Your first line of defense is awareness
Scammers may contact you by phone, text, email, social media, or in person. They often create fear or urgency to pressure you into sharing information, sending money, or approving a transaction. Pause, verify the request independently, and contact TrailNorth if you’re unsure.
Warning signs of possible fraud
Contact TrailNorth promptly if you notice any of these red flags.
Unfamiliar transactions
Charges you don’t recognize, missing funds, or unexpected changes to your account.
Unexpected messages
Calls, texts, or emails asking you to verify personal or banking information, click a link, or share a security code.
Pressure to act now
Someone insists you must immediately send money, transfer funds, or keep the request secret.
Common scams to watch for
Scammers may pretend to be people or organizations you trust. Here are common tactics and ways to protect yourself.
Impersonation & “safe account” scams
A caller claims to be from a credit union, government agency, law enforcement, or tech support and says your money is at risk. They may tell you to transfer funds to a “safe” account.
Protect yourself: Hang up and call the organization using a number you independently know is legitimate. Never transfer money to protect it at the direction of an unexpected caller.
Phishing & text-message scams
Fake emails or texts may say your card is locked or your account needs verification, then link to a website designed to steal your login details.
Protect yourself: Don’t click unexpected links. Open the official app or type the website address yourself.
One-time passcode scams
A scammer may trigger a real security code and then ask you to read it back to them.
Protect yourself: Never share a one-time code with someone who contacted you unexpectedly—even if the message appears to come from a real institution.
Fake-check & deposit scams
Someone sends a check and asks you to deposit it, then send some of the money back or elsewhere. A check showing as deposited does not mean it is legitimate.
Protect yourself: Never send money from a suspicious check. Contact your credit union before transferring any funds.
Romance & family emergency scams
A person online builds trust, then asks for money—or someone pretends to be a relative in urgent trouble.
Protect yourself: Verify the story using a phone number you already have. Never let an online acquaintance use your account to move money.
Investment, cryptocurrency & tech-support scams
Fraudsters promise guaranteed returns, demand crypto payments, or claim your device is compromised and ask for remote access.
Protect yourself: Be skeptical of risk-free promises and urgency. Never give unsolicited callers remote access to your device.
Was the contact unexpected? Are you being rushed? Can you independently confirm who you’re dealing with? If anything feels off, stop and verify through a trusted channel.
What to do if you suspect fraud
Act quickly. The sooner you report suspicious activity, the sooner steps can be taken to help protect your accounts.
- Contact TrailNorth Call 518-585-6725 promptly. Explain what happened and whether you shared information, a code, or sent money.
- Lock down your card If your card may be compromised, use the TrailNorth mobile app or online banking to turn it off, then report it.
- Secure your login Change compromised passwords. Use unique passwords and enable available security alerts.
- Review activity Check recent transactions and report any you don’t recognize. Save texts, emails, receipts, phone numbers, and transaction details.
- Monitor your credit Watch for unfamiliar accounts or inquiries. Consider a fraud alert or credit freeze if your personal information may be compromised.
- Report the scam Use the FTC’s fraud-reporting site and IdentityTheft.gov for next steps if personal information has been misused.
Ways to protect your accounts and identity
Keep information private
Never share passwords or PINs. Treat your account number, card details, Social Security number, and authentication codes like cash.
Use trusted access points
Access online banking through the official TrailNorth website or app. Avoid signing in over unsecured public networks.
Turn on alerts & review accounts
Enable purchase alerts where available, monitor transactions regularly, and keep your contact information current.
Fraud reporting & identity theft resources
Use these trusted links to report suspicious activity, protect your credit, or find recovery guidance.
A freeze can make it harder for someone to open new credit accounts in your name. You’ll need to contact each of the three credit bureaus separately. Review the bureau’s current instructions before placing or lifting a freeze.
We’re here to help.
If you suspect fraud or have questions about protecting your account, contact TrailNorth directly.
Call 518-585-6725TrailNorth Federal Credit Union
1178 NYS Route 9N
Ticonderoga, NY 12883
This page is for general educational purposes and is not a substitute for reporting suspected fraud directly to TrailNorth or the appropriate agency. External websites are operated by their respective organizations.