Fraud Prevention Month: Beware of Evolving Scams and Protect Your Money

Fraudsters are always finding new ways to target people, and staying informed is more important than ever. At InRoads Credit Union, your financial well-being is our priority. March is Fraud Prevention Month — a great time to refresh your awareness and adopt practical strategies to protect your identity and money. 

 

Scammers Are Getting Smarter - Be Aware of Emerging Threats

Fraud tactics are evolving. Recent trends include: 

• • Fake relationships or investment pitches — Scammers use social platforms and AI-generated personas to build trust before pushing fake opportunities. 
  • AI-powered “romance” or “pig butchering” scams — Bots create convincing conversations that eventually try to manipulate victims financially. 

These schemes can be very convincing, so vigilance is key. 

TIP: Stay up-to-date on fraud topics right on our website.

 

Protect Yourself With These Practical Steps

1. 1. Pause and Verify Before You Act 
      Fraudsters create urgency to pressure you into acting quickly. Always take a moment to verify any unexpected message through official channels. 
   2. Guard Your Personal Information 
      Never share sensitive details like account numbers, passwords, Social Security numbers, or security codes — even if the request seems to come from a trusted source. Legitimate institutions will never ask for this via email or text. 
   3. Watch for Suspicious Links or Contacts 
      DO NOT click any links in text messages or emails that seem suspicious or were unexpected. If you suspect a fraudster has contacted you:
      1. 1. DO NOT engage with them
         2. Hang up or delete the message immediately
         3. Then call or text InRoads directly at 503.397.2376 or email [email protected] 
   4. Strengthen Your Online Security 
      Use strong, unique passwords, enable multi-factor authentication (MFA), and keep software and devices updated to block vulnerabilities. 
   5. Monitor Your Accounts Often 
      Check your account activity regularly via Digital Banking. If you notice anything unusual, contact InRoads immediately — early detection makes a big difference.

 

Talk to Loved Ones About Fraud

Fraudsters often target family members, including older adults or those less familiar with digital banking. Start a conversation by explaining common scams and sharing simple safety steps. Encourage them to pause before clicking links, verify unexpected requests, and never share personal information over phone, text, or email. Role-playing a fake scam call or text can make the discussion interactive and memorable. Finally, make sure they know they can contact InRoads directly if they’re ever unsure. 

 

Fraud prevention isn’t just a one-month effort — it’s an ongoing practice. Staying informed, cautious, and proactive is your best defense.