Recently, a member received a call. The caller ID said "Baylands Family Credit Union." The voice was professional, courteous, and convincing. They said there was suspicious activity on the account and needed to verify the member's identity "for security purposes."

It all seemed so real.

But it wasn't us. It was a scammer. And the member could have lost everything.

Fortunately, something didn't feel quite right, and the member hung up and called us directly. Crisis averted. But not everyone is so lucky.

This Is Happening More Often

Scammers are getting better at impersonating credit unions, banks, and other trusted institutions. They're using technology to fake phone numbers, create convincing emails, and send texts that look identical to legitimate messages.

And they're targeting YOU.

Here's How They're Doing It:

The Phone Call Scam (Vishing)

• Caller ID shows "Baylands FCU" (they can fake this!)
• They claim there's fraud or suspicious activity
• They ask for your PIN, account number, or security question answers
• Once they have it, they move to drain your account

Reality check: We will NEVER call asking for your PIN or full credentials.

The Text/Email Scam (Smishing/Phishing)

• You get an urgent message: "FRAUD ALERT! Verify your account NOW!"
• Includes a link to a fake website that looks similar to ours
• You enter your login info, and they've got you

Reality check: We don't send texts or emails with links asking you to verify account info.

How to Protect Yourself (It's Simpler Than You Think):

🛑 STOP before you respond
If you get unexpected contact asking for personal info, pause. Scammers create fake urgency to bypass your common sense.

✋ NEVER share sensitive info via text
Not your PIN. Not your account number. Not your Social Security Number. Just don't.

📞 VERIFY by calling us directly
Hang up and call 804-843-2520 or 888-843-2520. Use the number YOU know is real, not one they provide.

🚫 DON'T click links in suspicious messages
If you're unsure, delete it. Visit BaylandsFCU.org directly instead.

🧠 TRUST your gut
If it feels weird, it probably is. There's no shame in being cautious.

What If It's Too Late?

If you think you've already fallen for a scam:

Act immediately:

1. Call us: 804-843-2520 or 888-843-2520
2. Visit a branch in person
3. We'll help secure your account and investigate

The faster you tell us, the better chance we have of protecting your funds.

We're in This Together

At BFCU, we use advanced security measures to protect your accounts. But scammers are creative, and your awareness is our strongest defense.

You have the power to stop them. Now that you know their tactics, you're prepared.

Want to learn more? Visit our Security Central: Awareness & Protection page for more fraud prevention resources. Also take advantage of tools and resources available from BFCU to help safegaurd members accounts like setting up transactions alerts in Online or Mobile App Banking and utlizing Card Control to mange your BFCU Visa Debit Card. 

Stay vigilant. Stay safe. And remember: when in doubt, call us.

Your BFCU Family Management & Staff 

P.S. - Please share this with friends and family. Scammers don't discriminate—they target everyone. Let's protect our community together.