October 23, 2026

Don’t Let Scammers Scare You Into Acting Fast

Abbey Butte

October may be known for scares, but not every frightening message is harmless.

Scammers use fear and urgency to make people act before they question the story. Through phone calls, emails, text messages or social media, they may impersonate a financial institution, government agency, familiar business or someone you know.

The person may even know your name, address or financial institution. Those details can make the request sound convincing, but they do not prove it is legitimate.

Example of the Scam

Chris receives a call that appears to be from his financial institution. The caller claims someone is transferring money from his account and tells him to move the funds to a “safe account.” Chris is also instructed to remain on the phone and keep the situation secret.

Instead, Chris hangs up and calls the number on the back of his debit card. His financial institution confirms that the original call was a scam.

Warning Signs to Watch For

Be cautious if someone:

Threatens arrest, account closure or another serious consequence.
Tells you to remain on the phone or keep the conversation secret.
Directs you to move money to a “safe” or “protected” account.
Demands payment through a gift card, cryptocurrency, wire transfer or payment app.
Asks for your online banking username or password, any other password, PIN, full card number or verification code.
Requests remote access to your device or asks you to download software.
Discourages you from contacting the organization directly.

A familiar name or number on caller ID does not prove that a call is legitimate. Scammers can disguise the information that appears on your screen.

What to Do Before You Act

End the conversation. Hang up, close the message or stop responding.
Use a trusted source. Open the organization’s official app, type its website into your browser or call a number from a recent statement or the back of your card.
Talk to someone you trust. Another person may notice something you missed while feeling pressured.
Wait before sharing or sending anything. Do not provide sensitive information, make a payment or transfer funds until you confirm the request.

If You Already Responded

Contact the financial institution, card issuer or payment company involved and ask what steps may be available.
Change any online banking username or password you shared, along with any other passwords you provided. Update other accounts that use the same or a similar password.
Review your accounts and report transactions or changes you do not recognize.
If you gave someone remote access, update your security software, run a scan and remove anything it identifies as a problem.
Save information connected to the scam and file a report through ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

Stay Protected With TVFCU

TVFCU will never call and ask for your online banking username or password, any other password or your full card number.

If you receive a suspicious call that appears to be from TVFCU, hang up and call us directly at 423-634-3600. Call the same number if you shared information or notice unusual activity. Representatives are available Monday through Saturday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.