🛡️ Fraud Awareness Month: Protecting Your Money from the Scams Hitting Western PA

Fraud is changing fast — and unfortunately, Western Pennsylvania has become a hotspot for several types of financial scams. As your credit union, our priority is keeping your money safe and making sure you know exactly what’s happening in our area.

Fraud Awareness Month is the perfect time to highlight the scams we’re seeing most often, how they work, and what you can do to stay protected.

🚨 The Fraud Trends Impacting Our Region Right Now

1. Check Washing & Mail Theft (Major Increase in Allegheny County)

Criminals are stealing outgoing mail — especially bill‑pay envelopes — and chemically “washing” the ink off checks. They keep your signature but rewrite the check for a much larger amount, often thousands of dollars.

What we’re seeing locally:

  • Theft from home mailboxes

  • Theft from USPS blue boxes after pickup times

  • Washed checks deposited through mobile apps or ATMs

  • Members discovering fraud only after the check clears

Protect yourself:

  • Never place outgoing mail in your home mailbox

  • Avoid blue USPS boxes unless you’re dropping off during pickup times

  • Use gel pens for checks

  • Consider switching to online bill pay for safer payments

2. Card Skimmers at Gas Stations & ATMs

Skimmers have been found at several stations and standalone ATMs in the Pittsburgh region. These devices capture your card number and PIN in seconds.

Protect yourself:

  • Use tap‑to‑pay or mobile wallet instead of swiping

  • Tug the card reader before inserting your card

  • Choose indoor ATMs whenever possible

  • Set up transaction alerts so you catch unauthorized charges quickly

3. Utility & Municipal Imposter Scams

Scammers are calling residents pretending to be:

  • Duquesne Light

  • PA American Water

  • Borough offices

  • Local police departments

They threaten service shutoffs or fines unless you pay immediately.

Protect yourself:

  • Real utilities never demand instant payment over the phone

  • Hang up and call the company directly

  • Never pay with gift cards, Zelle, or prepaid cards

4. Credit Union Impersonation Calls & Texts

Fraudsters are spoofing financial institution numbers and pretending to be “Fraud Department,” “Member Services,” or “Card Security.”

What they try to get:

  • Online banking passwords

  • Verification codes

  • Debit card numbers

  • Transfers via Zelle or P2P apps

Protect yourself: We will never ask for your password, verification codes, or ask you to send money to “fix” fraud.

5. Account Takeovers via Email & Phone Compromise

Once scammers get into your email or phone, they can reset your online banking password and access your accounts.

Protect yourself:

  • Use strong, unique passwords

  • Enable two‑factor authentication

  • Lock your phone with biometrics

  • Turn on remote wipe and device tracking

💳 Protecting Your Checking Account & Debit Card

Your checking account is often the first target because it’s where your everyday money lives.


Smart habits:

  • Turn on transaction alerts

  • Review your account weekly

  • Keep your card secure

  • Never share your PIN

  • Use tap‑to‑pay for safer transactions

🏦 Why Credit Union Members Are Targeted More Often

Scammers know credit unions are trusted, local, and relationship‑driven. That makes impersonation easier.


They rely on:

  • Familiarity (“I’m calling from your credit union”)

  • Urgency (“Your account is compromised”)

  • Fear (“You’ll lose money if you don’t act now”)

Your best defense is slowing down, verifying, and contacting us directly.

🔍 How Steel Strong Protects You Every Day

We’re committed to safeguarding your financial life through:

  • Real‑time fraud monitoring

  • Secure digital banking tools

  • Chip-enabled and contactless debit card

  • Local staff who know you — not a call center

If something looks suspicious, we’re here to help you sort it out.

📘 Fraud Prevention Checklist for Western PA Members

  • Turn on account alerts

  • Use strong, unique passwords

  • Enable two-factor authentication

  • Review your credit report annually

  • Shred documents with personal information

  • Avoid clicking unexpected links

  • Call us before acting on any “urgent” financial request

  • Trust your instincts — if it feels off, it probably is

💬 Final Thoughts: Awareness = Protection

Fraud Awareness Month isn’t about fear — it’s about empowerment. When you know what’s happening in your community, you’re far less likely to fall for a scam. And when you stay connected with us, you’re never navigating it alone.

If you ever receive a suspicious call, text, or email, reach out. We’re here to protect your money and your peace of mind.

Samantha SklencarFraud, check washing, fraud awareness month