CUANM Fraud Awareness
Fraud Fails When We Stand Together
At Zia Credit Union, looking out for our members is part of who we are. That includes helping you stay safe from fraud.
Scammers are getting more sophisticated, often using texts, emails, phone calls, or social media messages that feel convincing. The good news? A few simple steps can make a big difference.
STOP if a message pressures you to act fast or keep things secret.
VERIFY by using a phone number or app you trust.
REPORT suspicious activity to us so we can help and protect others.
Fraud prevention isn’t about fear. It’s about community. When we share information and look out for one another, fraud fails.
If something doesn’t feel right, trust your instincts and call us. We’re always here to help.
Investment Scams
Scammers promise high returns with little risk.
How This Scam Works:
• Offer of exclusive investment opportunity
• “Guaranteed” high-yield returns
• Reference of well-known companies
Fake Profits
• After initial deposit, scammers show fake profits to encourage additional investment
• Withdrawal requests are stalled with excuses
How To Stop It:
Pause. If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
Job Scams
Looking for work? Scammers know it, and they’re watching.
How this scam works:
• Legit-looking postings
• Fake interviews
• “Easy” remote work
• Small starter payments to build trust
Red flags:
• Being asked to send money or buy equipment
• Requests for personal or banking info early
• Pressure to act fast
How to stop it:
Real jobs don’t ask you to pay to get paid.
Romance Scams
Romance scams start with a connection. Scammers build trust over time before asking for “help” that feels natural and urgent.
How this scam works:
• Emotional connection and trust
• Embarrassment prevents reporting
• Scammers encourage distrust of financial institutions
Often targeted:
Individuals with large savings or retirement funds. Because victims authorize the transactions, losses can be hard to recover.
How to stop it:
Pause before sending money.
Talk to someone you trust or call your credit union.
Spoofed Call Scams
You get a call that looks like it’s from your credit union or a government agency. They say your account is compromised and you need to act now. That urgency is a red flag.
How this scam works:
• Caller ID looks legitimate
• The caller claims authority
• Pressure creates confusion
• Victims asked to “verify” account info
Stolen information used to:
• Access online banking
• Set up Zelle, bill pay, or transfers
• Use debit or credit card information
How to stop it:
Hang up. Use a known number to call your credit union directly.
STOP • VERIFY • REPORT
Scammers succeed when they rush, confuse, or isolate people. We succeed when we pause, ask questions, and look out for one another.
STOP: Pause when you see urgency, payment pressure, or secrecy.
VERIFY: Use a known number/app you open yourself. Verify with your credit union or a trusted person.
REPORT: Report to your credit union to help protect others.
Scams succeed in silence. They fail when people speak up. If something feels off, trust your instincts.
Visit StopFraudNM.org for more information