You’ve just received a text message that appears to be from your financial institution about a transaction on your account. It looks urgent and requires immediate action.

Scammers commonly use this tactic, known as “smishing,” to create panic and gain your trust. These messages often try to pressure you into acting quickly, making you worry that you could lose money if you don’t respond right away. While some fraudulent texts are easy to spot due to typos or poor grammar, others can appear very convincing. That’s why it’s important to recognize common warning signs.

MC Federal Credit Union may contact members via text to help verify transactions, however, we will NEVER:

1. Ask you to provide or confirm personal information
2. Request your full debit card number, expiration date, CVV, or PIN
3. Ask you to “repay” an error using gift cards or money orders
4. Instruct you to download apps or software
5. Ask for remote access to your device or request screen sharing
6. Request your digital banking login credentials
7. Ask for one-time passcodes
8. Ask you to assist with an “internal investigation”

What should you do if you receive a suspicious text message?

1. Pause and take a moment to evaluate it
2. Do not click links or reply to the message directly
3. Contact your financial institution using a trusted method, such as the phone number on the back of your debit card or a publicly listed number

We are continuously working to protect your accounts and personal information through advanced security measures. However, your awareness plays a critical role in preventing fraud. By staying informed and cautious, you can greatly reduce your risk of becoming a victim.

For more tips to keep your personal and financial information safe, visit our Security page at https://mcfcu.org/security.