My caller ID said it was SCCCU.” Scammers can fake caller ID to make a call appear to come from SCCCU, then ask for account information or security codes.
What to know: SCCCU will NEVER call, email, or text you to ask for your password or other personal account information under any circumstances. If you receive any communication asking for personal information while impersonating the Credit Union, do not respond. Instead, contact us immediately at 831-425-7708.
“My granddaughter called asking for help.” Scammers may use AI to imitate a loved one’s voice and create an emergency that requires money right away.
What to do: Set up a safe word with your family so you know whether or not any call for help is legitimate.
“I found a great deal on my social feed.” Fake ads can look like legitimate businesses but lead to fraudulent websites designed to steal your money or information.
What to do: Don’t use the link on your social feed to buy anything. Instead, visit the company’s website and do a little research before you make any purchase.
“I got an email asking me to update my payment information.” The email may look like it’s from a company you know, but the link takes you to a fake site that captures your information.
What to do: DO NOT click the link. Instead, go to the company’s website and check your account.
“The government called saying I owed money.” Scammers impersonate government agencies and use threats or urgency to pressure you into paying immediately.
What to know: Government agencies will never call you for payment; they will send letters with tracking information. They will also never threaten or pressure you for payment over the phone.
Scam Spotter