Stay Alert: Protecting Yourself from Fraudulent Text Messages

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At Maine Savings, your financial well-being is our top priority. As part of our commitment to going Beyond Banking, we want to make sure you have the information you need to stay safe, especially as fraud attempts continue to evolve.

Recently, there has been an increase in fraudulent text messages targeting credit union members. These messages may appear to come from Maine Savings, but they are not legitimate. Understanding how these scams work and how to spot them can help you protect yourself and your accounts.

What’s Happening?

Fraudsters are sending text messages that look like debit card fraud alerts. These texts may ask you to confirm whether a transaction is legitimate. If you respond, you may receive a follow-up phone call from someone pretending to be a Maine Savings employee.

During that call, the scammer may ask for sensitive information such as:

• Your full debit card number
• Expiration date
• CVV (the 3-digit code on the back of your card)
• Your PIN
• Digital banking credentials
• Account number/routing number
• To remote into your device

With this information, fraudsters can add your card to a digital wallet, attempt unauthorized withdrawals, and potentially wreak all sorts of havoc.

How to Tell What’s Real

While these messages may look convincing, there are important differences to watch for:

• Maine Savings will never ask for your PIN or CVV
• Official communications will simply use “Maine Savings,” not variations of our name
• Unexpected calls following a text alert should be treated with caution
• Maine Savings will not reach out via text or a phone call from 8:00 pm to 8:00 am

If something feels off, trust your instincts. It is always okay to pause and verify, and call Maine Savings on a number you know to be accurate.

How to Protect Yourself

Staying safe starts with a few simple steps:

• Do not share personal or financial information in response to unexpected messages or calls
• Avoid clicking links in texts
• Contact Maine Savings directly using a trusted phone number if you are unsure about a message
• Monitor your accounts regularly for unusual activity

If You’ve Been Contacted

If you receive a suspicious message or believe you may have shared information:

• Contact Maine Savings immediately
• We will help secure your account and guide you through next steps
• Your vigilance helps protect not only you, but our entire community

We’re Here for You

Fraud attempts can be unsettling, but you are not alone. Our team is continuously monitoring trends and taking proactive steps to protect our members.

At Maine Savings, we go Beyond Banking by providing the tools, education, and support you need to navigate your financial journey with confidence.

If you ever have questions or concerns, please reach out. We are here to help, every step of the way.