Is That Really Your Credit Union Calling?

How to Spot Caller ID Spoofing Scams

Your phone rings and the caller ID says “Logix FCU.” The voice on the other end sounds professional and calm but has an edge of urgency. They say there’s suspicious activity on your account, and they need your verification code right now to investigate, or your account will be closed.  

Your stomach drops.  Of course you want to keep your account safe from fraud.  The caller ID name checks out and the tone feels official.   

But here’s the unfortunate truth: that call may not be from Logix after all.  Caller ID spoofing scams are one of the fastest-growing ways fraudsters target credit unions and bank members, and they’re getting harder to spot. 

Let’s walk through how caller ID spoofing scams work, what to watch for, and how to protect yourself. 

What is Caller ID Spoofing?

Caller ID spoofing is when a fraudster disguises their real phone number by displaying a name you recognize and trust (i.e. your credit union, bank, or even the IRS). 

With today’s sophisticated technology, a fraudster can make your phone display “Logix Federal Credit Union” or “Logix FCU” without any connection to us whatsoever. Their goal is simple: to earn your trust just long enough to steal your information or money.   

Additionally, these fraudsters are good at creating panic and exploiting it for their gain. You may be in the throes of a caller ID spoofing scam if you hear phrases like: 

• “Your account has been compromised.  I need your verification code right now to unlock it.” 
• “We detected fraud on your account.  Please confirm your identity with your Social Security number.” 
• “Your debit card will be locked unless you verify your PIN immediately.” 

This urgency isn’t accidental, it’s a tactic.  The faster they get you to react emotionally, the less time you have to stop and calmly think about your next move. 

How the OTP Scam Actually Works

A one-time passcode (OTP) isn’t just a formality; it’s essentially a temporary password. In the wrong hands, it can give someone full access to your account. 

Here’s how an OTP scam typically unfolds: 

1. You get a call appearing to be from Logix about fraud on your account. 
2. While you’re on the phone, the scammer is simultaneously trying to log into your online banking account or add your debit card or credit card to their digital wallet. 
3. That action triggers an OTP sent to your phone. 
4. The scammer asks you to “verify” by reading them the code. 
5. You’ve just handed them the key to your account. 

We know that it feels like you’re doing the right thing to keep your account safe.  That’s exactly what makes this scam so effective. 

Logix will never call, text, or email you asking for your OTP, password, PIN, or CVV.** If anyone asks for that code, hang up immediately.  It’s likely a caller ID spoofing scam. 

The *72 Call Forwarding Trick

Some fraudsters take the caller ID spoofing scams even further.  They’ll ask you to dial *72 followed by a phone number, claiming it’s needed to “secure the call” or “transfer you to the fraud department.” 

Please don’t.  Dailing *72 activates call forwarding on most phone networks.  Meaning, from that point on, your incoming calls, fraud alerts, and security codes get quietly rerouted straight to the scammer. 

Never dial *72 at the request of anyone who called you unsolicited, no matter how convincing they sound. 

Smishing: When the Scam Arrives by Text

Scammers don’t just call, they text too. Smishing (SMS phishing) scams follow a similar playbook: 

1. A text appears to come from Logix (or another trusted financial institution or business) and says: “Suspicious activity detected on your account.  Tap here to secure it.” 
2. You tap the link, which leads to a fake website that looks nearly identical to the real one at first glance. 
3. You enter your login credentials, and now the scammer has them and can access your account. 

It’s easy to tap before you think, especially when you’re worried about your money.  That’s why the rule is simple: never tap links in unexpected texts about your account.  Go directly to the Logix website or the Logix Mobile App instead. 

Read Tammy’s real-life experience with a phishing and caller ID spoofing scam that nearly cost her thousands. 

Red Flags: How to Recognize Caller ID Spoofing Scams

Even when the caller ID looks right, scammers tend to give themselves away.  Trust your gut if you notice red flags like: 

• Requests for your OTP, password, PIN, or CVV 
• Pressure to act immediately or threats of account closure 
• Being asked to dial *72 or set up call forwarding 
• Being told not to contact Logix or the business directly 
• Requests to move money, buy gift cards, or wire funds 
• An overwhelming sense of urgency that doesn’t allow you time to pause and think 

Real Logix employees will never pressure you for sensitive information. We’ll always give you time, and we’ll always encourage you to call us back if needed.  

Explore more tips on recognizing red flags and responding to scams with confidence. 

What to Do If You’ve Been Scammed

Caller ID spoofing scams can happen to the best of us; even careful, smart people.  These scammers are professionals and extremely manipulative, so it’s critical to be informed and stay one step ahead. 

If you think you may have shared sensitive information, please don’t panic—just act quickly.  The sooner you do, the more options you may have. 

1. Call Logix immediately using the number on the back of your card or at logixbanking.com.  
2. Freeze your card in the Logix Mobile Banking app to stop further fraudulent activity. Read our “Preventing Fraud: Freeze Your Card in the Mobile App” article for a helpful step-by-step guide to freezing or unfreezing your card. 
3. Change your online banking password right away. 
4. Review your recent account activity for anything you don’t recognize. 
5. Report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at reportfraud.ftc.gov, and notify your local authorities. 
6. Place a fraud alert with the credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion) if personal information was shared. 

5 Habits That Keep You Protected Against Caller ID Spoofing Scams 

You don’t need to be a cybersecurity expert to help ensure you stay safe from caller ID spoofing scams. A few simple, consistent habits can go a long way: 

1. Only share information when you initiate contact.  If you weren’t expecting a call or text, verify before you share anything (even something that seems minor). 
2. Monitor your accounts regularly and set up account alerts so you’re notified of transactions in real time.   
3. Use strong, unique passwords for each account.  A password manager takes the hassle out of having to remember all your log in details. 
4. Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) and biometric login (Face ID or fingerprint) for an extra layer of protection. 
5. Be skeptical of urgency.  Pressure is almost always a manipulation tactic.  Legitimate institutions give you time to think and respond. 

Common Questions About Caller ID Spoofing  

Can scammers really fake the Logix phone number?  

Yes, and it’s easier than most people realize.  Caller ID spoofing technology is widely available and makes it easy to display any name or number, including ours.  The name on your screen can no longer be trusted as proof of identity. 

Will Logix ever ask for my one-time passcode?  

Never. Logix will never ask for your OTP, login credentials, or password by phone, email, or text, unless you were the one who reached out to us first.** 

Can a scammer really get into my account with just a verification code?  

Yes. Depending on the scam, an OTP alone can be enough to access your online banking or add your card to a digital wallet on their device. 

What’s the safest thing to do when a call feels suspicious?  

Hang up. Don’t press buttons or engage with the caller.  Then call Logix directly using a number you already know and trust. 

Stay Alert and Trust Your Gut 

Scammers are counting on you to act before you think.  When a call, text, or email creates that sudden knot in your stomach, pause.  Hang up.  Verify. 

No real situation requires you to act so fast that you can’t take 60 seconds to call us back on a number you know is ours. Trust your instincts. When something feels off, it usually is. 

If you have questions about your account security? Contact Logix directly through logixbanking.com or the number on the back of your card.  We’re always happy to help you keep your account protected. 

Disclosures:

** If a member calls us to request a transaction, a Logix employee may ask for your consent to send a verification code via text message. This is a legitimate security step to protect your account and only occurs when you initiate contact with us. If you receive a code without having contacted us first, that’s a red flag and could indicate a scam.