In today’s digital world, fraudsters are getting smarter—and unfortunately, more convincing—which is why, this Cybersecurity Awareness Month, UK Federal Credit Union is shining a light on the latest phishing scams and emerging fraud tactics that threaten consumers and reaffirming our top priority: protecting our members’ accounts and personal information.
Here are the top five scams we’re seeing right now—and what you can do to protect yourself.
💸 Fraudulent Zelle® Transfers
Scammers are posing as credit union representatives and urging members to “reverse” or “verify” a Zelle® transfer. Once you follow their instructions, the money goes directly to the scammer.
Remember: UKFCU will never ask you to send money to yourself or anyone else to “fix” an issue and we don't currently offer Zelle®. Always contact us directly through our verified phone number or mobile app if you get a suspicious payment request.
📞 Fake Credit Union Phone Calls
Fraudsters are spoofing UKFCU’s phone number to make calls appear legitimate. They may say there’s a problem with your account or that they need to verify a transaction.
Protect yourself: Never share your one-time passcodes, debit card PIN, or online banking credentials over the phone. If something feels off, hang up and call us back using the number listed on our website.
🗣️ AI Voice Scams
Artificial intelligence has made it easier than ever for criminals to mimic real voices—including those of family members or even financial institutions. Scammers may use an AI-generated voice to sound like a loved one in distress or a UKFCU staff member requesting urgent action.
Tip: Always verify before you act. End the call and reach out to the person or institution through official channels.
🎣 Phishing Emails and Texts
“Your account has been locked.” “Click here to verify your information.” Sound familiar? Phishing messages are designed to make you panic and click a malicious link. These scams often look nearly identical to real messages from your credit union.
Check for red flags: misspelled URLs, urgent language, and requests for sensitive information are all warning signs.
🛍️ Online Marketplace & Social Media Scams
Fraudsters are using online selling platforms and social media to trick users into sharing payment information or sending deposits for fake items. They may even impersonate UKFCU representatives to appear trustworthy.
Be cautious: Never send money to someone you don’t know and verify any “official” communication through our website or verified social media channels.
How UKFCU Protects Our Members
Your security is our top priority. UKFCU continuously monitors accounts for suspicious activity, invests in advanced fraud detection tools, and regularly updates members on emerging scams. We also provide account alerts, multi-factor authentication, and secure messaging to help you keep your information safe.
If you ever suspect fraudulent activity on your account, contact us immediately at contact@ukfcu.org or at 859.264.4200.
Stay Cyber-Smart This Month and Beyond
Scammers rely on urgency and fear—knowledge is your best defense. Stay informed, stay skeptical, and know that UKFCU is always here to help you protect what matters most.
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