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Phishing Scams: 5 Ways Scammers Try to Steal Your Financial Information

October 16, 2025

We have a lot of security tools in place to keep your accounts secure here at Frontwave. But cybercriminals know technology can’t do it all. They’re counting on being able to distract you so you let your guard down. If they can do that, they know they can trick you into handing over your personal or financial information using one of their favorite tactics – phishing.

You may have heard of email phishing before, but it’s not the only kind out there. Criminals also use phone calls, text messages, websites and social media to go trolling for their victims. And they can be pretty convincing!

The good news? There are ways you can help protect yourself from phishing scams. Check out some of the most common forms of phishing below and the warning signs to watch out for. If you spot any, call us right away at 800.736.4500 (local/international: 760.631.8700).

Phone screen, Phishing.

Phone Call Phishing

Warning signs to watch for:

  • You get a call from someone who works in the “Security and Fraud Department” at “your financial institution” or “your credit card company”
  • You’re told your card has been flagged for suspicious activity and you need to prove that you have the card in your possession
  • You’re asked to provide the three-digit security code (CVV) on the back of your card, your PIN, or a one-time code that was just sent to you.

Email Phishing

Warning signs to watch for:

  • Spelling and grammar errors in the subject line or body of the email
  • A deadline — Scammers may include a deadline and threaten to suspend your account to add urgency and override your usual sense of caution
  • The sender’s email address doesn’t match the organization name (e.g. frontwave.net instead of frontwavecu.com
  • The email doesn’t address you by name
  • No contact information — If an email feels suspicious, call us at the number above or on the back of your card
  • Suspicious requests — Frontwave, like other financial institutions, will never contact you asking for your account information
  • Suspicious links — Avoid clicking on links if possible. A single click can infect your device with malware

Text Message Phishing Warning signs to watch for.

Text Message Phishing

Warning signs to watch for:

  • There’s a link instead of a phone number to call
  • The text may not contain the name of the bank or any other information
  • The text asks you to log in to your account to verify a transaction, enter your PIN, or provide your CVV code

Website Phishing

Warning signs to watch for:

  • There’s something slightly off about the web address (URL) or the actual page. Look for spelling errors, substitutions or updated logos
  • An unusual pop-up asks you to enter your account information
  • There are HTML links that don’t match their destination

Social Media Phishing

Warning signs to watch for:

  • A friend request from someone you don’t know
  • A post asking you to click on a link that requests personal information


Don’t get caught in a cybercriminal’s phishing net. If you’re ever unsure a communication is real, call us at 800.736.4500. Remember, Frontwave will never call, text or email you asking for personal information such as your username, card number or CVV.

For more information on phishing and other computer-based scams, visit the National Cyber Security Alliance at staysafeonline.org.

For more information on how Frontwave is helping members keep their financial information safe, visit Frontwave’s Security Information page.

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