We have recently seen an increase in fraudulent activity through phishing scams via text message, email and phone.
In order to safeguard your identity and protect your finances, never click unsolicited links or respond to suspicious texts, emails or calls. For more information click here.

Did you know?

You can customize your debit or credit cards with a second line. Have a favorite nickname, sports team or just something fun you want to include?
Second Line on Debit and Credit Cards - Altura Credit Union

We are always holding giveaways on our Facebook page. Don’t miss out, and check back often.

Altura Credit Union was first opened back in 1957 and has grown to span all across Riverside County.

Learn More

We volunteer our time, whether it’s fundraising for Habitat for Humanity or helping local teachers makeover their classrooms, we always want to be involved!

Learn More

Altura rewards two lucky members every quarter with a cash prize of $1,500. All you have to do is start saving!

Learn More

Credit Unions cannot be bought or sold because they are owned by their members. Members are part owners because they have a stake in the company.

Learn More

Placeholder

How to avoid

Sweetheart Scams

According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), people reported losing $201 million to romance—also referred to as “Sweetheart”—scams. Scammers will create fake profiles on dating sites and apps and target people on social media sites such as Instagram and Facebook. According to agingcare.com, the people most affected by Sweetheart scams are men and women over the age of 40 and often seniors—especially widows, widowers and recent divorcees.

The scammers strike up a relationship to establish trust by chatting several times per day, and then they make up a story and ask for financial assistance.

 

How Sweetheart Scams Typically Work

  1. Contact through a dating app, website or social media site
  2. Chat multiple times per day, expressing a love or friendship interest
  3. Share a story, often that they are traveling outside of the United States working on an oil rig, in the military or as a doctor with an international organization
  4. Ask for money, usually to pay travel expenses, medical expenses, gambling debts or for a visa or travel documents; typically they want you to send them money via gift cards through vendors such as Amazon or Google Play

 

How to Avoid Losing Money to a Sweetheart Scam

The FTC recommends never sending money or gifts to a sweetheart you haven’t met in person. They also recommend that, if you suspect a romance scam, you should:

  • Stop communicating with the scammer
  • Talk to someone you trust and pay attention to friends and family if they are concerned with your new love interest
  • Search the type of job the person claims to have to see if other people have heard similar stories (e.g. “oil rig scammer”, “US Army scammer”)
  • Do a reverse image search of their profile picture to see if it’s connected to other names or profiles online

 

Reporting a Sweetheart Scam

To report a sweetheart scam, report it to the FTC at ftc.gov/complaint (or other sites like fraud.org) and notify the app or website where you met the scammer. Also, if you paid a romance scammer with a gift card, contact the company that issued the card right away and ask if they can refund the money.

Discover More

Financial Well-Being

Learn How to Manage Your Money

Financial Well-Being

Learn How to Build Your Credit

Calculators

Our Suite of Calculators Help Determine Monthly Payments

Altura in the Community

See How We Support Our Local Community

Not a Member Yet?
Signing up is Easy!

Become a Member