Financial scams are becoming more sophisticated, and even the most careful consumers can be targeted. At SESLOC Credit Union, protecting your financial well‑being is a top priority. Staying informed is one of the strongest defenses you have, so this month’s newsletter focuses on recognizing scams, avoiding them, and knowing what to do if something goes wrong.
Recognizing the Red Flags
Scammers rely on urgency, fear, and confusion. When you know the warning signs, it becomes much easier to stop a scam before it starts.
Common red flags include:
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Unexpected calls, texts, or emails claiming to be from your bank, credit union, the government, or a delivery service
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Requests for personal information such as account numbers, passwords, or verification codes
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Messages that pressure you to act immediately or threaten consequences
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Offers that seem too good to be true, including prizes, refunds, or investment opportunities
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Payment requests through gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency
If something feels off, trust your instincts. A legitimate organization will never rush you into a decision or ask for sensitive information through unsecured channels.
How to Help Protect Yourself
A few simple habits can dramatically reduce your risk.
Strengthen your defenses by:
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Enabling multi‑factor authentication (MFA) on your accounts
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Using strong, unique passwords and updating them regularly
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Keeping your devices and apps updated
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Avoiding public Wi‑Fi for financial transactions
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Navigating directly to our website or app rather than clicking links in messages
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Monitoring your accounts frequently for unusual activity
We also encourage you to slow down when you receive unexpected communication. Scammers rely on quick reactions; taking a moment to verify can stop them in their tracks.
What to Do If You Suspect a Scam
Even with precautions, scams can still happen. Acting quickly can limit the damage.
If you think you’ve been targeted:
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Stop all communication with the suspected scammer
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Do not send money or share additional information
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Contact us immediately so we can secure your accounts
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Change any passwords that may have been exposed
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Report the incident to the appropriate authorities
Our team is here to support you. The sooner you reach out, the more effectively we can help protect your accounts and guide you through next steps.
We’re Committed to Your Security
Your trust matters to us. We continuously invest in advanced security tools, fraud monitoring, and customer education to help keep your financial information safe. Staying informed and vigilant is a shared effort, and together we can reduce the impact of scams in our community.
If you ever have doubts about a message, call, or transaction, we encourage you to contact us directly. You can always visit your nearest branch, call our Contact Center at (805) 543-1816, or send a secure message in Online Banking. We’re always here to help.
If you suspect that you have fallen victim to a scam and your identity has been compromised, it’s important to take action quickly. With a SESLOC HomeFREE Checking account, you have access to professional Identity Theft Recovery Advocates1 standing by, ready to assist. These advocates are prepared to work on your behalf to help you recover from identity theft and to help you reverse damage it may have caused. Contact us or find out more about your benefits by visiting our website.