Fraudsters are getting smarter—and spoofing is one of the fastest‑growing threats targeting credit union members. Spoofing happens when scammers disguise their phone number, text message, or email to make it look like it’s coming from a trusted source, like Rivermark, another financial institution, or even a government agency. Their goal? To trick you into sharing personal information, giving them access to your accounts, or approving fraudulent transactions.
What Spoofing Looks Like
Fraudsters often impersonate Rivermark employees by spoofing our phone number or sending texts that appear legitimate. They may:
- Claim there’s an issue with your debit or credit card
- Pretend to be from Rivermark’s fraud or security team
- Send urgent‑sounding texts with links
- Ask you to verify personal information
- Request the one‑time passcode sent to your phone
- Pressure you to act quickly
Even savvy members can be caught off guard. Caller ID is not reliable—phone numbers can and are spoofed.
How Spoofing Leads to Fraud
Once a scammer has your information, they can:
- Access your digital banking
- Create fake debit or credit cards
- Make unauthorized transactions
- Change your login credentials
- Lock you out of your own account
That’s why it’s so important to slow down, stay alert, and follow a few simple steps whenever something feels “off.”
How to Avoid Falling for Spoofed Calls and Texts
Use this checklist anytime you receive an unexpected message or call:
1. Don’t click unexpected links- Fraudulent texts often contain urgent messages or suspicious links designed to steal your information.
2. Double‑check the URL- Look for:
- Misspellings
- Wrong domain endings
- Extra numbers or characters
Play it safe and never click the links that are sent to you unless you can verify the sender.
3. Never use the phone number provided in a suspicious message- If you need to verify something, call us directly using the number on our official website.
4. Never share your one‑time passcode- Rivermark will never ask you to read a passcode aloud or provide it by text or email.
5. Don’t share personal information with an unknown caller- That includes:
- Account numbers
- Passwords
- Birthdate
- Debit/credit card details
- Your card’s security code
6. Pay attention to in‑app alerts- Rivermark Digital Banking includes warnings and notifications designed to help protect you.
7. Don’t trust caller ID- Just because the number looks familiar doesn’t mean it’s real.
8. When in doubt—hang up- Then call Rivermark directly. A legitimate employee will never pressure or guilt you into providing information.
What To Do If Something Feels “Off”
If a call or text raises red flags, follow these steps:
Stop- Don’t share any information—no matter how urgent the caller makes it sound.
Disconnect- Hang up the phone or delete the suspicious message.
Reconnect Safely- Call Rivermark using the number from our official website: www.rivermarkcu.org
If it’s after hours-
- Immediately change your username and password
- Lock your card using Card Controls in Rivermark Digital Banking
- Contact us on the next business day
Your quick action can prevent further fraud.
Extra Ways to Protect Yourself from Spoofing Fraud
To strengthen your security even more, consider:
- Set strong, unique passwords. Avoid reusing passwords across sites.
- Enable two‑factor authentication everywhere you can. This adds an extra layer of protection.
- Keep your device software up to date. Updates often fix known security vulnerabilities.
- Review your account activity often. The sooner you spot something unusual, the faster we can help.
- Use call‑blocking tools or apps. Your mobile provider may offer free or low‑cost options.
- Secure your voicemail with a password. Scammers can spoof your number and access your voicemail if it’s not protected.
Rivermark Is Here to Help
Your financial safety is our top priority. If you ever feel unsure about a call, email, or text—even if it “looks” like it’s from Rivermark—don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re always happy to verify, answer questions, and help protect your accounts.
