Spoofing is a deceptive tactic used by fraudsters to impersonate trusted organizations—such as banks, government agencies, or familiar contacts—to steal personal information or money. This type of fraud occurs through phone calls, emails, and text messages.
- Phone Spoofing: Scammers manipulate caller ID information to make it appear as though a call is coming from a legitimate business or financial institution, increasing the chances that you’ll answer and comply with their requests.
- Email Spoofing: Fraudulent emails disguised as official correspondence often contain malicious links or attachments designed to steal your sensitive information.
- Text Message Spoofing (Smishing): Fake texts may urge you to click a link that installs malware or directs you to a fraudulent website posing as a legitimate institution.
How to Protect Yourself:
✔ Verify Contact Sources: If you receive an unsolicited request for personal information, contact the organization directly using official phone numbers or websites.
✔ Guard Your Personal Information: Never share sensitive details unless you are absolutely sure of the recipient’s legitimacy.
✔ Watch for Red Flags: Be cautious of urgent messages, spelling errors, and unofficial email addresses.
Palmetto First Federal Credit Union will never call and ask for your account numbers. If you’re unsure whether a call is legitimate, hang up and call us directly at [843-779-2819].
If you suspect you’ve been targeted by a spoofing scam, report it immediately to local authorities and notify us so we can help protect others. Stay vigilant and stay safe!
