Don't Let a Scammer Rush You
Imagine getting a phone call from someone claiming to be from the IRS. They tell you there's a problem with your taxes and you need to pay immediately, or you'll face serious consequences.
Or maybe you receive a text saying your Social Security number has been suspended. There's a link to "resolve" the issue.
These messages can look and sound official. But government agencies are frequently impersonated by scammers who use urgency, threats, and convincing details to get people to hand over money or personal information.
The Biggest Red Flag? Pressure to Act Now
Government impersonation scams often follow the same basic formula: something is wrong, you need to fix it immediately, and the person contacting you has the solution.
A scammer might claim to be from the IRS, Social Security Administration, Medicare, a court, local law enforcement, or another government agency. They may know your name, address, or other personal information, and caller ID may even appear to show a legitimate government phone number.
But caller ID can be spoofed, and having some of your personal information doesn't prove that a caller is legitimate.
Watch for These Warning Signs
Be cautious if someone claiming to represent a government agency:
- Threatens arrest, legal action, or loss of benefits if you don't pay immediately
- Demands payment through gift cards, cryptocurrency, wire transfers, or other unusual methods
- Asks you to provide your Social Security number, bank account information, or other sensitive information unexpectedly
- Tells you to move your money to "protect" it
- Sends an unexpected link and tells you to click it immediately
- Contacts you through social media and claims to be a government representative
Stop and Verify
If you're unsure whether a message is legitimate, don't use the phone number, email address, or link provided by the person contacting you.
Instead, find the agency's official contact information yourself and contact it directly. And remember: Don't trust caller ID alone. A scammer can spoof a call and make it appear to come from a legitimate government number.
If You Already Sent Money or Information
If you responded to a government impersonation scam, take action as soon as possible.
If you shared financial information or believe your NW Plus account or debit card may be compromised, contact NW Plus. You can also use CARDS+ in the NW Plus mobile app to turn your debit card on or off, set transaction and location controls, receive alerts, and review transactions.
If you shared sensitive personal information, Credit Sense can help you stay informed about your credit through free access to your TransUnion credit score and report. You can also use the tool's credit simulator and goals to better understand and manage your credit.
Regularly checking your eStatements and eNotices is another good habit. NW Plus stores up to 18 months of these documents, and email alerts can let you know when a new statement or notice is available.
Report Government Impersonation Scams
Even if you didn't lose money, consider reporting the scam. Reports help authorities identify patterns and investigate fraudulent activity.
The NCUA recommends reporting government impersonation scams at www.ncua.gov. If you gave a scammer personal information, the NCUA also recommends visiting IdentityTheft.gov for steps to protect yourself.
When in Doubt, Slow Down
A legitimate government agency isn't going to require you to make a snap decision because someone called, texted, or emailed you.
If a message makes you feel rushed, threatened, or afraid, that's your cue to stop. Don't click, don't pay, and don't share information until you've independently verified who you're dealing with.
Taking a few extra minutes to verify a message could save you much more time, money, and stress later.
Never share your account number, passwords, answers to security questions, or other account information. We will never ask you for this type of information when we call or email you. If someone claiming to be a NW Plus CU representative asks for sensitive account information over the phone or in an email, end the conversation immediately, and call us at 425.297.1000 or come to one of our branches to report the incident.
