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Fraud & Security Assistance

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Online loan scams typically involve unsolicited offers via email, text, or phone calls. Scammers may promise quick approval, low interest rates, or guaranteed loans, but their goal is to collect fees or sensitive information such as Social Security numbers, bank account details, or online banking credentials. Common tactics include fake check deposits, requests for gift cards, cryptocurrency, or wire transfers, and impersonating legitimate lenders or government agencies to gain trust and urgency.
Online loan scams are fraudulent schemes where scammers offer fake loans to steal money or personal information, often using high-pressure tactics and upfront fees.
  • Research online reputation: Look for reviews, complaints, or scam reports before applying.
  • Secure your personal information: Never provide Social Security number or account number to unverified sources. NEVER PROVIDE ONLINE BANKING USERNAME AND PASSWORD TO ANYONE.
  • Verify lenders: Check registration with your state attorney general, NMLS, or Better Business Bureau.
  • Avoid unsolicited offers: Only respond to lenders you have contacted directly.
  • Do not pay upfront fees: Legitimate loans deduct fees from the loan amount, not before approval.
  1. Stop all communication with the scammer immediately and contact Marine Credit Union at 800-923-7280.
  2. Contact your bank or credit card issuer to freeze accounts or cancel transactions
  3. Report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3), and local law enforcement
  4. Monitor your credit and consider placing a fraud alert or credit freeze with Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion
Document evidence: Keep emails, texts, and screenshots to support investigations
If you think you are a victim of fraud or identity theft, please contact us right away at 800-923-7280.

Identity Theft

IdentityTheft.gov is the federal government’s one-stop resource for identity theft victims. The site provides checklists, sample letters, and contact information to guide you through the ID theft recovery process.
If you think your Social Security information has been stolen, it’s important to act quickly. The best way to check if someone may be using your SSN is to check your credit report. You can do this online through AnnualCreditReport.com or by contacting each of the three reporting agencies. When you have your credit report, review it for anything out of the ordinary. If you spot something suspicious, someone may be fraudulently using your information.
It’s not always easy to spot a stolen identity, but there are many red flags to watch for:
  • Unexplained charges or withdrawals on your bank and credit card statements
  • New credit cards or accounts you didn’t apply for or open
  • Missing mail or email, such as account statements
  • Errors on your credit report
  • Errors on your tax return or Social Security statement
  • Collection notices or calls for unknown debt
Identity thieves or scammers can steal your identity by getting their hands on your personal financial information online, when you’re conducting business in person, or over the phone. Thieves may obtain your account numbers, passwords, Social Security numbers, and other confidential information, then use that information to pose as you or perform financial transactions in your name without your knowledge.
Identity theft can occur in many ways: Computer crime occurs when your personal information is stolen during your online activities, such as logging into an account or making a purchase on the web. Personal betrayal occurs when a friend, relative, or stranger steals your information and uses it without your knowledge or consent. Document loss occurs when you lose your wallet or credit cards or someone steals your information from your mail or trash. Business leaks occur when your personal information is stolen from a place where you’ve done business. The business might alert you to a data breach.
Identity theft is a serious crime. An identity thief takes your personal or financial information and uses it by posing as you or performing financial transactions in your name without your knowledge. For example, an ID thief may charge items to your bank account or open a credit card or other fraudulent account in your name.

Impersonation Scams

Common signs include urgent warnings about “suspicious activity,” instructions to move money to “protect it,” requests for passwords or one-time codes, threats that your account will be locked, or links that take you to a fake login page. The FTC says some of the costliest impersonation scams start with fake bank security alerts that convince people to move money to “protect” it.
Stop and verify before taking action. Do not click links, share passcodes, provide your full account number or debit card number, or move money based on an unexpected call, text, or email. Contact Marine Credit Union directly using a trusted phone number or visit a local branch. Members should report suspicious activity, identity theft, or fraud issues to their Marine Credit Union branch or call 800-923-7280.
Yes, scammers can spoof phone numbers, create fake emails, send fraudulent text messages, or build look-alike websites that appear to come from Marine Credit Union. MCU warns that impersonation scams can occur through email, text message, or phone calls, and that members should contact Marine Credit Union right away if they encounter suspicious situations.
An impersonation scam happens when a fraudster pretends to be someone you trust, such as a credit union employee, government agency, law enforcement officer, tech support representative, family member, business, or debt collector. MyCreditUnion.gov says imposters may pretend to be from the NCUA, IRS, Social Security Administration, a company you do business with, or someone you know in order to steal money or sensitive information.