United Heritage Credit Union urges members to stay aware when a tech support request seems suspicious. Scammers are impersonating trusted companies like Microsoft, Apple, and even law enforcement to get access to your account.
Knowing what to watch for can help you protect yourself and your finances.
How It Works
The scam starts with an unexpected email, text message, computer pop-up, or phone call claiming to be from a well-known company. The caller may claim:
- Your computer has been hacked or infected with a virus
- Your identity or financial accounts are at risk
- Someone has accessed your personal information
- You owe money or could face legal consequences if you don’t act immediately
The scammer’s goal is to create a sense of urgency.
What To Be Cautious Of
If someone asks you to do any of the following, they may be trying to commit a tech support scam:
- Move your money to another account to “keep it safe”
- Wire money or send a large payment immediately
- Purchase gift cards, cryptocurrency, or deposit cash into a bitcoin ATM
- Buy new devices or software you weren’t planning to purchase
- Keep the purpose of the transaction a secret or tell your financial institution a different reason for the payment
- Stay on the phone while you complete a transaction.
Legitimate companies and law enforcement will not ask you to protect your money by sending it somewhere else.
Before you send money, ask yourself:
- Am I being pressured to act immediately?
- Was this request unexpected?
- Did the request come from an email, pop-up, or unsolicited phone call?
- Is someone telling me what to say to my financial institution?
- Have I independently verified that I’m speaking with the real company?
- Is someone threatening me with arrest, legal action, or financial loss if I don’t send money?
If any of your answers were yes to these questions, take a step back before completing the transaction.
UHCU is Here to Help
If you feel like you are being scammed:
- End the phone call or close the pop-up
- Contact the company directly using a phone number or website you know is legitimate
- Never use the phone number or links provided in a suspicious email or pop-up
- Talk with someone at UHCU before you send the money
Our team can help you recognize common scam tactics and answer questions about suspicious requests. Reach out to our team when you need support at 512.435.4545.
