Scammers are becoming more convincing, using phone calls, text messages, emails, and fake websites to impersonate trusted organizations and gain access to personal and financial information.

One increasingly common tactic is an account takeover scam, where fraudsters attempt to steal login credentials, passwords, or one-time verification codes to access your accounts.

These scams often create a sense of urgency, making you feel like you need to act immediately to protect your account. At Cabrillo Credit Union, we want our members to recognize the warning signs and know what to do before responding to a suspicious request.

What Is an Account Takeover Scam?

An account takeover happens when a fraudster gains unauthorized access to an account using stolen login credentials or personal information.

Scammers may impersonate:

• Your financial institution
• Government agencies
• Delivery companies
• Utility providers
• Popular online retailers
• Other organizations you know and trust

They may contact you claiming there has been suspicious activity, your account has been locked, a payment needs to be verified, or immediate action is required.

The goal is to convince you to provide information they can use to access your account.

How Account Takeover Scams Work

Account takeover scams can begin in several ways.

You may receive a text message asking you to click a link to verify a transaction, an email directing you to a fake login page, or a phone call from someone claiming to represent a trusted organization.

Some scammers can even make a phone number appear to come from a legitimate organization.

Once they have your attention, they may ask for:

• Online banking usernames or passwords
• One-time verification codes
• Debit or credit card information
• Account numbers
• Social Security numbers or other personal information

Sharing this information may allow a scammer to access your accounts, make unauthorized transactions, or change account information.

Stop. Check. Protect.

When you receive an unexpected request for personal or financial information, remember these three steps:

Stop

Don't respond immediately.

Scammers often rely on urgency to pressure you into making a quick decision. If someone tells you that your account will be locked, your money is at risk, or you need to act immediately, take a moment before responding.

Check

Verify who is contacting you.

Avoid clicking links or calling phone numbers included in an unexpected text or email. Instead, contact the organization directly using a phone number or website you already know and trust.

If someone claims to be contacting you from Cabrillo Credit Union and you're unsure whether the communication is legitimate, contact us directly.

Protect

Never share your online banking password or one-time verification codes with someone who contacts you unexpectedly.

Cabrillo Credit Union will never ask you to provide your online banking password or one-time verification code by phone, text, or email.

Know the Warning Signs

Scammers often use similar tactics to convince people that a fraudulent request is legitimate.

Be cautious if someone:

• Pressures you to act immediately
• Asks for passwords or verification codes
• Sends an unexpected link asking you to sign in
• Requests personal or financial information
• Claims your account will be locked or closed if you don't respond
• Asks you to move or transfer money to "protect" your funds
• Contacts you unexpectedly about suspicious account activity

Even if a message or phone call appears legitimate, take the time to verify it independently.

What to Do If You Think You've Responded to a Scam

If you believe you've shared personal or account information with a scammer, acting quickly can help protect your accounts.

Consider taking the following steps:

• Contact Cabrillo Credit Union immediately
• Change any passwords that may have been compromised
• Review your accounts for unfamiliar transactions
• Continue monitoring your accounts for suspicious activity
• Avoid further communication with the suspected scammer

The sooner suspicious activity is reported, the sooner steps can be taken to help secure your information.

We're Here to Help

Scammers rely on urgency, fear, and convincing impersonation tactics to catch people off guard. Taking a few extra moments to stop and verify a request can make a significant difference.

At Cabrillo Credit Union, we're committed to helping our members stay informed and financially secure year-round.

If you receive a suspicious call, text message, or email claiming to be from Cabrillo Credit Union, don't respond or provide personal information. Contact Cabrillo directly so we can help verify whether the communication is legitimate.

Stop. Check. Protect. A few extra moments of caution can help keep your accounts and personal information secure.