Stay Alert Year-Round
Protecting Yourself
from Fraud
Scammers are always looking for new ways to deceive people. Being informed is your strongest defense. Here’s what to watch for — and exactly what to do if you’re targeted.
See Latest Fraud AlertsPioneer 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
Active Threats
Scams 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 Fraud
What 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. If someone calls from a local number asking you to approve or discuss a blocked transaction, it is a scam.
Hang up immediately and call our fraud team directly at (800) 237-8990.
2
Calls Requesting Verification Codes
Account Takeover Fraud
What 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 enticing 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 and ads offer popular products at unrealistically low prices. Victims either receive nothing, receive 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 — flights, hotels, vacation rentals — 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 real phone numbers that have been spoofed. 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 in emails claiming to be from reputable companies — 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 when paired with pressure to act immediately — are almost always scams.
Insecure websites
Before entering any personal information, confirm the website 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 — regardless of who they claim to be.
Unusual payment requests
Requests for gift cards, wire transfers, Zelle, Venmo, or cryptocurrency as payment 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,” “you’ll be arrested if you don’t pay immediately.” Legitimate organizations give you time to verify.
Stay Protected
Your Prevention Checklist
These seven habits significantly reduce your risk of falling victim to fraud. Review them regularly and share them with family.
Check Latest Fraud AlertsKeep 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 and organized.
Enable two-factor authentication
Turn on 2FA on your banking, email, and social media accounts for an extra layer of protection.
Review financial 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. The Better Business Bureau is a good starting point.
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. 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 the 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.
Additional Resources
Trusted Fraud & Security Resources
FTC Consumer Information
The Federal Trade Commission’s consumer fraud and identity theft resources
Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3)
FBI’s platform for reporting internet-based fraud and cybercrime
CISA Cybersecurity Advisories
Current cybersecurity threats and advisories from the national infrastructure security agency
Pioneer AFCU Fraud Alerts
Active scam alerts and fraud trends affecting Pioneer members — updated regularly
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.