A Guide to Spotting Fraud and Protecting Yourself

Fraud can take many forms—from online scams and identity theft to deceptive financial schemes—and it can have serious financial and emotional consequences. Recognizing the warning signs and knowing how to protect yourself is key to keeping your personal and financial information safe. Sandia Area is here to help with tools like fraud alerts, Debit Card Lock, and eStatements to add extra layers of security to your accounts. Visit our financial fraud and security center for additional resources, including identity theft prevention tips, steps to take if you're a victim, and ways to report fraud directly to us.
Trust Your Instincts
If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Scammers often prey on emotions, offering quick money, urgent deals, or “exclusive” opportunities. They may pressure you to act fast, creating a sense of urgency to cloud your judgment. Remember, it's okay to hang up the phone or ignore the message. Take a step back, verify the communication, and check your account safety directly with Sandia Area before taking any action.
Verify the Source
Before sharing personal information or making financial decisions, confirm the legitimacy of the person or organization contacting you. Look for official contact information, check online reviews, and reach out directly through verified channels—not the contact details provided by the potential scammer. Sandia Area, the IRS, and other financial institutions will never call, text, or email you asking for account numbers or personal information. For added security, consider adding a codeword to your Sandia Area account as an extra layer of identity protection.

Be Wary of Unsolicited Communication
Scammers often reach out through unexpected phone calls, text messages, emails, or social media messages. If you receive an unsolicited request for personal or financial details, be cautious. Legitimate organizations, including Sandia Area, will never ask for sensitive information via phone, email, or text. When in doubt, hang up and call the company directly using their official phone number.

Watch for Red Flags
Stay alert for common signs of fraud, such as:

• Requests for upfront payments before providing a service or prize.
• Urgency or pressure tactics demanding immediate action.
• Inconsistent or vague information that doesn’t add up.
• Requests for personal or financial details over phone, email, or text.

If something feels off, trust your instincts and take the time to investigate.
Stay Informed & Educated
Fraud tactics are constantly evolving. Stay up to date on common scams by following trusted sources like government websites, law enforcement agencies, and consumer protection organizations. Sandia Area also provides fraud education resources, including scams of the month, ways members can protect their accounts, fraud news articles, monthly fraud Friday tips from our fraud expert, and awareness seminars throughout the year. Bookmark Sandia.org/security
Want to stay up-to-date on fraud resources from Sandia Area? Sign up for the monthly fraud newsletter! Call us and update your email to stay informed.
Protect Your Personal & Financial Information
Fraudsters look for ways to steal sensitive details like Social Security numbers, bank account information, and passwords. Keep your information secure by:

• Using strong, unique passwords and enabling two-factor authentication. Consider signing up for a password manager to avoid using duplicate passwords. 
• Avoiding oversharing personal details on social media.
• Signing up for fraud alerts to receive real-time notifications of suspicious activity.
• Enabling transaction alerts on your mobile banking app, and adding a codeword to your Sandia Area account for an extra layer of security.

Monitor Your Accounts
Regularly check your credit report and review your account statements for unauthorized transactions. If you notice suspicious activity, report it immediately to your financial institution to prevent further damage. Sandia Area members can set up debit card alerts to track purchases in real time. Or your can use our debit card lock tool in the mobile app to lock your card and safeguard from fraudulent transactions. 
We’re Here to Help
Fraudsters are always coming up with new ways to trick people, but by staying informed and cautious, you can reduce your risk. If you ever suspect fraudulent activity on your Sandia Area accounts, contact us immediately at 505-292-6343 or visit your nearest branch. We’re here to help you safeguard your finances every step of the way.