Purdue Federal Credit Union urges vigilance amid rise in fraud scams
- By: Purdue Federal Credit Union
- Last Updated: March 27, 2026
As fraud attempts continue to evolve, Purdue Federal Credit Union (Purdue Federal) is reminding members and the broader community to stay alert and informed to avoid falling victim to increasingly sophisticated scams.
“Scammers are getting better at creating a sense of urgency and fear,” said BT Brown, Fraud Manager at Purdue Federal Credit Union. “If something feels rushed or off, it’s okay to pause and take a closer look. Legitimate organizations won’t pressure you to act immediately or ask you to misrepresent a transaction and taking that extra moment can make all the difference.”
One emerging scam involves individuals impersonating law enforcement officers and pressuring victims to make immediate payments under the threat of arrest. These scammers often instruct individuals to send money via wire transfer or cash and may coach them on what to say if questioned by financial institutions. Consumers are encouraged to be aware of common warning signs associated with these scams, including:
- Threats of immediate arrest or legal action
- Pressure to act quickly or urgently
- Instructions to send money through unconventional or untraceable methods
- Requests to provide false information about a transaction
To reduce the risk of fraud, Purdue Federal advises consumers to:
- Avoid sending money in response to unexpected or threatening communications
- Verify requests independently using trusted contact information
- Refrain from sharing personal or financial information with unknown callers
- Treat caller ID with caution, as phone numbers can be spoofed
Individuals who receive suspicious calls are advised to end the conversation immediately and report the incident to their financial institution. Purdue Federal Credit Union continues to monitor fraud trends and remains committed to providing resources that help protect members and the communities it serves.
To learn more about Purdue Federal and its fraud resources, visit purduefed.com/fraud.
About Purdue Federal Credit Union
Purdue Federal Credit Union (Purdue Federal) was founded on Purdue University’s West Lafayette campus in 1969. Purdue Federal’s membership base includes students, faculty and staff, and communities where Purdue University and its regional campuses operate. The credit union is a member-owned financial cooperative with more than 110,000 members nationwide and assets of approximately $2 billion.
