Avoid Falling Victim to Scams

Your financial safety and security are entirely important to us, so we’re giving you the scoop on some of the top scams to look out for. We don’t want you to be afraid – but just be informed and cautious!

Money Transfer Apps

As money-transferring apps like Venmo, Cash App, and Zelle grow more popular for easily sending money to family and friends, so do the attempts of fraudsters to create scams impersonating these companies. Often scammers will call your cell phone and pretend to be an employee of one of these companies and ask for your personal information.

NEVER give out your personal information over the phone.
These apps should only be contacted through the official “Contact Us” sections that can be found through the official cell phone apps.

NEVER send money to someone you don’t know.
Only use these apps for sending money to family and friends who you know and trust.

NEVER reset a password over the phone.
Companies like Zelle will never contact you asking for sensitive information over the phone. If someone calls asking for this, hang up the phone immediately.

NEVER click a link you’ve been emailed or texted from one of these companies.
If you get a text that you’re unsure about, contact the app through their official “contact us,” or reach out to ACU.

ALWAYS keep these accounts password protected.
In case your phone is lost or stolen, ensure that your money transfer apps all require access via password only.

Apple / Android / Cell Phone

Scammers aren’t picky – whether you’re an Apple or Android loyalist, money is all the same to them. In one common scam, fraudsters will call and impersonate an employee from Apple, Samsung, etc. They may ask for a temporary password that you’ve been sent. DO NOT give this information out. These companies will never ask you for sensitive information over the phone. If someone is calling and asking for a password, temporary password, personal pin, or any other sensitive information, it’s very likely that they are a scammer.

Georgia Power / Amazon / Etc.

Recently, scammers have been making phone calls impersonating Georgia Power, Amazon, and other company employees. You may get a call from a person or an automated messaging system telling you that your power bill is three months overdue, and if you don’t pay over the phone immediately, they’re going to cut off your electricity. Or maybe they’ll ask you to confirm your credit card information on file. These are scams! If you receive this call, or something similar, hang up and call Georgia Power, Amazon, or the company that was being impersonated from the number listed on their official website. They’re taking these fake calls very seriously, and make note of every reported instance.

Email / Text Phishing

Phishing is a fraudster’s attempt at obtaining your sensitive information via email or text message, by pretending to be a reputable source to trick you into disclosing personal data. They could emulate any company, such as UPS by pretending you have a package that you must click the link for, or car insurance companies by saying there’s a special offer but only if you click the link immediately. Do not fall victim to these types of scams! Never click on text message links that seem suspicious, and if you receive an email, check with the company directly through their contact information on their official website only.

We're Here For You

At ACU, your financial security is our top priority. Please know that we will NEVER contact you via email, phone, or text message requesting sensitive information, such as your:

• Date of birth
• Social Security Number
• Mother's maiden name
• Card account number
• Card expiration date
• 3-Digit security code
• Temporary Password
• PIN Number

Additionally, never share your username, password, or one-time passcodes with anyone else other than the joint account holder on your account.
If you receive a message that appears to be from ACU asking for any sensitive information like the above, please give us a call immediately at 770.448.8200 to report this.
We will do everything in our power to keep you informed of current scams, and to help you protect your accounts. If something seems suspicious, contact us directly at 770.448.8200 to verify its legitimacy. Do not use any contact information that you have been sent in a text, email, or phone message if it seems to be phishy.
We also recommend taking advantage of our Associated Checking account which allows you access to free credit monitoring and identity theft monitoring with ID theft resolution services.

Additionally, downloading our ACU Wallet App is another step you can take to help ensure financial security. With real-time transaction alerts, and the ability to turn your card ON and OFF as needed, you can make your cards work smarter and feel more secure day to day.
If you have any questions regarding the safety and security of our account, please give us a call at 770.448.8200 or visit our site.