Financial Fraud & Security Center
Educate | Act | Avoid
Scams and fraud are everywhere — and the first line of defense is you. Sandia Area is here to help you stay protected, recover if needed, and never face it alone.
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How to Report Card Fraud
If you suspect that you are a victim of debit or credit card fraud, take the following measures to protect yourself and your identity.
Call Sandia Area
Credit Card Fraud
Debit Card Fraud
Know What to Look For
Types of Fraud & Scams
Phishing & Smishing Scams
These scams use fake emails, texts (Smishing), or websites to trick you into giving up personal information like passwords or banking details.
Wire Fraud
Fraudsters pose as trusted contacts or businesses to convince you to wire money, but once it's sent, it's almost impossible to get back.
Credit & Debit Card Fraud
This happens when someone steals your card details to make unauthorized purchases or withdrawals, often without you realizing it right away.
Romance Scams
A romance scam happens when someone pretends to be interested in a relationship online, gains your trust, and then asks for money or personal details.
Imposter Scams
An imposter scam happens when someone pretends to be a trusted person—like a government official, tech support, or even a family member—to trick you into sending money or sharing personal information.
Check Fraud
Scammers use fake, altered, or stolen checks to trick you into sending money before the bank realizes the check is bad.
Social Media Scams
Scam of the Month
Scammers are going where people spend their time—and that's on social media. In 2025, nearly 30% of people who reported losing money to a scam said it started on social media, with losses reaching $2.1 billion. Here's how to stay one step ahead.
✓ DO slow down.Scammers rely on urgency. If a message is pressuring you to "act now" or "you'll miss out," pause and take a second look before doing anything.
✓ DO verify the source. If someone contacts you claiming to be a friend, family member, or your financial institution, reach out to them directly through a trusted method before responding.
✓ DO trust your instincts. If something feels off or too good to be true, it probably is. Scrolling away is always an option.
✗ DON'T share personal information. Never give out account numbers, Social Security numbers, or passwords through social media messages or unfamiliar links.
✗ DON'T pay in unusual ways. Never give out account numbers, Social Security numbers, or passwords through social media messages or unfamiliar links.
Think you've been targeted? Stop communicating with the scammer, report the account on the platform, and visit IdentityTheft.gov for guidance. Our team at Sandia Area Federal Credit Union is always here to help members protect their accounts.
Monthly Fraud Friday Segment
Fraud Friday May 2026:
Protect yourself from social media scams: Tips from Sandia Area Credit Union
Protect Yourself from Fraud
Resources & Support
Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
Adding MFA to your online banking enhances security by requiring a second verification step, such as a code sent to your phone. This helps prevent unauthorized access, even if your password is stolen.
Add a Codeword to Your Accounts
Adding a codeword to your online banking safeguards your finances from scammers, even if they call pretending to be you. Keep your codeword safe—avoid writing it down and store it securely.
Secure Your Accounts
Use strong, unique passwords for your personal accounts such as online banking or WiFi. Store passwords securely and never share them with family or friends.
DON'T Trust Caller ID
Scammers are known to spoof numbers of legitimate businesses. If something feels off, hang up and call the company back directly—no matter what your caller ID says.
DON'T Be Pressured
Many scam tactics rely on triggering your sense of urgency to act fast. Don't be tempted. Take a moment to think, verify claims, and research the issue before revealing any information.
DON'T Click
Links in emails and texts are a prime way scammers try to get your information. Those links could even contain malware. When in doubt, type the URL directly into your browser instead.
How to Use Debit Card Lock
Easily manage your card with Debit Card Lock. Temporarily block it if it's lost or there's suspicious activity, and unlock it anytime.
How to Use Travel Notices
Making travel plans? Watch the video to learn how to submit a notice to avoid disruptions.
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Fraud & Security Educational Resources
Arm Yourself Against Fraud
Learn how to recognize common scams, protect your personal information, and use the tools Sandia Area offers to keep your accounts safe.
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A Guide to Spotting Fraud and Protecting Yourself
Discover the red flags of fraud, how to verify suspicious contacts, and the steps you can take — along with tools Sandia Area provides — to keep your personal and financial information secure.
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Keep Your Online Credentials Safe
Your online banking username, password, and security settings are the keys to your finances — here's how to protect them and stay one step ahead of the scammers trying to get in.
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