PROTECT YOURSELF FROM FRAUDS & SCAMS

2/18/2025

We're aware of fraudulent text messages circulating that falsely claim to be from Central Willamette Credit Union. These texts may try to trick you into visiting a fake website to steal your login details.  Please remember:  Never click links in suspicious texts. If you've already entered your information on a fraudulent site, contact us right away. Your security is our priority, and we will never request sensitive information via text or email.

You’ll get the occasional email from us, and we’ll call you upon request. But we will never send you emails or texts asking for your PIN or password.

Central Willamette will never contact you via text message to ask for sensitive or financial information. 

Don't reply to a text or email that does any of these things:

1. Threatens to close your account if you don't take immediate action
2. Tells you your account has been compromised, then asks you to give or confirm your personal or account information
3. Asks you to confirm, verify or update your account, credit card or billing information

• Smishing (SMS Phishing): Similar to phishing, smishing involves fraudulent text messages. Example: A text message claiming there's an issue with your bank account and directing you to a fake website to 'verify' your details.
• Vishing (Voice Phishing): Vishing scams use phone calls to trick you into giving up personal information. Example: A call claiming to be from the IRS threatening legal action if you don't provide your Social Security number.
• Spoofing: Scammers can spoof phone numbers to make it appear as though they are calling from a trusted organization, like Central Willamette.  Always be cautious, even if the caller ID looks familiar.
• Social Media Scams: Be careful of scams on social media platforms. Example: Fake contests, giveaways, or investment opportunities promising unrealistic returns.  Never click on suspicious links or provide personal information on social media.

Account takeover scams are a grave threat to your financial security. These scams occur when fraudsters illicitly gain access to your personal information, enabling them to assume control over your bank accounts. Protect yourself by:

• Staying cautious of phishing attempts and refraining from sharing personal or login credentials through unsolicited emails, texts, or phone calls.
• Creating strong and unique passwords not only for your Central Willamette account but also for all your online accounts.

Central Willamette's nxg|PROTECT program, in partnership with NXG Strategies, offers comprehensive identity protection solutions to safeguard your personal information and provide peace of mind.

For just $2 a month, you can add identity theft protection to your account at any time. Don't let the repercussions of identity theft leave you dealing with fraudulent bills, damaged credit, or even criminal records for years to come. Take control of your identity and enjoy the benefits of nxg|PROTECT.