- March 2025
- Lisa Hartmann and Yosef Viz
At Premier America Credit Union, your security is our top priority. In today’s digital world, fraudsters are becoming more sophisticated—especially when it comes to stealing your personal information. Two of the most common tactics they use are spoofing and phishing. Understanding how these scams work, the first step is toward protecting yourself and your finances.
Let’s break down what spoofing and phishing are, how to recognize them, and what to do if you think you’ve been targeted.
What is Spoofing?
Spoofing happens when a scammer pretends to be someone you know—or a trusted company like your bank—to trick you into sharing sensitive information. This can be done through phone calls, emails, text messages, or even fake websites.
Spoofing Examples:
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Phone Call Spoofing: You receive a call that looks like it’s coming from Premier America’s official number. The caller claims there’s been suspicious activity on your account and asks you to confirm your account number or PIN.
Remember: Premier America will never call you asking for personal information like your account number, PIN, or online banking credentials.
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Email Spoofing: You get an email that looks like it’s from a known contact or company, but the email address is slightly off—like [email protected] instead of [email protected]. The message may contain a link to “verify” your account information, which leads to a fake site.
Remember: If something doesn’t feel quite right, it is best to err on the side of caution. Just call us to see what’s up with your account.
What is Phishing?
Phishing is when scammers send fake messages—usually emails or texts—designed to trick you into clicking on a malicious link, downloading harmful software, or entering personal details like passwords or credit card numbers.
Phishing Examples:
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Email Phishing: You get an urgent email that says, “Your account has been locked—click here to reset your password.” The link takes you to a fake login page that looks real but is designed to steal your login credentials.
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Text Message Phishing (Smishing): You receive a text that says, “Suspicious activity detected on your debit card. Tap this link to secure your account.” These texts often include shortened URLs that are hard to identify as fake.
How to Stay Safe
Here are a few quick tips to protect yourself from spoofing and phishing scams:
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Be Skeptical of Unexpected Messages: If something seems off or too urgent, trust your instincts.
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Never Share Sensitive Info: Premier America will never call, text, or email you asking for personal information.
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Don’t Click Suspicious Links: Hover over a link (without clicking!) to see where it leads. If it looks suspicious, don’t open it.
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Verify the Source: If you’re unsure about a message or call, contact us directly using the number on the back of your debit card or through our official website.
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Enable Alerts: Set up account alerts in the Premier America mobile app so you can be notified of account activity in real time.
If You See Something, Say Something
If you ever notice suspicious activity on your account or think you've been targeted by a scam:
Call us immediately at (800) 772-4000.
Our team is here to help you take quick action to protect your account and your identity.
Premier America Credit Union will NEVER call you asking for your personal account details.
If you receive a call like this—hang up and call us directly. Remember to also never share your OTP (One-Time Passcode) with anyone!
Your safety matters. By staying informed and cautious, you can help protect yourself and your loved ones from fraud. For more security tips and updates, visit the Security Center on our website.