Scam Alert
March 21, 2025
Spoofing Scam
Multiple members have reported a spoofing scam involving fraudulent phone calls. These calls, which may come from a live person or an automated system, are using our phone number to impersonate First Florida Credit Union. The scammers are soliciting card information and other confidential details in an attempt to steal money.
Spoofing happens when a caller intentionally disguises their caller ID information. Scammers often utilize spoofing to make it appear that an incoming call is from a familiar and trusted number or organization.
If you receive a similar call, hang up and contact First Florida Credit Union directly. We will never initiate a call asking for your account number, PIN, or any other confidential information.
This type of scam is not exclusive to First Florida Credit Union; scammers have employed this tactic with various financial institutions in the past. Your best defense against these scams is to NEVER disclose confidential information over the phone or online unless you have initiated the call or transaction with the financial institution.
We thank our members for promptly reporting these scams, allowing us to curb fraudsters' efforts.
Also, we are actively educating our members on the importance of never sharing account information with anyone who calls or emails them.
The link below explains caller ID spoofing and provides helpful tips to help you avoid spoofing scams.
December 30, 2024:
***Important Message ***
Smishing Scam
Members have reported receiving text messages claiming to be from First Florida to confirm fictitious transactions. When the member responds, no, the fraudster asks for their account information. Remember, First Florida will never call, text, or email you to ask for your card number, PIN, or access code. If you receive a similar text, contact the credit union directly at (800) 766-4328.
November 8, 2024:
***Important Message ***
PayPal Email Scam
Fraudsters are sending phishing emails that appear to be from PayPal. These fake emails are designed to steal your money. If you receive an unexpected suspicious email asking that you take action urgently, do not respond to it, and contact PayPal through their official website or app.
June 27, 2024:
***Important Message ***
Members have received text messages claiming to be from First Florida Credit Union to confirm fictitious transactions by texting back a yes or no. When members respond, the fraudster calls them to gain their confidence and acquire their card information.
If you receive a similar text that feels suspicious, confirm your transactions by calling the credit union directly or through digital banking. If you receive a similar call, hang up and call the credit union directly at (800) 766-4328.
Remember, First Florida Credit Union will never initiate a call asking you for your PIN, card number, access code, or other confidential information.
June 18, 2024:
***Important Message ***
We have received reports that a few First Florida Credit Union members were contacted by a fraudster/scammer spoofing our phone number.
Spoofing is when a caller intentionally falsifies the information transmitted to your caller ID. Scammers often use spoofing, so it appears that an incoming call is coming from a number or company that you may know and trust.
The scammer is claiming to be calling from the credit union’s fraud department, alerting the member of attempted fraudulent transactions. During the conversation, the scammer asks the member to confirm or provide personal information, such as Social Security Number, that grants account access and can be used for fraudulent activity.
If you receive a similar call, hang up and call the credit union directly. First Florida Credit Union will never initiate a call asking you for your PIN, account, or other confidential information.
This type of scam is not isolated to First Florida Credit Union. Scammers have used this scheme before, claiming to be calling from other financial institutions. Your best line of defense is to NEVER DISCLOSE CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION over the phone or online unless you have initiated a call or transaction with the financial institution.
We are working to preempt further occurrences by educating our members on the importance of never sharing ACCOUNT INFORMATION with people who call or email you.
The link below explains caller ID spoofing and provides helpful tips to help you avoid spoofing scam.
https://www.fcc.gov/consumers/guides/spoofing-and-caller-id
May 7, 2024:
***Important Message ***
URGENT: Fraudsters Are Actively Attempting To Steal Members’ Digital Banking Credentials
We have received a warning about a malicious online banking website pretending to be First Florida Credit Union. Fraudsters are using an SMS scheme to steal members' digital banking credentials. Fake texts come from the number 904-817-8583 and include messages like "A scheduled payment with FFCU for $450.00 has been authorized. Login to review https://firstfcu.support." If you click on the link in the message, you’re taken to the fake website that asks for your username and password.
If you accidentally clicked the link and entered your banking credentials, please change your digital banking password immediately. Check your account for any unauthorized changes or transactions, and then contact First Florida right away to report the incident. Our information security team is actively working to shut down the fraudulent website.
Please note that this isn't an isolated incident. The fraudsters target large groups of people with fake online banking websites from various financial institutions. It's crucial that we all remain vigilant in protecting our digital banking credentials.
March 15, 2024:
***Important Message ***
Financial institutions recently discovered fraudulent QR codes on their ATM kiosks. When scanned, these deceptive codes can lead users to suspicious websites that solicit login credentials, payment details, or other sensitive information. They may even initiate the download of malicious software onto your mobile device.
If you spot a QR code at a First Florida ATM kiosk, please don't hesitate to inform a representative. Your prompt action could help prevent others from falling victim to these scams.
To learn more about QR code scams, please read this Consumer Alert from the Federal Trade Commission.