We have been made aware that fraudsters claiming to be representatives of PFCU have been contacting members by phone or text. The caller ID displays 1.847.697.3281, PFCU’s main number. However, it is not PFCU making these phone calls. These fraudsters are using a method known as spoofing.
Spoofing is when scam artists disguise or impersonate caller IDs into displaying false information using familiar phone numbers by phone or text. Fraudsters will make you believe there is a sense of urgency to their call or text to trick you to act quickly and not think clearly.
Fraudsters will ask you to:
- Verify “fake” transactions (these are not real) to make it appear your card has been compromised and then the fraudsters will:
- ASK you for your debit or credit card number
- ASK you for card expiration dates and 3-digit CVV codes.
- ASK you for your PIN number
THESE ARE RED FLAGS. Never give out your card or account information. Stop and hang up on the caller.
PFCU will never contact you by unsolicited phone call, email, or text asking for your sensitive information. If you receive a request like this, it is a scam. If you are unsure, do not respond to any of the caller’s questions. Hang up immediately. Contact PFCU directly for assistance or reach out to a trusted family member or friend for assistance.
In general, for true business purposes, PFCU will only reach out to you during business hours. If you should receive a call after business hours claiming to be a PFCU team member, this is another Red Flag. PFCU would never contact you during non-business hours or a holiday.
Lastly, in the case of a true and valid transaction verification performed by VISA, you may receive a phone call, text, or email directly from VISA reaching out to you to verify a transaction in case of fraud. VISA will NEVER ask you for your credit or debit card information. VISA has this information. VISA will only ask you to verify transactions by a YES or NO answer. Again, VISA will never ask you for your card information or account number.
If you are at all unsure of a phone call, text or email you receive, DO NOT act on the request. Stop and contact PFCU or a trusted family member or friend to discuss the situation.
Thank you and diligence is the best way to protect yourself from any type of fraud.
