In today’s digital world, staying safe online is more important than ever. One of the growing threats to consumers is spoofing — a tactic used by scammers to make fake websites or phone numbers appear as if they belong to trusted organizations, such as banks, credit unions, or government agencies.
Spoofing can be incredibly convincing. You might receive a call that appears to be from your financial institution or click a link that looks exactly like your bank's website. But behind the scenes, scammers are attempting to steal your personal information, account credentials, or even your money.
What Is Spoofing?
Website and phone number spoofing is when criminals disguise their true identity by faking the appearance of a trusted source. The goal? To deceive you into providing sensitive information like login credentials, account numbers, PINs, or Social Security numbers.
Even savvy consumers can be tricked because these fakes often look and sound legitimate.
How to Protect Yourself from Spoofing Scams
Luckily, there are a few simple steps you can take to protect your personal information and stay ahead of scammers:
Double-check website URLs
Be on the lookout for subtle misspellings, added characters, or odd formatting in website links. Always navigate to your financial institution’s site by typing the URL directly into your browser.
Don’t trust caller ID alone
Scammers can “spoof” a phone number, so it appears to be from a trusted business or agency. If you receive a suspicious call, hang up and call back using a verified number from the official website.
Never share personal information from unsolicited contact
If you receive a call, text, or email asking for your account number, PIN, or password, don’t respond. Legitimate organizations will never ask for sensitive information this way.
Verify before you trust
When in doubt, pause and verify the source. Call your credit union or company directly to ask about the message or request.
Stay Informed, Stay Safe
Scammers are getting more sophisticated, but your best defense is knowledge. By staying alert and cautious, you can protect yourself, your identity, and your finances from fraud.
At Homeland Credit Union, your security is our top priority. If you ever have concerns about suspicious activity, don’t hesitate to contact us directly — we’re here to help.
Helpful Resources
Download Our Fraud Protection Tip Sheet (PDF)
Keep these tips handy and share them with family and friends to help spread awareness. Click Here to download.
Report a Scam or Suspicious Activity
Think you may have been targeted? Use our secure contact form or call us immediately to report fraud.
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