Protect yourself from phone scams involving fake fraud alerts and in-person cash pickups.
Police in Anne Arundel County, Maryland, are warning residents about a phone scam in which criminals impersonate bank employees and convince victims to withdraw money from their accounts. The scammers then arrange for a rideshare driver to collect the cash directly from the victim’s home or request to meet in a remote location.
According to police, scammers often claim to work in a bank’s fraud department and tell victims their debit cards or bank accounts have been compromised. They create a sense of urgency, convincing victims that withdrawing their money immediately is the only way to protect it.
In some cases, victims reported that the caller ID displayed the same phone number printed on their debit cards, making the calls appear legitimate. However, caller ID information can be spoofed, meaning the displayed number may not belong to the actual caller.
Remember: USPS FCU or any other financial institution will never ask you to withdraw cash and hand it to a stranger to protect your account.
Warning Signs of a Scam
Be cautious if a caller:
- Creates a sense of urgency: They insist you must act immediately to protect your money.
- Threatens you or tries to frighten you: They may claim your account is compromised or threaten consequences if you hang up.
- Tells you to keep the conversation secret: They may discourage you from contacting family, friends, or your financial institution.
- Insists you stay on the phone: This tactic can prevent you from seeking advice or independently verifying the caller’s claims.
- Asks you to withdraw or transfer money: Requests to move funds, withdraw cash, or hand money to a courier are major red flags.
How to Protect Yourself
If you receive a suspicious call, take the following steps:
- Stop and take a breath: Scammers rely on fear, stress, and urgency to pressure you into making decisions.
- Hang up: Do not stay on the phone simply because the caller insists.
- Verify the claim independently: Contact your financial institution using the phone number on your debit card, an official statement, or its official website. Do not call back using a number provided by the caller.
- Keep your information private: Never share your passwords, PINs, verification codes, or other sensitive account information with an unverified caller.
- Talk to someone you trust: A second opinion can help you recognize suspicious requests before money is lost.
- Report suspicious activity: Contact your financial institution and local law enforcement if you suspect fraud or have been targeted.
What If You Have Already Been Targeted?
Contact your financial institution immediately if you have withdrawn money, transferred funds, shared sensitive information, or suspect your account has been compromised. Report the incident to local law enforcement as well.
Do not assume a caller is legitimate simply because they know personal information about you or their phone number appears familiar.
Stay Alert. Protect Your Money.
Scammers can target anyone, regardless of age or financial experience. Taking a moment to stop, verify the situation, and contact your financial institution directly can help prevent financial loss.
At U.S. Postal Service Federal Credit Union, your financial security matters. When in doubt, hang up and contact us through our official communication channels before taking action.
Your money is worth protecting. Never let pressure or fear rush you into making a financial decision