Broadviewfcu “Unusual Activity” Scam Texts – What To Know
Written by: Thomas Orsolya
Published on:
A simple text message can turn your day upside down. If you’ve received a message claiming to be from Broadview Federal Credit Union warning you about “unusual activity” or a suspicious transfer, you’re not alone. These scam texts are part of a widespread phishing scheme that’s targeting thousands of unsuspecting victims. And if you’re not careful, you could be next.
In this article, we’ll break down everything you need to know about the Broadviewfcu scam texts: how they work, how to spot them, and what to do if you’ve already fallen for one. Read on—your financial safety might just depend on it.
This article contains:
Scam Overview: What Is the Broadviewfcu Scam Text?
The Broadviewfcu scam text is a dangerous phishing campaign impersonating Broadview Federal Credit Union. Scammers craft convincing messages that claim there’s suspicious activity on your account—such as a large money transfer or unauthorized login attempt—and provide a link for you to “resolve the issue.”
One of the most common messages reads:
“Transfer request of $950.63 to ‘Michael Riekena’ was approved. Not you? Visit here [fraudulent link] to cancel.”
Another version says:
“There was suspicious activity on your account. Please reactivate your account immediately by clicking here [malicious link].”
These texts are designed to trigger panic and urgency. Their primary goal is to convince you to click a link that leads to a fake website mimicking Broadview Federal Credit Union’s real site.
A Growing Trend in Smishing Attacks
These messages fall under a category of scams called “smishing”—a blend of “SMS” and “phishing.” Instead of email, smishing uses text messages to lure people into giving away sensitive information. And it’s incredibly effective. According to cybersecurity experts, smishing attacks have skyrocketed over the last two years, with financial institutions being among the most frequently impersonated.
Broadview Federal Credit Union, being a trusted institution with thousands of members, has become an attractive target. Scammers know that users tend to react quickly when they think their money or identity is at risk.
Why This Scam Feels So Real
These messages often use familiar formatting, official-sounding language, and even replicate logos or branding. They might include:
The Broadviewfcu logo (or a similar lookalike)
Realistic transaction amounts
A sender ID that includes “Broadview” or “Fcu”
A secure-looking URL with “broadviewfcu” embedded
All of this creates an illusion of legitimacy, which makes the scam harder to detect.
The Cost of Falling Victim
When someone falls for this scam, the consequences can be severe:
Stolen login credentials: The fake website captures your username and password, giving scammers full access to your account.
Financial loss: Scammers can initiate fraudulent transactions or drain your account.
Identity theft: Personal data entered on the fake site can be used to open new accounts or apply for loans in your name.
Infection by malware: In some cases, simply clicking the link may result in malware being downloaded onto your device.
Who Are the Targets?
These texts are sent indiscriminately. You don’t have to be a Broadviewfcu member to receive one. However, the message is particularly dangerous if you are a member, since it might seem more plausible. Scammers count on this overlap to catch real customers in their trap.
How the Scam Works
Understanding the mechanics of this scam is key to avoiding it. Here’s how the Broadviewfcu phishing scam typically unfolds:
Step 1: The Hook – Receiving the Text Message
You receive a text message on your phone. It might say something like:
“Alert: Unusual activity detected on your Broadview FCU account. Please confirm immediately: [link].”
The wording is urgent. The goal is to make you feel alarmed enough to act without thinking.
Step 2: The Click – Visiting the Scam Website
If you click the link, you’re taken to a website that looks like Broadview Federal Credit Union’s real site. The layout, logo, and even the login page are designed to mimic the real thing. But it’s all fake.
Step 3: The Bait – Entering Personal Information
You’re prompted to enter your:
Username and password
Full name and address
Social Security number
Bank account or debit card number
Scammers capture this information the moment you type it in.
Step 4: The Exploit – Using Your Info for Fraud
Once they have your information, scammers act fast. They may:
Log into your actual Broadviewfcu account
Change your password to lock you out
Transfer money to their own accounts
Use your details to apply for credit cards, loans, or government benefits
Step 5: The Cover-Up – Disappearing Without a Trace
By the time you realize what’s happened, the damage is done. Scammers usually move the stolen funds quickly through various channels to avoid detection. Meanwhile, you’re left to clean up the mess.
What To Do If You’ve Fallen Victim to the Broadviewfcu Scam
If you’ve clicked on a suspicious Broadviewfcu link or entered your information into a fake website, time is of the essence. Here’s a step-by-step guide to minimize the damage:
1. Change Your Passwords Immediately
Log into your actual Broadview Federal Credit Union account and change your password. If you use the same password for other accounts (email, social media, etc.), change those too.
2. Contact Broadview Federal Credit Union
Call their official customer service number as soon as possible. Let them know you may have compromised your account. They can lock your account and help prevent further unauthorized access.
3. Monitor Your Accounts Closely
Keep a close eye on all of your bank accounts, credit card statements, and transaction history. Report any suspicious activity immediately.
Your local police department: Especially if a large sum of money was stolen
5. Freeze Your Credit
Contact the three major credit bureaus—Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion—and request a credit freeze. This prevents scammers from opening new accounts in your name.
6. Run a Malware Scan
If you clicked the scam link on your phone or computer, run a full antivirus and malware scan. Some phishing links can install malicious software designed to steal even more data.
7. Alert Your Contacts
If your account was compromised, let your contacts know. Scammers may use your email or phone number to target others in your network.
8. Educate Yourself for Next Time
Stay informed about the latest scams. Consider subscribing to alerts from the FTC or using scam-detection tools like antivirus software and spam filters.
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 (FAQ) About the Broadviewfcu Scam Text
What is the Broadviewfcu scam text? The Broadviewfcu scam text is a fraudulent message sent by scammers posing as Broadview Federal Credit Union. It typically warns of suspicious account activity or a large unauthorized transaction and includes a malicious link meant to steal your personal or banking information.
Is the text message really from Broadview Federal Credit Union? No, the message is not from Broadview FCU. It is a phishing attempt designed to trick you into clicking a fake link and entering sensitive data. Broadview FCU does not send unsolicited texts asking you to verify or reactivate your account through a link.
What happens if I click the link in the scam text? Clicking the link may lead to a fake website that looks like Broadview FCU’s login page. If you enter your information, scammers can use it to access your real account, steal money, or commit identity theft. Some links may also install malware on your device.
How can I tell if a text message from Broadview FCU is a scam? Look for urgent language, unfamiliar links, and generic greetings. Official messages will never ask for your login credentials or personal information via text. When in doubt, contact Broadview FCU directly using their verified phone number or website.
I’m not a Broadview FCU customer. Why did I get this message? Scammers send these messages in bulk to random phone numbers. Even if you’re not a customer, they hope the message will alarm you enough to click the link out of confusion or curiosity.
What should I do if I entered my information on the scam website? Immediately change your Broadview FCU login credentials, contact the bank to report the fraud, and monitor your account for suspicious activity. Also, consider freezing your credit and running a malware scan on your device.
Can I report the scam text to authorities? Yes. Report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at reportfraud.ftc.gov and to the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) at ic3.gov. You can also forward the message to your mobile carrier by texting it to 7726 (SPAM).
Will Broadview FCU reimburse me if I lose money to this scam? Broadview FCU may be able to assist if the fraud is reported promptly. However, recovery depends on the specific circumstances and how quickly you acted. Contact their fraud department immediately for support.
How can I protect myself from future scams? Enable two-factor authentication, use strong and unique passwords, keep your devices updated, and never click on links from unknown or suspicious sources. Stay informed by following alerts from trusted cybersecurity sources and financial institutions.
The Bottom Line
The Broadviewfcu scam text is not just another spam message—it’s a sophisticated attack designed to steal your identity and your money. By understanding how the scam works and what steps to take if you’re targeted, you can protect yourself and help others stay safe too.
Always remember: If something feels off, trust your instincts. Don’t click suspicious links, and always verify messages with your bank directly through official channels. Your financial security is worth the extra caution.
Stay safe, stay skeptical, and share this article to help others avoid becoming victims.
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.