Important: This is a general fraud prevention reminder. It does not indicate suspicious activity on your account.
People Driven Credit Union may contact you regarding account activity or possible debit fraud. However, we will never text you asking for sensitive account information, and we will never ask you to move your money to another account for “safekeeping.”
Fraudsters are becoming more sophisticated. They may impersonate financial institutions, government agencies, retailers, delivery companies, service providers, or other trusted organizations. Their goal is often simple: create panic, get you to act quickly, and convince you to share information that gives them access to your account.
If something feels wrong, stop. Do not provide information. Do not click a link. Do not move money. Contact People Driven Credit Union directly at 248-263-4100.
What Is Account Takeover Fraud?
Account takeover fraud happens when a scammer gains access to your online banking, debit card, email, or other personal accounts. Once inside, they may try to transfer money, change contact information, access personal details, or lock you out of your account.
Many account takeover scams begin with a phone call, text, or email that appears to come from a trusted source. The scammer may claim there is fraud on your account and ask you to verify information. In reality, they may be trying to get the information they need to access your account.
People Driven Credit Union Will Never Ask You To Do These Things
People Driven Credit Union may contact you about account activity or possible debit fraud. However, we will never ask you to:
- Log in to online banking while you are on a call.
- Provide a security code or one-time passcode.
- Share your online banking username or password.
- Share your debit card PIN.
- Provide your full debit card number.
- Move your money to another account for “safekeeping.”
If someone asks for this information, stop the conversation and contact us directly by dialing 248-263-4100.
Common Warning Signs of a Scam
Be cautious if someone:
- Contacts you unexpectedly claiming there is fraud on your account.
- Creates a sense of urgency and pressures you to act immediately.
- Asks for your online banking username or password.
- Requests a one-time passcode or verification code sent to your phone or email.
- Instructs you to move money to “protect” your funds.
- Claims to be from a trusted organization but refuses to let you call back using an official number.
- Tells you not to contact your financial institution directly.
- Asks you to buy gift cards or cryptocurrency.
- Asks you to send money through a payment app.
Your One-Time Passcode Is for You Only
A one-time passcode, also called an OTP, is a security feature used to help verify your identity. It is not meant to be shared with anyone.
Never share a one-time passcode, verification code, password, PIN, or security code with anyone who calls, texts, or emails you. A scammer may already have part of your information and only needs the code to finish logging in.
If someone asks for your one-time passcode, it is a strong sign you may be speaking with a scammer.
How to Protect Yourself
- Never share passwords, passcodes, PINs, or verification codes.
- Do not click links in unexpected text messages or emails.
- If you receive a call claiming to be from your financial institution, hang up and call the number listed on your debit card, statement, or the institution’s official website.
- Enable account alerts and review them promptly.
- Regularly monitor your account activity and statements.
- Use strong, unique passwords for online banking and email.
- Change your passwords if you believe your information may have been exposed.
- Be skeptical of anyone using urgency, fear, or pressure to influence your decisions.
If You Believe You Have Been Scammed
Act quickly. The sooner you respond, the better.
- Contact People Driven Credit Union directly at 248-263-4100.
- Change your online banking password.
- Change your email password.
- Remove any unfamiliar devices connected to your account.
- Review your accounts for unauthorized activity.
- Monitor your credit and financial accounts.
- Consider placing a fraud alert or credit freeze with the three major credit bureaus.
- Report the incident to law enforcement if appropriate.
Reporting Fraud
Reporting scams helps law enforcement identify trends and protect others.
If you are the victim of an internet scam or cyber-enabled fraud, you can file a report with the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at www.ic3.gov.
Stop and Verify Before You Act
Fraud prevention is a partnership. Staying informed, protecting your credentials, and taking a moment to verify unexpected requests can help prevent financial loss.
When in doubt, stop, verify, and contact People Driven Credit Union directly at 248-263-4100 before providing sensitive information.
Protect your information. Protect your money. Stop and verify.
John Scharff is the Digital Marketing Lead at People Driven Credit Union, where he helps create clear, practical financial content for members and the communities PDCU serves. He focuses on making financial topics easier to understand, from loans and savings accounts to digital banking, fraud prevention, and everyday money management.
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