The Scam

Lisa Scott’s* morning began with a series of alarming text messages, warning of fraudulent charges. Believing the messages to be genuine, she responded to a follow-up call from someone claiming to be a "representative from Texas Trust Credit Union." Unbeknownst to her, this was a carefully orchestrated deception. During the call, Lisa unwittingly provided sensitive personal information, granting the scammers access to her account.

Realizing that something did not feel right, Lisa immediately rushed to our Grand Prairie Vought branch, where she was met by, Member Advocate II, Alexis Lara. Alexis quickly assessed the situation and confirmed that the text messages were indeed fraudulent. With a sense of urgency, Alexis contacted the fraud department. Meanwhile, the scammers had already transferred $3,000 into her checking account, attempting to drain her funds.

Alexis acted swiftly, canceling the compromised debit card. Simultaneously, Fraud Investigator, Melissa Dillard stepped in, freezing Ms. Scott’s online banking access. Their coordinated efforts effectively halted the scammers in their tracks, preventing any financial loss. Ms. Scott expressed immense gratitude, emphasizing how valued she felt by the team's immediate and effective response.

This incident underscores the importance of vigilance and the critical role of bank staff in protecting members. Their quick thinking and coordinated action made all the difference, preventing a potentially devastating financial blow.

Key Takeaways to Avoid Scams:

• Verify the Source: Always double-check emails, texts, or calls claiming to be from a trusted institution. Scammers often fake official communication.
• Look for Red Flags: Be wary of urgent requests, unverified links, or demands for sensitive information.
• Never Share Personal Information: Avoid providing Social Security numbers, passwords, or banking details to unverified contacts.
• Use Multi-Factor Authentication: Adding an extra layer of security to your accounts can prevent unauthorized access.
• Report Suspicious Activity: Notify your bank, credit union, or local authorities if you suspect fraud.

*Certain names have been changed to protect the identity of those involved.