Fraud Fighter: What One Member Wants You to Know

Fraud and scam attempts continue to evolve, often using sophisticated tactics designed to build trust and create a sense of urgency. While these situations can affect anyone, hearing directly from those who have experienced them can be one of the most powerful ways to recognize the warning signs. Below is a real story shared by members who want others to learn from their experience and stay protected.

“We thought we had won the lottery.”  

When we received the phone call telling us we had won a prize worth millions of dollars, it felt impossible to believe. But, the callers sounded professional and trustworthy. One person even introduced himself as an attorney with the U.S. Treasury Department.

He explained that before our winnings could be released, we needed to pay taxes, processing fees, and other expenses first. We were instructed to send money using gift cards, wire transfers, cashier’s checks, electronics purchases, and even cash through the mail.

At first, we believed every word. But, as time passed, the requests for money continued. Whenever we questioned things, we were provided with official-looking documents, letters, and identification that appeared legitimate. Then we were told there was a lawsuit involving the prize winnings and that we could still recover the money if we continued paying legal fees.

What made this even more difficult was how personal it became. The man we believed was helping us called regularly to check on us, asked about our lives, sent a gift to our home, and reassured us that everything would work out. 

By the time we realized the truth, we had lost thousands of dollars over the course of several months. We now know we were being manipulated by professional scammers and we're sharing our story because we never imagined this could happen to us.

Please remember:

• Legitimate sweepstakes never require upfront payments to claim winnings.
• Never purchase gift cards or send cash to someone demanding payment over the phone.
• Be cautious of anyone pressuring you to act quickly or keep conversations secret.
• If something feels unusual, stop and verify independently before sending money. 

If you suspect fraud or unusual account activity, contact NASA Federal immediately at 1-888-NASA-FCU (627-2328).