If you receive a call, text, or email from someone claiming to be from ECU, never hesitate to hang up and call us at 423-229-8200 or 1-800-999-2328. Even if the phone number or email appears to be ours, it could be a fraudster attempting to steal your information.

As technology changes, scams are on the rise every year with the tactics changing. While ECU does everything we can to protect you and your accounts, it's important that you stay alert and avoid compromising situations.

You should also share this with any vulnerable family members and friends who may be at risk of falling victim to these attempts.

Below are tips on how to protect yourself and your loved ones from falling victim to fraud.

How To Identify Scams

Did you receive an unsolicited call or text?

It's common for fraudsters to call or text you pretending to be ECU in an attempt to gain access your information and accounts. In some cases, they may even make it appear to be coming from our actual phone number. Avoid clicking any links in a text message and don't call the phone number a text message came from.

Did they request your ECU Online Username and Password?

Fraudsters will attempt to gain access to your online banking in order to set up bill payments, send funds via Zelle, or to steal your account numbers.

Did they request your full card or account number?

ECU will never ask you to provide a full credit or debit card number or a full account number for any reason. This is confidential information that you should never provide to anyone.

Do you feel intimidated or threatened?

A common tactic for fraudsters is to pressure you into making a decision quickly. They may attempt to make you believe there is fraud on your account and you need to provide your information immediately.

Are they asking you to buy or provide something?

Lookout for attempts to convince you that you've won a lottery or sweepstakes, requests for you to purchase and send gift cards, or to pay up front and you'll receive a "Free Gift" or "Cash".

Did they provide a website that is similar but not www.ecu.org?

Often, fraudsters will provide a website that is different from ours but similar enough to deceive you. These websites may look like ours and even include our logo. It’s important for you to confirm that you only go to www.ecu.org to perform any business with ECU. If any other web address is provided, do not open it, and contact us immediately at 1-800-999-2328.

How To Protect Yourself From Scams

Never give personal or financial information to an unknown caller.

If you receive a call or text, never provide the following information:

• Username or Password for ECU Online
• Social Security Number
• Member Number
• Account Numbers
• Credit or Debit Card Numbers

Never be pressured to make an immediate decision.

ECU will never intimidate or pressure you into making a decision. If we discover fraud on your accounts, we will take every precaution necessary to stop it immediately. However, we will never need access to your online banking or full card numbers.

Don't respond; instead, call ECU directly at 423-229-8200 or 1-800-999-2328.

Whether you receive a call, text, or email, the most effective way to avoid a scam is to simply call us directly and ask. Even if the call or text came from what appears to be our number, calling us yourself at either number listed above will ensure you are speaking with an ECU representative before providing any information.

Protect yourself and your loved ones from scams.

Stay Alert and Share.

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