Stay Alert — Active Threats Below
Fraud Alerts &
How to Stay Protected.
Scammers target credit union members every day. We track emerging threats and share everything you need to recognize, avoid, and respond to fraud — all in one place.
Pioneer Will Never Ask You For…
A verification code over the phone
Your full password or PIN
Gift card payments
Wire transfers to “secure” your funds
To approve a transaction we blocked
Card Security Notice: Due to ongoing fraud reports through our card processing system, we have placed temporary and permanent blocks on certain states, zip codes, and high-risk merchants. If your card is unexpectedly declined while traveling or at an unfamiliar merchant, contact our fraud team at (800) 237-8990 for assistance.
Active Threats
Scams Currently Targeting Pioneer Members
These are fraud schemes we have directly identified targeting Pioneer AFCU members. Read these carefully — knowing the pattern is your best protection.
1
Scam Calls Spoofing Our Phone Number
Impersonation FraudWhat happens
Fraudsters spoof our main number (304) 348-6648 to make it appear we are calling you. They claim to be from Pioneer and attempt to get you to approve a blocked debit card transaction — which they actually initiated.
How to recognize it
Pioneer’s fraud team never calls from a local number. When our fraud department contacts you it will be from an 800-number, a text from a five-digit number, or an email. A call from a local number asking you to approve or discuss a blocked transaction is a scam.
Hang up immediately and call our fraud team directly at (800) 237-8990.
2
Calls Requesting Verification Codes
Account Takeover FraudWhat happens
Members receive calls from someone claiming to be Pioneer, asking them to read back a verification code to “discuss card activity.” Providing the code gives scammers the ability to set up Apple Pay or Google Pay using your account — giving them full access to your funds without your card.
The rule
Our representatives will never call you and then ask for a verification code. Verification codes are only requested when you initiate contact with us — not the other way around.
Never share a verification code with someone who called you — hang up and call us directly.
Know the Threats
Common Scam Types
Phishing Emails
Deceptive emails mimic legitimate sources — banks, delivery services, or government agencies — to steal personal information. They create urgency or offer rewards to make you act without thinking.
Charity Scams
Scammers exploit generosity by creating fake charities or impersonating real ones — especially after disasters or during holidays. Donations go to the scammer, never the cause.
Online Shopping Fraud
Fake websites offer popular products at unrealistically low prices. Victims receive nothing, counterfeit goods, or have their payment information stolen at checkout.
Gift Card Scams
Scammers demand payment via gift cards — claiming to be the IRS, tech support, or a utility company threatening immediate consequences. No legitimate organization demands gift card payment.
Travel Scams
Offers for suspiciously cheap travel packages that require upfront payment or personal information. The booking either doesn’t exist or your data is stolen.
Phone & Impersonation Scams
Callers impersonate banks, the IRS, Social Security, or law enforcement using spoofed real phone numbers. They create panic and pressure you to act immediately.
Scam Spotting
Red Flags to Watch For
Suspicious email addresses
Look for subtle misspellings or changed domains — e.g., “support@pioneer-afcu.net” instead of our real domain.
Offers too good to be true
High rewards for little effort, unbelievably low prices, or guaranteed winnings — especially paired with pressure to act immediately.
Insecure websites
Before entering personal information, confirm the URL starts with https:// and shows a padlock in your browser’s address bar.
Unsolicited requests for personal info
Unexpected calls, texts, or emails asking for your Social Security number, account number, PIN, or password are almost always fraudulent.
Unusual payment requests
Requests for gift cards, wire transfers, Zelle, Venmo, or cryptocurrency are major red flags. Legitimate organizations offer standard, traceable payment options.
Pressure & urgency
Scammers deliberately create panic — “act now or your account will be closed.” Legitimate organizations give you time to verify before acting.
Stay Protected
Your Prevention Checklist
These seven habits significantly reduce your risk of falling victim to fraud. Review them regularly and share with family.
Keep devices & software updated
Ensure your phone, computer, and apps have the latest security patches and antivirus protection.
Use strong, unique passwords
Different passwords for every account. Consider a password manager to keep them secure.
Enable two-factor authentication
Turn on 2FA on your banking, email, and social media accounts for an extra layer of protection.
Review your account statements regularly
Check your Pioneer account via online banking frequently. Report any transaction you don’t recognize immediately.
Be stingy with personal information
Share your Social Security number, account details, or financial information only on verified, trusted platforms.
Verify charities & online retailers
Before donating or purchasing, look up reviews and check for accreditation at the Better Business Bureau.
Trust your instincts
If something feels off, pause. Scammers rely on emotional pressure. Take time to verify before acting.
If It Happens
Steps to Take If You’ve Been Targeted
Acting quickly minimizes the damage. Follow these steps in order.
1
Call Pioneer immediately
Contact our fraud team at (800) 237-8990 to freeze your accounts and report unauthorized transactions. Available 24/7. The sooner you call, the more we can do.
2
Change your passwords
Update passwords immediately for online banking, email, and any account that may have been compromised — starting with the most sensitive.
3
Monitor your credit reports
Check your credit reports at annualcreditreport.com and consider placing a fraud alert or credit freeze with all three bureaus.
4
Report to the FTC
File a report at reportfraud.ftc.gov. Your report helps the FTC investigate and pursue scammers.
5
Document everything
Save all communications — emails, texts, screenshots, phone numbers. These records are critical for investigations and claims.
6
Notify other affected parties
If personal information was shared, alert your healthcare provider, insurance company, or other institutions that may be at risk.
Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Our fraud team contacts members by text from a five-digit number, email, or an 800-number call — never from a local number. If you receive a call from a local number about suspicious activity, it is a scam. Hang up and call us at (800) 237-8990.
Due to high rates of fraudulent activity, we place temporary or permanent blocks on certain states, zip codes, and merchants. If your card is unexpectedly declined and you are a legitimate purchaser, call our fraud team at (800) 237-8990 and we can assist you right away.
Do not share it. If someone called you and is asking for a verification code, it is a scam regardless of who they claim to be. Pioneer only requests verification codes when you contact us — not when we call you. Hang up immediately and call (304) 348-6648 to let us know.
Call our fraud team at (800) 237-8990 immediately — available 24/7. We can freeze your accounts, block your card, and help minimize the damage. Then change your online banking password, monitor your account closely, and consider placing a fraud alert with the credit bureaus.
Log in to online banking or the Pioneer app and navigate to your account settings. You can enable real-time alerts for transactions above a certain amount, card-not-present transactions, balance thresholds, and more. Alerts are one of the most effective ways to catch fraudulent activity the moment it happens.
Additional Resources
Trusted Fraud & Security Resources
FTC Consumer Information
Federal Trade Commission fraud and identity theft resources
Report Fraud to the FTC
File a fraud report at reportfraud.ftc.gov to help investigate scammers
Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3)
FBI’s platform for reporting internet-based fraud and cybercrime
CISA Cybersecurity Advisories
Current cybersecurity threats from the national infrastructure security agency
Suspect Fraud? Don’t Wait.
The sooner you contact us, the more we can do. Our fraud team is available around the clock.
Fraud Alerts
Pioneer is always keeping up to date with recurring trends or trends seen in the news regarding fraud. We report the information to you so that you can take precautionary measures to ensure your card has not been compromised.