Fraud Protection & Protecting Your Money

A scammer sends you a check, asks you to deposit it, then requests you send part of the money back. The check later bounces — and you’re responsible for the loss.

What to watch for:

• Checks from strangers
• Overpayments or unexpected checks
• Pressure to return money quickly

What to do:

• Don’t cash or deposit checks from unknown sources
• Verify with Maine State Credit Union before depositing suspicious checks
• Report suspected scams immediately. Fake check scams are clever ploys designed to steal your money

Identity theft happens when someone uses your personal information without your permission to open accounts, file taxes, or access medical care.

Warning signs:

• Bills or accounts you don’t recognize
• Debt collectors calling for unknown debts
• Loan or credit denials

What to do:

• Review your credit report at least once a year
• Set up transaction alerts in your Maine State Credit Union online banking
• Shred old financial documents
• Contact us if you notice unauthorized account activity

Scammers create fake profiles on dating sites or social media, quickly build trust, then ask for money.

Red flags:

• Requests for money for “emergencies” or travel
• Expressing love or commitment very quickly
• Avoiding video calls or in-person meetings

What to do:

• Never send money to someone you haven’t met in person
• Slow down — don’t let anyone rush your decisions
• Talk with a trusted friend, family member, or Maine State Credit Union advisor if something feels wrong

Older adults are frequent targets for sweepstakes scams, Medicare fraud, and imposter calls pretending to be from the IRS or Social Security.

Red flags:

• Calls demanding payment by gift cards or wire transfer
• Charges for medical equipment you didn’t request
• High-pressure phone calls or emails claiming to be “urgent”

What to do:

• Don’t give personal or Medicare numbers over the phone
• Check your Medicare and insurance statements carefully
• Call Maine State Credit Union or a trusted family member before sending money

Phishing scams trick you into clicking fake links or sharing personal info by pretending to be a trusted company — sometimes even Maine State Credit Union.

Signs of phishing:

• Emails/texts with urgent language (“Act now!”)
• Links that look suspicious when you hover over them
• Requests for PINs, passwords, or Social Security numbers

What to do:

• Delete suspicious emails or texts without opening or clicking
• Call Maine State Credit Union directly at 207-623-1881
• Use multi-factor authentication on your online accounts

Scammers often send fake texts that look like they’re from a government agency, business, or even Maine State Credit Union. These messages try to trick you into clicking a link or giving away personal details.

Common text scams:

• Fake toll road notices: “You forgot to pay your toll. Click here to pay now.”
• Password reset requests: “Your account has been locked. Send us your password to restore access.”
• Prize or refund offers: “You’ve won! Claim your gift card by clicking this link.”

Red flags:

• Unfamiliar numbers or shortcodes
• Links that look strange or slightly misspelled
• Urgent language like “Pay now” or “Final notice”

What to do:

• Don’t click links or respond to suspicious texts
• Never share your password, PIN, or account numbers by text
• If unsure, call Maine State Credit Union directly using the number on your card — not the one in the text
• Report scam texts to your carrier by forwarding them to 7726 (SPAM)

Fraudsters push “can’t-miss” Bitcoin or crypto investments. Some even pressure you to take out a personal loan to invest.

Red flags:

• “Guaranteed” profits
• Requests for payment in Bitcoin or gift cards
• High-pressure tactics (“act now or miss out”)

What to do:

• Never send cryptocurrency to someone you don’t personally know
• Avoid loans for investments you haven’t verified
• Always talk with Maine State Credit Union before borrowing or investing