Member Security Awareness: How to Detect and Avoid Social Engineering Scams

At Mazuma Credit Union, the security of our Members’ financial information and accounts is our top priority. As your trusted financial partner, we closely monitor the evolving risks our Members face in today’s digital world – from phishing and social engineering scams to identity fraud, cybersecurity threats, and beyond. We proactively share information to empower our Members to identify and avoid potential threats that can compromise the security of their data.

In today’s complex and interconnected world, scammers don’t just hack technology – they try to hack people. Social engineering scams are designed to trick you into giving up sensitive information, often by pretending to be your financial institution, a government agency, or even someone you know. The best way to protect your money and your data is to understand how these scams work, how to spot them quickly, and how to shut them down. 

What’s a Social Engineering Scam? 

Social engineering scams attempt to manipulate your emotions (often fear, urgency, or even trust) to convince you to share personal or financial information. The fraudster might reach out by phone, email, text message, or even social media. 

Here are some common tactics to be aware of: 

• Phishing: You get an email or text that looks like it’s from your financial institution asking you to “verify your account” or “confirm a suspicious transaction.” 

• Vishing: A scammer calls you pretending to be from your financial institution’s fraud department, warning of a problem with your account and asking for sensitive details. 

• Impersonation: Fraudsters may pretend to be a family member in trouble needing immediate financial help. 

Red Flags to Watch For 

• Unexpected requests for personal information: A legitimate financial institution will never ask for your PIN, full account number, or passwords over email, text, or phone. 

• Pressure to act fast: Scammers often claim your money is at risk unless you act immediately. 

• Strange payment methods: No legitimate credit union or bank will ask you to secure your funds by sending money via gift cards, wire transfers to strangers, or cryptocurrency. 

How to Protect Yourself 

• Pause before you act: Scammers rely on panic. Slow down and think. 

• Don’t click suspicious links: Always log into your financial institution’s online or mobile platforms directly through their app or official website - not a link sent via text or email. 

• Verify the source: If you get a call, hang up and call your credit union or bank using the number on the back of your debit or credit card, even if it appears the call came from that number. 

• Enable account alerts: Set up text or email notifications to monitor your account activity in real time. 
  
  
• Keep personal details private: Be thoughtful about what you share online - scammers can use this information to personalize their attacks. 

If something feels off, trust your gut and contact your financial institution directly. Staying alert is the best way to protect your money and your peace of mind! 

Remember: 

Mazuma Credit Union will never call, text, or email you asking for personally identifiable information (social security numbers, secure access codes, passwords/pin numbers, card numbers, or account numbers), ask you to provide us your card, or instruct you to send money through a third-party vendor (PayPal, Venmo, etc.).  

If you are unsure whether an email, phone call, or text message is from Mazuma, please call us directly at 913-574-5000 so that we can assist you.

If you suspect a scam, report it to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) at www.ic3.gov.

Check out Mazuma’s Member Security Center for more information!

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