Avoid Fraud and Scams

The internet has become a massive marketplace, offering everything from the latest gadgets to handcrafted furniture. While the convenience is undeniable, it's crucial to be aware of online scams.

Here are a few warning signs to help you navigate the digital world and spot the gems of good deals from the pitfalls of luring scams.

Scammers are constantly looking for new ways to trick you, and as technology becomes more sophisticated, so do scams. One of these scams relies on AI voice cloning technology. Here's how it works.

You receive a phone call from an unknown number, and it's the voice of a loved one telling you something happened and that they need money right away.

Tech support scams, a growing menace, are more prevalent than ever. These days, fraudsters (or a syndicate of them) are employing this ploy to potentially swindle you out of your hard-earned money, masquerading as tech support for well-known companies.  

Your phone rings, and you see Piedmont Advantage Credit Union on your caller ID. You answer. The caller says he’s from PACU and that there is a problem with your account that needs immediate attention. He asks for your PIN or account password. What should you do? Hang up! It's a caller ID switcheroo.

Protect your money, identity and PACU accounts, starting with these important reminders:

• We will never call, text or email you asking for personal account information.
• We will never FaceTime call you.
• If someone claims to transfer you to PACU, hang up and call us yourself at 800.433.7228.
• If you receive a letter, text or email claiming that you may be a victim of fraud, exercise caution.
• Do not click on links unless you initiate the request.
• Reputable employers will never send a new hire a check with instructions to return the funds as part of the job.
• Please be careful of anyone trying to befriend you that you have not met in person.
• If the story does not make sense, it’s likely fraud.