At Minnequa Works Credit Union, your financial safety is our top priority. We want to alert you to two types of scams that are currently affecting credit union members in our community: Loan Scams and Gift Card Scams.
These scams are serious, and they’re designed to steal your money, your personal information—or both.
We’re sharing this information not to alarm you, but to empower you. The more you know, the better you can protect yourself and your loved ones.
Fake Loan Offers
Loan scams often target individuals who are actively seeking financial assistance or looking for ways to consolidate debt. Scammers will pose as legitimate lenders or even impersonate financial institutions.
Red Flags of a Loan Scam:
- You’re asked to pay an upfront fee before receiving any loan.
- The offer is too good to be true (e.g., “Guaranteed approval, no credit check!”).
- You’re told to act urgently or you’ll lose the “offer.”
- They ask for payment via wire transfer, gift card, or cryptocurrency.
- The communication is only via email or text, and they avoid phone calls or face-to-face meetings.
How to Spot a Fake:
If you’re unsure, pause, and contact our fraud team—we’re happy to help.
Always verify the lender’s credentials. If someone is claiming to represent us, call us directly using our official phone number—not a number provided by the scammer.
Legitimate lenders do not ask for money upfront for a loan.
Gift Card Scams:
Scammers love gift cards because they’re nearly untraceable. Whether it’s someone pretending to be a government official, a tech support agent, or even a boss or family member, the message is the same: “Go buy gift cards and send me the codes.”
Red Flags of a Gift Card Scam:
- You’re told to buy gift cards for “urgent payments”, “legal fees”, or to “help a loved one.”
- The request comes with pressure: “Do it now, and don’t tell anyone.”
- You’re asked to send the codes from the back of the cards via text, email, or phone.
- The message may look like it’s from someone you know—but the language feels off.
How to Spot a Fake:
- No legitimate business or government agency will ever ask for payment in gift cards.
- Always verify the source. If it’s a friend or relative, call them directly to confirm.
- Be suspicious of urgency and secrecy—those are classic scam tactics.
When in Doubt, Reach Out
If something feels off—trust your instincts. You’re not alone, and it’s always better to ask than to guess.
Our fraud team is experienced, compassionate, and dedicated to protecting your information and your accounts. We are only here to support you—not to judge, not to scold, but to stand between you and fraudsters who want to take advantage of you.
Whether you:
- Think you’ve been scammed,
- Are unsure about a suspicious situation,
- Or just want a second opinion—
Contact us right away. The sooner we know, the more we can do to help! Phone: (719) 544-6928
Final Reminder
Scammers are clever, but you are smarter—especially when you stay informed and alert. Share this post with family and friends, especially those who may be more vulnerable to these kinds of attacks.
Together, we can stop scams before they start.
Stay safe, stay aware—and remember: we’ve got your back.
– Your Minnequa Works Credit Union Team
