In Focus – SCCCU Blog

Have you ever received a text saying your account has been locked? Or an email claiming you need to verify your banking information immediately? If so, you're not alone.

Phishing scams are one of the most common ways criminals steal personal information, passwords, and money. The good news is that most phishing attempts have warning signs. Once you know what to look for, you can often spot a scam in just a few seconds.

Here are five simple ways to protect yourself.

1. Watch for Urgent or Threatening Messages

Scammers want you to react before you think. That's why phishing messages often create a sense of panic. You might see messages like:

• "Your account has been suspended."
• "Unusual activity has been detected."
• "Your package will be returned unless you act now."
• "Verify your account within 24 hours."

While legitimate businesses may contact you about your account, they won't pressure you into making an immediate decision through a text or email. Take a moment to pause. If a message makes you feel rushed, that's your first clue to slow down.

2. Look Closely at the Website Address

One of the easiest ways to spot a phishing scam is by checking the website address before you click or sign in. At first glance, a fake website may look identical to the real one. But a closer look often reveals small differences. Scammers rely on people noticing the logo, but not the web address. A safer habit is to type the trusted business's or organization's website directly into your browser, or use the official mobile app, instead of following links in emails or text messages.

3. Be Suspicious of Unexpected Links and Attachments

Did you receive an email you weren't expecting with a link or attachment? Even if it appears to come from a company you recognize, think twice before clicking. For example, it may be a text about an unpaid toll, an email saying your package couldn't be delivered, or even a message asking you to review an invoice you've never seen. If you're unsure whether a message is legitimate, visit the company's official website directly or call them using a phone number you trust.

4. Never Share Passwords or Verification Codes

This is one of the biggest red flags. Scammers often pretend to be your financial institution and ask you to "verify your identity" by providing your online banking password or a one-time verification code sent to your phone. They may sound convincing. Some even spoof phone numbers to make it appear they're calling from your financial institution. But remember this simple rule: Your financial institution will NEVER ask for your online banking password or your one-time security verification code by phone, text, or email. If someone asks for either, it's a scam.

5. Trust Your Instincts

Sometimes, a message just doesn't feel right. Maybe the wording sounds unusual. Maybe there are spelling mistakes. Maybe the greeting is generic, or the sender's email address looks odd. Trust that feeling. It's always better to spend two minutes verifying a message than hours trying to recover from identity theft or fraud.

Your Best Defense is to Pause

Most phishing scams succeed because they convince people to act quickly. The best defense is surprisingly simple: slow down. Before you click a link, open an attachment, or share personal information, ask yourself:

• Was I expecting this message?
• Is the sender who they claim to be?
• Am I being pressured to act immediately?
• Can I verify this another way?

A few extra seconds could save you from becoming a victim of fraud.

When in Doubt, Don't Click

If you ever receive a suspicious email, text message, or phone call claiming to be from the credit union, don't click any links or provide personal information. Instead, contact us at 831-425-7708 or through our website at www.scccu.org. When it comes to protecting your money and your personal information, it's always okay to pause, verify, and ask. That's what we're here for.