When in Doubt, Reach Out: Why Reporting Scams Matters

Once a scam is identified, scammers rely on silence. Reports from people who recognize, or experience scams are one of the main reasons scam information becomes available and easier to spot. Avoiding a scam is important but reporting it can help reduce the chances that others will be targeted in the same way.

Speak Up Early

If you identify a scam, reporting it can help protect you and others in the future. Sharing the details allows the organization being impersonated, or the organization that serves the affected account, to understand what is happening and what warning signs to share.

If you have been a victim of a scam, it may feel uncomfortable or embarrassing to explain what happened. Even so, the details you provide can help organizations respond faster, protect your information, and guide you through recovery steps.

Help Protect the Community

Reporting scams helps organizations understand when they or their members are being targeted. With that information, they can prepare alerts, share resources, and watch for similar reports from others who may have been affected.

Each report adds to a clearer picture of current scam activity. Over time, that information helps build a stronger, more prepared community and creates a safer environment for everyone involved.

If you encounter a message that seems too good to be true, tries to scare you into making a quick decision, or simply doesn’t feel right, remember to:

• Pause

  If the message is urging you to act quickly or is unsolicited, take a moment to stop and think. Scammers rely on creating a sense of urgency to pressure you into acting without thinking.

• Verify

  Verify the authenticity of the message and the sender by contacting the person or organization through trusted channels before clicking any links, opening attachments, or responding.

• Protect

  If you ever suspect that your account has been compromised or you have identified a scam:

  Call Ancorum Credit Union at 800-750-0959 for immediate assistance.

  Contact all of the three major Credit Bureaus (Experian, Equifax or Trans Union), to place a fraud alert on your credit file.

  File your complaint with the FTC. The FTC maintains a database of identity theft cases used by law enforcement agencies for investigations.