“NFCU Free Alert” Scam Texts Explained: How To Avoid Falling Victim
Written by: Thomas Orsolya
Published on:
Scams and fraudsters are constantly finding new ways to deceive people and steal their hard-earned money. One scam that has recently emerged targets Navy Federal Credit Union members through fake “NFCU FREE ALERT” text messages. This scam attempts to gain access to your financial accounts and personal information.
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Overview of the Scam
The scam starts when NFCU members receive a text that appears to be from Navy Federal Credit Union. The message claims there was suspicious activity on your debit or credit card. It says a potentially fraudulent purchase for around $68 was made at a store you don’t recognize.
The text includes specific details like the last 4 digits of your card number and the exact transaction amount. This makes the message seem credible. The texts instruct you to reply “Yes” or “No” if you authorized the purchase. Or it provides a suspicious 1-888 number to call with any questions.
Shortly after, you’ll receive a second text stating your card was blocked for suspected fraud. This message urges you to call immediately to address the account issues. Both texts are formatted like legitimate fraud alerts from a bank. But it’s actually a scam to steal your money and personal information.
How the NFCU Free Alert Scam Works
The scammers behind this scheme have likely obtained some of your personal info like your name and partial card number. This makes the scam texts seem even more convincing. Here are the steps fraudsters use to try and gain access to your finances:
Step 1: You Receive the Initial Suspicious Transaction Text
The first text will sound very urgent, warning of potential fraud on your account. The message is designed to make you panic and react quickly without thinking it through. Scammers hope you’ll reply “Yes” or call the number provided, giving them an opening to pretend to be NFCU fraud agents.
Here is how the text message might look:
NFCU FREE ALERT: Did you sue card ending in 3653 at 8445190307PRECIS on /04/02.24 for $68.71? Reply: Yes, No or call 1-888-842-6328.Txt STOP to opt-out.
Step 2: You Receive a Follow Up Text Saying Your Card is Blocked
Within an hour or so, you’ll receive another text claiming your card was blocked due to suspected fraudulent charges. This ramps up the urgency, making victims more likely to call the number provided out of fear of not having access to their accounts.
Here is how the text message might look:
NFCU FREE ALERT: Card nding in 3653 has been blocked. We will contact you about your account. Please answer this call. Txt HELP for help. Txt STOP to opt-ut.
Step 3: You Call the Number and Speak to a Fake Fraud Agent
If you call the suspicious number provided, you’ll reach an imposter fraud agent associated with the scammers. They will pretend to be from NFCU and urgently confirm your name, account details, and other personal info.
The fake agent will claim there are hackers trying to drain your accounts or make unauthorized transactions. They will say they urgently need remote access to your computer or phone to fix the issue and unblock your card.
Step 4: The Scammers Gain Remote Access and Try to Steal Your Info
If you allow remote access, the scammers can install malware like keylogging software to capture your typing and passwords. They may also try to transfer money out of your accounts, take over financial accounts, or gain enough personal information to commit identity theft.
Step 5: The Scammers Pressure You to Buy Gift Cards to “Protect Your Money”
Another goal is to convince victims they need to move money into gift cards for “safekeeping” while the account issues are sorted out. They will demand gift card numbers and pins, allowing them to steal the funds loaded onto the cards.
What to Do If You Get the NFCU Free Alert Scam Texts
If you receive these scam texts supposedly from NFCU, do not reply, give out information, or call the number provided. Instead, take the following recommended steps:
Contact NFCU directly through their official customer service number to verify if there was any real suspicious activity on your accounts. The legitimate number is 1-888-842-6328.
Carefully check all accounts and transactions for any signs of unauthorized charges or access. Report any suspicious activity to NFCU right away.
Change online banking passwords and security questions in case the scammers already obtained any of this information. Enable two-factor authentication if possible.
Contact your telephone provider to block the phone numbers that texted you. This prevents further scam messages.
File a report with the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov and your local authorities to help prevent others from falling victim.
Never send money, gift cards, or sensitive information to someone who contacts you out of the blue claiming there’s an urgent issue.
Is Your Device Infected? Check for Malware
If your device is running slowly or acting suspicious, it may be infected with malware. Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Free is a great option for scanning your device and detecting potential malware or viruses. The free version can efficiently check for and remove many common infections.
Malwarebytes can run on Windows, Mac, and Android devices. Depending on which operating system is installed on the device you’re trying to run a Malwarebytes scan, please click on the tab below and follow the displayed steps.
Malwarebytes For WindowsMalwarebytes For MacMalwarebytes For Android
Scan your computer with Malwarebytes for Windows to remove malware
Malwarebytes stands out as one of the leading and widely-used anti-malware solutions for Windows, and for good reason. It effectively eradicates various types of malware that other programs often overlook, all at no cost to you. When it comes to disinfecting an infected device, Malwarebytes has consistently been a free and indispensable tool in the battle against malware. We highly recommend it for maintaining a clean and secure system.
Download Malwarebytes for Windows
You can download Malwarebytes by clicking the link below.
After the download is complete, locate the MBSetup file, typically found in your Downloads folder. Double-click on the MBSetup file to begin the installation of Malwarebytes on your computer. If a User Account Control pop-up appears, click “Yes” to continue the Malwarebytes installation.
Follow the On-Screen Prompts to Install Malwarebytes
When the Malwarebytes installation begins, the setup wizard will guide you through the process.
You’ll first be prompted to choose the type of computer you’re installing the program on—select either “Personal Computer” or “Work Computer” as appropriate, then click on Next.
Malwarebytes will now begin the installation process on your device.
When the Malwarebytes installation is complete, the program will automatically open to the “Welcome to Malwarebytes” screen.
On the final screen, simply click on the Open Malwarebytes option to start the program.
Enable “Rootkit scanning”.
Malwarebytes Anti-Malware will now start, and you will see the main screen as shown below. To maximize Malwarebytes’ ability to detect malware and unwanted programs, we need to enable rootkit scanning. Click on the “Settings” gear icon located on the left of the screen to access the general settings section.
In the settings menu, enable the “Scan for rootkits” option by clicking the toggle switch until it turns blue.
Now that you have enabled rootkit scanning, click on the “Dashboard” button in the left pane to get back to the main screen.
Perform a Scan with Malwarebytes.
To start a scan, click the Scan button. Malwarebytes will automatically update its antivirus database and begin scanning your computer for malicious programs.
Wait for the Malwarebytes scan to complete.
Malwarebytes will now scan your computer for browser hijackers and other malicious programs. This process can take a few minutes, so we suggest you do something else and periodically check the status of the scan to see when it is finished.
Quarantine detected malware
Once the Malwarebytes scan is complete, it will display a list of detected malware, adware, and potentially unwanted programs. To effectively remove these threats, click the “Quarantine” button.
Malwarebytes will now delete all of the files and registry keys and add them to the program’s quarantine.
Restart your computer.
When removing files, Malwarebytes may require a reboot to fully eliminate some threats. If you see a message indicating that a reboot is needed, please allow it. Once your computer has restarted and you are logged back in, you can continue with the remaining steps.
Your computer should now be free of trojans, adware, browser hijackers, and other malware.
If your current antivirus allowed this malicious program on your computer, you may want to consider purchasing Malwarebytes Premium to protect against these types of threats in the future. If you are still having problems with your computer after completing these instructions, then please follow one of the steps:
Scan your computer with Malwarebytes for Mac to remove malware
Malwarebytes for Mac is an on-demand scanner that can destroy many types of malware that other software tends to miss without costing you absolutely anything. When it comes to cleaning up an infected device, Malwarebytes has always been free, and we recommend it as an essential tool in the fight against malware.
Download Malwarebytes for Mac.
You can download Malwarebytes for Mac by clicking the link below.
When Malwarebytes has finished downloading, double-click on the setup file to install Malwarebytes on your computer. In most cases, downloaded files are saved to the Downloads folder.
Follow the on-screen prompts to install Malwarebytes.
When the Malwarebytes installation begins, you will see the Malwarebytes for Mac Installer which will guide you through the installation process. Click “Continue“, then keep following the prompts to continue with the installation process.
When your Malwarebytes installation completes, the program opens to the Welcome to Malwarebytes screen. Click the “Get started” button.
Select “Personal Computer” or “Work Computer”.
The Malwarebytes Welcome screen will first ask you what type of computer are you installing this program, click either Personal Computer or Work Computer.
Click on “Scan”.
To scan your computer with Malwarebytes, click on the “Scan” button. Malwarebytes for Mac will automatically update the antivirus database and start scanning your computer for malware.
Wait for the Malwarebytes scan to complete.
Malwarebytes will scan your computer for adware, browser hijackers, and other malicious programs. This process can take a few minutes, so we suggest you do something else and periodically check on the status of the scan to see when it is finished.
Click on “Quarantine”.
When the scan has been completed, you will be presented with a screen showing the malware infections that Malwarebytes has detected. To remove the malware that Malwarebytes has found, click on the “Quarantine” button.
Restart computer.
Malwarebytes will now remove all the malicious files that it has found. To complete the malware removal process, Malwarebytes may ask you to restart your computer.
Your Mac should now be free of adware, browser hijackers, and other malware.
If your current antivirus allowed a malicious program on your computer, you might want to consider purchasing the full-featured version of Malwarebytes Anti-Malware to protect against these types of threats in the future. If you are still experiencing problems while trying to remove a malicious program from your computer, please ask for help in our Mac Malware Removal Help & Support forum.
Scan your phone with Malwarebytes for Android to remove malware
Malwarebytes for Android automatically detects and removes dangerous threats like malware and ransomware so you don’t have to worry about your most-used device being compromised. Aggressive detection of adware and potentially unwanted programs keeps your Android phone or tablet running smooth.
Download Malwarebytes for Android.
You can download Malwarebytes for Android by clicking the link below.
In the Google Play Store, tap “Install” to install Malwarebytes for Android on your device.
When the installation process has finished, tap “Open” to begin using Malwarebytes for Android. You can also open Malwarebytes by tapping on its icon in your phone menu or home screen.
Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the setup process
When Malwarebytes will open, you will see the Malwarebytes Setup Wizard which will guide you through a series of permissions and other setup options. This is the first of two screens that explain the difference between the Premium and Free versions. Swipe this screen to continue. Tap on “Got it” to proceed to the next step. Malwarebytes for Android will now ask for a set of permissions that are required to scan your device and protect it from malware. Tap on “Give permission” to continue. Tap on “Allow” to permit Malwarebytes to access the files on your phone.
Update database and run a scan with Malwarebytes for Android
You will now be prompted to update the Malwarebytes database and run a full system scan.
Click on “Update database” to update the Malwarebytes for Android definitions to the latest version, then click on “Run full scan” to perform a system scan.
Wait for the Malwarebytes scan to complete.
Malwarebytes will now start scanning your phone for adware and other malicious apps. This process can take a few minutes, so we suggest you do something else and periodically check on the status of the scan to see when it is finished.
Click on “Remove Selected”.
When the scan has been completed, you will be presented with a screen showing the malware infections that Malwarebytes for Android has detected. To remove the malicious apps that Malwarebytes has found, tap on the “Remove Selected” button.
Restart your phone.
Malwarebytes for Android will now remove all the malicious apps that it has found. To complete the malware removal process, Malwarebytes may ask you to restart your device.
Your phone should now be free of adware, browser hijackers, and other malware.
If your current antivirus allowed a malicious app on your phone, you may want to consider purchasing the full-featured version of Malwarebytes to protect against these types of threats in the future. If you are still having problems with your phone after completing these instructions, then please follow one of the steps:
Restore your phone to factory settings by going to Settings > General management > Reset > Factory data reset.
Frequently Asked Questions About the NFCU Free Alert Scam
1. How do I know if a text is really from NFCU or a scam?
Legitimate texts from NFCU will never ask you to call a suspicious number or provide sensitive account information over text. NFCU’s real customer service number is 1-888-842-6328. Always call this number to verify any suspicious texts or activity on your accounts.
2. What are some key details in the NFCU Free Alert scam texts?
These scam texts reference a partial credit card number that ends in 3653, a random fraudulent dollar amount, an unknown vendor name, and a date. The texts instruct you to call a 1-888 number or reply YES/NO. These details are fabricated to seem real but should raise red flags.
3. Why do scammers ask if I authorized the transaction?
If you reply YES, the scammers know your phone number is active and they can call you while posing as NFCU fraud agents. This gives them a way to phish for your private account details.
4. What happens if I call the number in the NFCU Free Alert text?
The number connects you with a fake fraud department. They will ask you to confirm personal details or give remote access to your devices in order to steal financial information and account access.
5. How did the scammers get my phone number and NFCU details?
Scammers can buy or steal customer contact info on the dark web. Or they use technology to send out texts en masse to hundreds of numbers at once hoping to scam a few victims.
6. Why do they send a second text about my card being blocked?
This creates urgency so you’ll be more inclined to call them back right away, allowing them to pose as NFCU reps to steal your information and money.
7. What’s the ultimate goal of the NFCU Free Alert text scam?
The scammers aim to get enough of your personal information to log into your accounts and drain your funds. They may also install malware on your devices to capture account passwords and usernames.
8. How can I report the NFCU Free Alert scam texts?
You should report the scam texts to NFCU, the FTC, the FCC, your local authorities, and your phone carrier. This helps warn others and potentially shut down the scammers’ operation.
9. How can I prevent falling for a scam like this in the future?
Be wary of urgent texts about account issues. Contact companies only through official channels, never via links/numbers sent to you. Avoid giving info to unsolicited callers. Monitor accounts closely for fraudulent activity.
10. Are there other NFCU scams I should watch out for?
Yes, scammers are always reinventing phishing tactics. Be alert for suspicious emails, calls, texts, or fake websites pretending to be NFCU. Contact NFCU if you’re ever unsure of a communication.
The Bottom Line
These NFCU Free Alert scam texts can seem very convincing and prey upon victims’ fears of account fraud. But legitimate companies will never demand immediate payment, remote access to devices, or gift cards to resolve account issues. The safest move is to hang up, not provide any information, and contact the company directly through official channels. Stay vigilant for scams mentioning your bank and always think before you act to avoid falling victim to fraudsters looking to steal your hard-earned money and personal information.
How to Stay Safe Online
Here are 10 basic security tips to help you avoid malware and protect your device:
Use a good antivirus and keep it up-to-date.
It's essential to use a good quality antivirus and keep it up-to-date to stay ahead of the latest cyber threats. We are huge fans of Malwarebytes Premium and use it on all of our devices, including Windows and Mac computers as well as our mobile devices. Malwarebytes sits beside your traditional antivirus, filling in any gaps in its defenses, and providing extra protection against sneakier security threats.
Keep software and operating systems up-to-date.
Keep your operating system and apps up to date. Whenever an update is released for your device, download and install it right away. These updates often include security fixes, vulnerability patches, and other necessary maintenance.
Be careful when installing programs and apps.
Pay close attention to installation screens and license agreements when installing software. Custom or advanced installation options will often disclose any third-party software that is also being installed. Take great care in every stage of the process and make sure you know what it is you're agreeing to before you click "Next."
Install an ad blocker.
Use a browser-based content blocker, like AdGuard. Content blockers help stop malicious ads, Trojans, phishing, and other undesirable content that an antivirus product alone may not stop.
Be careful what you download.
A top goal of cybercriminals is to trick you into downloading malware—programs or apps that carry malware or try to steal information. This malware can be disguised as an app: anything from a popular game to something that checks traffic or the weather.
Be alert for people trying to trick you.
Whether it's your email, phone, messenger, or other applications, always be alert and on guard for someone trying to trick you into clicking on links or replying to messages. Remember that it's easy to spoof phone numbers, so a familiar name or number doesn't make messages more trustworthy.
Back up your data.
Back up your data frequently and check that your backup data can be restored. You can do this manually on an external HDD/USB stick, or automatically using backup software. This is also the best way to counter ransomware. Never connect the backup drive to a computer if you suspect that the computer is infected with malware.
Choose strong passwords.
Use strong and unique passwords for each of your accounts. Avoid using personal information or easily guessable words in your passwords. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on your accounts whenever possible.
Be careful where you click.
Be cautious when clicking on links or downloading attachments from unknown sources. These could potentially contain malware or phishing scams.
Don't use pirated software.
Avoid using Peer-to-Peer (P2P) file-sharing programs, keygens, cracks, and other pirated software that can often compromise your data, privacy, or both.
To avoid potential dangers on the internet, it's important to follow these 10 basic safety rules. By doing so, you can protect yourself from many of the unpleasant surprises that can arise when using the web.
Thomas is an expert at uncovering scams and providing in-depth reporting on cyber threats and online fraud. As an editor, he is dedicated to keeping readers informed on the latest developments in cybersecurity and tech.
