National Consumer Protection Week
March 1 – 7, 2026 is National Consumer Protection Week, and our Risk Management team is sharing information this week to educate our staff and members so they can be smarter consumers. Their first topic of the week is Common Communication Scams: robocalls, phishing, smishing, and vishing.
Phishing is a cyber attack that uses email or other communications to trick you into giving your personal information, such as passwords, account numbers, and verification codes. Scammers often pretend to be a trusted source, create a sense of urgency or fear, and manipulate email addresses or company logos to look legitimate.
Smishing is phishing through SMS text messages. These mass texts often claim there’s a problem with your account or a delivery, include suspicious links, and rely on quick reactions and lack of critical thinking.
Vishing is phishing done through voice calls. Scammers may pretend to be your bank, a government agency, or tech support, ask for account information or verification codes, and pressure you to act immediately.
With so many avenues to breach your trust, how can you protect yourself?
- Verify messages using a secondary source. For example, hang up the phone and call a known number directly.
- Do not click on unexpected links in emails or texts.
- Use tools to block spam or unknown phone numbers.
We encourage you to be a smart consumer. Always stop and think before interacting with an unknown number, caller, or email, and think twice before clicking on any links!