Don’t take the bait: Phishing Scams

Phishing is a common scam tactic where scammers pretend to be someone that they aren’t to gather sensitive information or access to a person’s funds through a credit card or bank account. Phishing can take many forms, including emails, texts, and even fake websites. Often, you’ll get an email or text informing you that there’s been a problem with your account or offering you a great deal from a company you know and trust.

There has been an increase in this type of scam tactic, especially in Washington and Oregon. Scammers will even pretend to be Alaska Air Group Credit Union, claiming immediate action is needed on your account and trying to entice you to click a link.

The most common type of fraudulent texts will threaten:

1. Your account has been locked due to suspicious activity.
2. There was a large purchase or transfer on your account.
3. Unauthorized login to your account.
4. Updates required to your account information.
5. Someone is sending you money.
6. Fake password resets or one-time-payment verification.

Most texts will threaten that your account or debit card has been frozen or locked unless you click a link. Do not click the link. 

Remember, we will never send you threatening or scary texts or ask you to verbally provide your one-time-passcodes. You will only get texts from Alaska Air Group Credit Union if you set up text notifications in online or mobile banking, or for an OTP login (it will come from the number 286-40)

Beware of suspicious calls, even if they come from a trusted phone number. There have been instances of scammers spoofing AAGCU’s phone numbers and attempting to get people to validate sensitive information over the phone. Remember, most calls from AAGCU will be expected or prompted by you. When in doubt, hang up and call us directly.

If you see something that looks like a scam, the best thing to do is ignore it. Don’t answer calls from numbers you don’t know. Delete emails that look bad. Leave a sketchy looking site. When in doubt, give us a call to verify a legitimate communication.

Use this scam checker as an additional resource to verify the legitimacy of questionable texts, emails, and calls:

If you have any questions, feel free to contact us at (206) 824-9800 or by email at info@aagcu.org.