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Fraud Alert: We'll NEVER contact you to provide or verify passwords, security questions, card numbers, or other confidential info.
If you receive a suspicious call, hang up and contact us at our office phone number 979-846-7456.

Check out the latest Fraud information here.

Fraud Protection

Protect Yourself From Fraud

Please be aware that Brazos Star Credit Union will never call, text or email members asking for personal information, including:

  • The last four digits of your card number
  • Your PIN number
  • Secure Access Code
  • Online Banking password

These calls are not from Brazos Star Credit Union. This is a fraudulent attempt to collect your personal information and access your account. Learn more about recent scams, how to avoid them and protect yourself the government consumer assistance website at https://www.consumerfinance.gov/consumer-tools/fraud/.

Mail and Postcard Scams

We want our members to be aware that fraudulent mail pieces and  postcards are being sent to members of credit unions around the state of Texas. The mailers and postcards indicate that they are from the credit union and ask members to call a number in regard to their property or mortgage loan but could also reference other loans or accounts. This is a fraudulent attempt to collect your personal information. Do not call the number provided if and do not give out any personal information if someone impersonating the credit union calls you. Instead, contact the credit union directly if you feel that there may be an issue with your loan or account.

If you receive a mail piece indicating you might receive an Allocated Waiver referenced by a Record ID number,  regarding a property or a credit union account or loan that you believe may be fraudulent, please call us at 979-846-7456.

Most Common Credit Union Scams

Scams are getting more and more realistic, with criminals sometimes using AI or personal details to craft their messages.

Here are some of the most common credit union scams to watch out for.
 

Phishing Scams

Posing as a credit union employee, the scammer sends a spoofed email or text message to a member. The goal is usually to trick you into following a malicious link where you’ll be prompted to enter your online banking credentials or respond to the message with personal and financial information.

Scammers usually create a sense of urgency by claiming that you need to take action right away or risk losing access to your account. Some scams also trick you into sharing account information by pretending you have some money to claim.

These phishing scams can take different forms.
 

SMSishing

This form of phishing uses text messages. The messages often look like credit union alerts regarding suspicious activity on your account or ask you to verify your identity.

Instructions urge the member to reply to the original message with account details, such as card numbers, CV2 codes, PINs, or other online account credentials.

Once the scammer has the information they wanted, they can use it to access your account and make unauthorized charges.

Here’s an example of a SMSishing text message sent to a member:

Fraudulent Emails

Criminals are also sending fraudulent emails made out to look like real communications from banks and credit unions. These emails usually ask you to follow a link, which will take you to a spoofed login page.

If you fall for this credit union scam and enter your credentials on this fake login page, the scammers will receive this information. They can then get into your account and use Zelle or another similar service to transfer the funds to an account they control before vanishing without a trace.
 

Voice Phishing (Vishing)

Vishing scams are on the rise. They can be hard to detect since getting a phone call from your financial institution isn’t necessarily unusual.

However, these fraudulent calls usually create a sense of urgency so that you’ll share sensitive information, for instance, to resolve a fake problem with your account. You might also come across vishing scams where the scammer asks personal questions to verify your identity before discussing anything else with you.

Your Shield Against Scams

Brazos Star helps protect your accounts and personal information with advanced security measures, including encryption and real-time monitoring to detect and prevent suspicious activity.

  • Two-factor authentication
  • Fraud monitoring and detection
  • Account, transfer, and card alerts
  • Security and fraud prevention information at your fingertips

Remember, you also play a big part in protecting your information.  Review your accounts on a regular basis.  Make sure your contact information is up to date.  If we need to contact you by phone, email or text, provide us with the best information.

  • Keep your passwords safe; change them often
  • Don’t repeat the same passwords
  • Don’t share your account information to anyone
  • Only allow authorized users and joint owners to access your account information