Read This FBI Alert About Account Takeover Fraud

 

Protect Yourself from Account Takeover Fraud

The FBI recently issued a nationwide warning about a fast-growing scam called Account Takeover (ATO) Fraud. Criminals are impersonating financial institutions—including credit unions—to trick people into giving away their personal information, passwords, and one-time passcodes.

Since January 2025, the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) has received more than 5,100 reports of ATO fraud, with losses exceeding $262 million.

Achieve will NEVER contact you by phone, email, text, or on social media platforms to ask for your personal information, account login credentials, or codes.

How Criminals Trick Victims

Scammers pretend to be from your financial institution. They call, text, or email you about a “problem” with your account, sometimes claiming there’s been suspicious activity or a fraudulent charge. They may even send you a link that looks like your credit union’s website.

Once you click or share information, they can:

  • Steal your login credentials or MFA code.

  • Take control of your online banking account.

  • Lock you out and quickly move money to criminal accounts.

The FBI says criminals are also using fake ads and search results online, called SEO poisoning, to lure people to realistic-looking phishing websites.

How to Protect Yourself

At Achieve Credit Union, your account security is our top priority. Here’s what you should know:

✅ We will never contact you to ask for personal information, account numbers, login credentials, or one-time codes.
If you receive a call, text, or email asking for this information, it is not from Achieve Credit Union.

✅ Hang up, delete, and verify.
Hang up the phone, delete the text message or email, and call us directly at (440) 324-3400. Or send us a message after business hours.

✅ Go straight to the source.
Use bookmarks or type our website directly into your browser. Make sure search results or ads that appear to be Achieve Credit Union direct you to our website address: AchieveCU.org.

✅ Monitor your accounts regularly.
Check for unusual activity such as missing deposits or unauthorized withdrawals.

✅ Enable two-factor authentication everywhere possible.
And never share your authentication codes with anyone.

“Be suspicious of unknown ‘banking’ or ‘company’ employees who call you; don't trust caller ID.”

- FBI Alert, November 25, 2025

What to Do If You Suspect Fraud

If you think your information or account has been compromised:

  1. Contact Achieve Credit Union immediately by phone or send us a message.

  2. Change your online banking passwords.

  3. Report the incident to the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) at ic3.gov

Stay Informed

The FBI has published a detailed bulletin about this scam, including examples of how these criminals operate and what to do if you’re targeted.
👉 Read the full FBI warning here: Account Takeover Fraud via Impersonation of Financial Institution Support (ic3.gov)

Staying alert and informed is the best defense. If something doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t.

At Achieve Credit Union, we’ll never contact you to ask for your private information. Because protecting your financial success starts with protecting your trust.

Take The Next Step.

Visit A Branch

Stop by your local branch, and we’ll be happy to help you!
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Talk With Us

Call (440) 324-3400 to speak with our Member Services team.
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Become a Member

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About the Author

Scott Nelson

Scott Nelson has served as Achieve Credit Union’s Marketing Director since 2022. Scott’s a big fan of credit unions and the positive impact they have on the local communities they serve.

Fun fact: You may see Scott at your local high school baseball games - as an umpire.

 
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