Major technology upgrades—like our upcoming digital banking upgrade—can be equal parts exciting and frustrating. They bring new features, improved security, and a better overall experience, but they also create an opportunity that scammers are quick to exploit.
Fraudsters know that during an upgrade, members are expecting emails, text messages, new login screens, and extra steps to verify their identity. That can make a fraudulent request seem much more believable.
The specifics of these fraud attempts change all the time, but the tactics behind the scams tend to follow similar patterns. Knowing what to expect from Maps—and what we will never ask you to do—can make them easier to spot.
What to Expect From Maps
As we get closer to the upgrade, you may receive legitimate communications from Maps by email, letter, or text with information about what’s changing and what you need to know. If you have questions about the digital banking changes or messages you receive, you can always visit our Digital Upgrade webpage or contact us directly to verify it.
When you log in to the upgraded Maps digital banking experience for the first time, you will receive a text message with a multi-factor authentication (MFA) security code to verify your identity. That code is for you to enter during the login process. A Maps employee will never ask you to read it back or share it.
If you reach out to us, we may also use other information to verify your identity, depending on what you need help with. We may ask for your code word or, in some situations, the last four digits of your debit card. These questions help us make sure we’re speaking with the right person before discussing or making changes to your account. But if you’re ever uncomfortable with what you’re being asked, you can stop and re-initiate contact with us through a channel you know and trust.
Know What Maps Will Never Ask You to Do
Scammers may contact you by phone, email, or text, and they can be remarkably convincing. They may use Maps logos, know basic information about you, and even spoof a phone number so it appears to be from Maps. They may pressure you to act fast or create a sense of urgency by claiming there’s a problem with your account.
But no matter how convincing the message or caller seems, remember that Maps employees will never ask you to:
- Share your digital banking password, PIN, or one-time security code.
- Move or transfer money to a “safe” or “secure” account to protect it.
- Purchase gift cards or cryptocurrency to resolve a problem.
- Give someone remote access to your computer or mobile device.
Be especially cautious if someone asks for a security code you just received. The code itself may have come from a legitimate Maps verification text because a scammer is attempting to access your account. Receiving a real security code does not mean the person asking you for it is legitimate, and Maps employees will never ask you to read back or share a security code.
How to Protect Yourself
While we can’t anticipate every new scam, we can recognize the common tactics scammers use.
Scammers often rely on urgency. Whether they connect with you via email, text, phone, or through a fake website, they want you to act before you have time to question what you’re being asked to do.
Couple that with technology upgrades and things get even more complicated. A new login experience, an extra verification step, or messages about things you know are changing may not immediately seem suspicious. That’s why a few simple habits can help you recognize when something isn’t right.
Consider the Context
If you receive a message or request related to your account, slow down and consider the context. Were you expecting it? Does it make sense based on something you were already doing? Is someone pressuring you to act immediately? If anything seems out of place, stop and verify the request with Maps before taking action.
Be Careful With Links
Be cautious about links in messages, too. As a general rule, don’t click on message links and don’t use a link in an email or text message to log in to digital banking. Maps emails about the upgrade may direct you to informational pages on our official website, but you can always navigate to mapscu.com directly or use the official Maps mobile app instead.
Check the Web Address
Scammers can create convincing copies of legitimate financial websites, complete with familiar logos, branding, and login fields. So, don’t rely on appearance alone. Check the web address for misspellings, extra words or characters, or an unfamiliar domain before entering your information.
When in Doubt, Contact Us
Remember, caller ID can be spoofed. If something about a call or message doesn’t feel right, stop the conversation and contact Maps through a channel you know and trust. You won’t hurt our feelings by hanging up on a suspicious call or ignoring a questionable message. We’d much rather have you check with us first.
If You Think Something Went Wrong
If you think you may have shared sensitive information, clicked a suspicious link, or given someone access to your account or device, contact Maps as soon as possible. We can help you determine what steps to take to protect your accounts and information.
And, as we get closer to the digital banking upgrade, if you have questions about what to expect or what you’ll need to do, visit our Digital Upgrade webpage for the latest information and resources to help you prepare.