October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month, and at Westport Federal Credit Union, we want to help our members stay one step ahead of scammers.
Scams are becoming more sophisticated every day. From convincing text messages to AI-generated voices and emails, fraudsters are finding new ways to make scams look legitimate. The good news? Knowing what to look for can make a big difference.
5 Ways to Protect Yourself from Scams
1. Think Before You Click
Don't click links in unexpected emails or text messages, even if the message appears to come from a company you know. Instead, visit the company's official website or use a phone number you already have to verify the message.
2. Don't Let Anyone Rush You
Scammers often create a sense of urgency. They may claim your account has been compromised, a payment is due immediately or a loved one is in trouble.
Stop. Take a breath. Verify.
A legitimate organization won't pressure you into making a rushed financial decision.
3. Be Careful What You Share
Never provide passwords, account numbers, Social Security numbers, PINs or other sensitive information in response to an unexpected request.
Be especially careful about sharing personal information with AI tools, social media accounts or websites you don't know or trust.
4. Watch for Imposters
Scammers may pretend to be your financial institution, a government agency, a business or even someone you know.
If someone unexpectedly asks you to send money, purchase gift cards, transfer funds or provide sensitive information, stop and verify their identity independently.
5. Trust Your Gut
If something feels off, don't ignore that feeling. Take a step back and investigate before taking action.
It's always better to spend a few extra minutes verifying a message than to discover later that it was a scam.
When in Doubt, Stop and Verify
Scammers are counting on you to react quickly. Don't give them the opportunity. Before clicking a link, sending money or sharing personal information, stop and ask yourself:
- Do I know who this message is really from?
- Was I expecting this request?
- Am i being pressured to act immediately?
- Can I verify this another way?
If the answer to any of these questions makes you uncomfortable, take a step back and verify the request before doing anything.
At Westport Federal Credit Union, we’re able to help our members protect their finances. If you receive a suspicious message or believe you've been the victim of fraud, contact us as soon as possible.
