Fraud Prevention Guide: How to Keep Your Accounts Secure
At Oregon State Credit Union, protecting your financial well-being is part of everything we do.
Right now, we’re seeing an increase in fraud attempts where criminals pose as credit union employees — through phone calls, text messages, and emails. And the tricky part? These messages can look and sound legitimate.
Because fraud doesn’t always look suspicious at first.
Why this matters to us
Financial protection goes beyond accounts and transactions. It’s about helping you feel confident and secure in your everyday decisions.
When scammers impersonate trusted organizations, they rely on urgency and familiarity to take advantage of that trust. That’s why awareness matters — because knowing what to look for can help you stay one step ahead.
What these scams can look like
Fraud attempts are often designed to feel routine — even helpful. But there are a few common signs that something isn’t right.
Some of the most frequent red flags include:
- Requests for sensitive information
If someone claiming to be from OSCU asks for your card number, expiration date, CVV, online banking login credentials, or a one-time passcode — pause. We will never ask for this information. - Unexpected pressure to move money
Scammers may create urgency, asking you to transfer or wire funds to “protect” your account. This is a common tactic designed to rush you into action. - Overpayment or reimbursement schemes
If you receive more money than expected and are asked to return or forward part of it, it’s likely a scam.
It’s also important to know what we will do. We may contact you with fraud alerts to confirm transactions, but we will never ask you to click a link or provide personal or account information through those messages.
Protecting yourself starts with a pause
When something feels off, taking a moment to stop and verify can make all the difference.
A few simple habits can help protect your accounts:
- Don’t click on links in unexpected or unsolicited messages
- Never share sensitive information unless you initiated the contact
- Verify requests by contacting us directly
If you’re ever unsure, reach out to us by calling 541-714-4000, using our online chat, or visiting a local branch. We’re always here to help you confirm what’s real — and what isn’t.
You don’t have to navigate it alone
Fraudsters count on quick reactions. But you have something stronger: awareness, caution, and a team that’s here to support you.
At Oregon State Credit Union, we’re committed to helping you protect what matters most. Whether something feels off or you just want peace of mind, don’t hesitate to reach out.
