Protecting Your Finances: 5 Steps to Safeguard Against Impersonation Scams

At Pioneer Valley Credit Union, we're committed to helping our members protect their financial well-being. In today's digital age, it's crucial to be aware of sophisticated scams that attempt to impersonate financial institutions. Here's what you need to know to keep your accounts safe.

Understanding Impersonation Scams

Scammers may contact you pretending to be a representative from Pioneer Valley Credit Union. They might use technology to make their call appear to come from our official number. These fraudsters often claim there's "suspicious activity" on your account and may ask you to provide personal information, make a payment, or reverse a transaction to resolve the issue.

The goal of these scams is to gain access to your money or sensitive account information like PINs, passwords, or one-time access codes.

5 Key Steps to Protect Yourself

Step 1: Be Cautious of Caller ID

Remember that scammers can manipulate caller ID information. Even if the call appears to be from Pioneer Valley Credit Union, stay alert.

Step 2: Safeguard Your Private Account Information

Pioneer Valley Credit Union representatives will never ask for your PIN, password, or one-time access codes. This information should always remain confidential.

Step 3: Be Wary of Unusual Payment Requests

Our staff will never ask you to send money to anyone—including yourself—to "reverse a transfer," "receive a refund," or for similar reasons. If a correction is needed, we have the necessary account information to handle it internally.

Step 4: Verify Unexpected Transaction Requests

If you receive a one-time access code for a transaction you didn't initiate, don't use or share the code with anyone, even if they claim to be from Pioneer Valley Credit Union.

Step 5: When in Doubt, Reach Out Directly

If you receive a suspicious call or text, it's best to end the communication immediately. Contact Pioneer Valley Credit Union directly using our official channels, such as the number on your card or our secure online banking platform.

Reporting Suspicious Activity

If you believe you've encountered an impersonation attempt:

1. If you've shared information or made a payment: Contact us immediately at 413-733-2800
2. If you received a suspicious call but didn't respond: Please report it to info@pvcu.org Include as many details as possible:
   • Date and time of the call
   • Number shown on caller ID
   • Phone number they used to reach you
   • Any other relevant information about the interaction
   • A screenshot of your call history, if available

At Pioneer Valley Credit Union, your financial security is our priority. By staying informed and vigilant, we can work together to protect your accounts from fraud.

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Federally Insured NCUA