Scam Alert: Spoofing

If you receive a call appearing on your Caller ID from Associated Credit Union, but the caller and the content of their information delivery seem strange, it is possible that someone is spoofing.

What is spoofing and how does it work?

"Spoofing" occurs when a caller deliberately falsifies the information transmitted to your caller ID display to disguise his or her identity. Spoofing is often used as part of an attempt to trick someone into giving away valuable personal information so it can be used in fraudulent activity or sold illegally. Caller ID lets consumers avoid unwanted phone calls by displaying caller names and phone numbers, but the caller ID feature is sometimes manipulated by “spoofers” who masquerade as representatives of banks, creditors, insurance companies, or even the government.

What you can do if you think you're being spoofed.

You may not be able to tell right away if an incoming call is spoofed. Be careful about responding to any request for personal identifying information. Never give out personal information such as account numbers, Social Security numbers, mother's maiden names, passwords, credit card numbers, card expiration dates, or CVV or PIN numbers.

If you get an inquiry from someone who says they represent Associated Credit Union seeking personal information, hang up, and call the phone number on your account statement, in the phone book, or on the Associated Credit Union website to verify the authenticity of the request.

Use caution if you are being pressured for information immediately.