Be Vigilant Against Fraud and Scams

Fraudsters are constantly evolving their tactics to trick individuals into revealing personal and financial information. Stay informed and take proactive measures to protect yourself.

Trending Scams to Watch For

Phone Scams

Scammers may call, pretending to be from Maine Family FCU, claiming you owe money or that your account has been compromised. They might ask you to send payment via gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency. We will never ask you to make payments this way. If you receive such a call, hang up immediately and contact us directly at 207-783-2071.

Imposter Scams

Scammers impersonate government agencies, utility companies, or even family members in distress, urging you to send money or provide personal details. Always verify their identity by contacting the organization directly using a known, legitimate phone number.

Phishing & Smishing Scams

Fraudulent emails (phishing) and text messages (smishing) are designed to trick you into clicking on malicious links or revealing sensitive information. Do not click links in unsolicited messages—instead, visit the organization’s official website by typing the address directly into your browser.

Identity Theft

Identity thieves steal personal information like your Social Security number, date of birth, or bank details to commit fraud in your name. Protect yourself by:

• Using strong, unique passwords for online accounts.
• Enabling multi-factor authentication (MFA) where possible.
• Regularly checking your credit report for suspicious activity.

Identity Theft Resources:

• Federal Trade Commission
• U.S. Department of Justice

ATM & Card Fraud

Criminals use various tactics to steal card information, including skimming devices and card trapping. Protect yourself by:

• Inspecting ATMs for tampering before inserting your card.
• Covering the keypad when entering your PIN.
• Setting up transaction alerts to monitor account activity.

Check Fraud

Check fraud occurs when criminals forge, alter, or steal checks. Reduce your risk by:

• Using online banking or bill pay instead of writing paper checks.
• Keeping checks in a secure place and properly disposing of old ones.
• Reviewing account statements regularly for unauthorized transactions.

Online & Social Media Scams

Scammers often use social media to impersonate businesses, friends, or family members to trick you into sending money or revealing sensitive data. Be skeptical of unsolicited friend requests or messages asking for financial assistance.

What to Do if You Suspect Fraud

Act quickly to limit potential damage:

1. Contact Your Financial Institution – Report suspicious transactions or account activity immediately.
2. Freeze or Lock Your Credit – Contact credit bureaus (Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion) to prevent unauthorized accounts from being opened in your name.
3. File a Report – Report fraud to the FTC at IdentityTheft.gov.
4. Monitor Your Accounts – Regularly review your statements and credit reports for any suspicious activity.

Stay Safe, Stay Informed

Scammers are constantly coming up with new schemes. Stay one step ahead by staying informed, protecting your information, and reaching out to Maine Family FCU if you have any concerns. Your security is our priority!