Last Saturday, my phone pinged with a text message that could have turned my life upside down. I figured it was my friend Julia reaching out for our usual weekend plans. But instead of her name, the screen displayed “Logix Federal Credit Union” - where I’ve been a member for years.
The message read:
Credit Union Alert - Did you attempt a Zelle payment for $1,500.00?
Reply YES or NO or 1 to Decline Fraud Alerts.
I reread it more slowly, thinking I had missed something in the message. A Zelle® payment for that amount? No way. I would have remembered making such a large transaction.
Within seconds of typing NO, my phone rang.
My stomach dropped as I realized this might not have been from my credit union. I had read about phishing scams and remembered that replying in any way was a bad idea.
But what if there really was someone out there trying to steal $1,500 from my account?
Just like before, the incoming call displayed "Logix Federal Credit Union". I tapped “Accept” on my screen.
"Hello. This is John Smith from Logix. We believe there may have been fraudulent activity in your account. I need to verify some information so we can protect you. I’ll need your full name, Online Banking username and password."
My heart was pounding hard. Every instinct told me not to share it, but I couldn’t afford to lose $1,500. I had rent and a car payment due the following week.
“Ma’am. I need that information, please.”
I took a deep breath. “My name is Tammy.”
“What’s your last name?”
“Um, I need to check on something first. Can I call you back in a few minutes?” I replied.
“We don’t have time for that, Tammy. Someone is trying to get into your account as we speak. What is your userna-.” I hung up the phone.
***************
Tammy was right to be suspicious of the text message and phone call. When she contacted Logix using the phone number on the official website, she learned there was no record of a fraud alert or anyone from the credit union contacting her by telephone.
Digital payment scammers pose as employees of trusted businesses and “phish” for sensitive data they can use to access financial accounts. They may use bogus fraud text alerts to get you to act quickly. In this case, bad actors spoofed the phone number from her financial institution and tried to trick Tammy into sharing her login credentials.
You can avoid this scam if you understand how fraud text alerts work at your credit union.
Knowing what to do when faced with a potential fraudster can be challenging. Remember that providing account login information in response to anyone could put your account at risk.
It is crucial to confirm written or spoken messages you receive from a financial institution. This may take more time, but it can prevent fraudulent activity on your account.
Logix will never ask you for your Online Banking credentials. However, we may contact you if:
Explore other ways to protect your accounts by visiting Logix Fraud and ID Theft Prevention.
If someone claiming to be a Logix employee contacts you and you are unsure if it is legitimate, please get in touch with us through our chat service on our website or call us at (800) 328-5328 to confirm that we are trying to contact you.
-----------------------------------------
Zelle® and the Zelle® related marks are wholly owned by Early Warning Services, LLC., and are used herein under license.