Spoof Calls: Protecting Yourself from Scammers

Here at First South Financial Credit Union, your safety and security are our top priority. Unfortunately, scammers are always out there looking for ways to steal your personal information. One common tactic they use is called "spoofing" – where they disguise their phone number to appear legitimate, often mimicking trusted companies like First South.

These calls can be very convincing, but there are ways to protect yourself from falling victim to a scam. Here's what you need to know:

What is Spoofing?

Spoofing is when a caller falsifies the information transmitted to your caller ID display, making it appear as though the call is coming from a familiar number, such as a bank or government agency. Scammers often use this tactic to trick you into answering the phone and then attempt to steal your personal information, like your Social Security number, credit or debit card details, or online banking credentials.

First South Will Never Ask for Sensitive Information Over the Phone

First South will never ask you to provide your full Social Security Number, full credit or debit card account number, the code on the back of the card (CVV code), the expiration date, or other sensitive information over the phone. If you receive a call claiming to be from First South and they request any of this information, it's a scam!

Common Spoofing Scams

• The "Suspicious Activity" Scam: The scammer claims to be from our Card Services or Fraud Department and tells you about suspicious charges on your debit or credit card. They might mention one or two real charges to gain your trust, then ask for your card details to "resolve" the issue.
• The "Fake Security Alert" Scam: The caller claims your online or mobile banking has been compromised, and they're there to help you reset your credentials. In reality, they already have your login information and just need your Multi-Factor Authentication code (MFA) or temporary password to gain complete access.

How to Protect Yourself

• Be Wary of Unsolicited Calls: If you receive a call about your financial information, even if it appears to be from First South, it's best to err on the side of caution. Hang up the phone and call us directly at (901) 380-7400 to verify the legitimacy of the call.
• Never Give Out Personal Information Over the Phone: First South will never request your full account details or security codes over the phone.
• Use Strong Security Measures: Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) on your online and mobile banking accounts. This adds an extra layer of security by requiring a unique code in addition to your username and password to log in. You can also set up account alerts to notify you of any login attempts or transactions on your account.

First South Security Features

At First South, we offer a variety of security features to help keep your information safe:

• Login Alerts: Receive a notification every time your account is accessed, no matter the location or time.
• Transaction Alerts: Set alerts for specific transaction types or amounts to monitor your account activity.
• Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Add an extra layer of security by requiring a unique code in addition to your password to log in.
• Push Authentication: Approve login attempts directly from your mobile device for added security.

We're Here to Help!

If you have any questions or concerns about a suspicious call, contact First South right away at (901) 380-7400. We're always happy to help ensure your financial information is safe and secure.

Remember, staying informed and vigilant is your best defense against spoofing scams. By following these tips and taking advantage of the security features offered by First South, you can protect yourself and your hard-earned money.

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