Imposter Texts: Don’t Get Smished!

Imposter Texts Are On The Rise: Don’t Get Smished!

Scammers are getting bolder and sneakier. One of their favorite tricks? Sending fake texts that look like they’re from your credit union. This tactic, known as smishing (SMS + phishing), is designed to trick you into giving up personal info like your account number, password, or even your debit card PIN.

Let’s break down how you can spot these scams and keep your info (and your money!) safe.

Red Flags to Watch For

Here’s what many scam texts have in common:

• Urgent language: “Act now!” or “Your account is locked!” They want you to panic and react fast.
• Suspicious links: These may look like Volt Credit Union’s website—but notice a letter off or an odd URL? Don’t click.
• Requests for personal info: Volt will never text you asking for your account number, PIN, Social Security number, or passwords.
• Weird phone numbers: Scam texts often come from strange or spoofed numbers.
• Typos or formatting mistakes: Poor grammar is a big red flag. A real message from Volt is clear, clean, and professional.

How to Check If a Text is Legit

• Contact us directly: Don’t use the number in the text. Call 417-862-0471 or visit voltcu.org to double-check.
• Check your account: Log in to the Volt app or website to confirm whether there’s actually an issue.
• Skip the link: If you’re unsure, just don’t click. Better safe than sorry!

Got a Fraudulent Text? Here’s What to Do:

1. Don’t respond. Ignore the message entirely—don’t tap, don’t text back.
2. Report it: Forward it to info@voltcu.org or text it to 7726 (SPAM) through your mobile provider.
3. Block the number: Use your phone’s settings to block future messages from the scammer.
4. Keep an eye on your account: Monitor for suspicious transactions and notify Volt immediately if something looks off.

How Volt Helps You Stay Safe

Volt Credit Union will NEVER:

• Ask for your account, debit, or credit card number via text or phone.
• Request login credentials, passcodes, or 2FA verification codes.
• Pressure you to act immediately or shame you for verifying a message.

Your security is our top priority. If something feels off, pause and reach out to us directly. We’re here to help—always.