Fraud Alert: Scammers Are Impersonating Pathways' Fraud Department
Scammers are contacting members and pretending to be from Pathways' Fraud Department. In some cases, the call even appears to come from a legitimate Pathways phone number.
The goal is simple: convince you there is a problem with your account, then pressure you into sharing sensitive information that can be used to gain access to your accounts or make fraudulent purchases.
The most important thing to remember is this:
If you receive an unexpected call asking for your full card number, account information, Online Banking credentials, PIN, CVV, or a verification code, hang up and call Pathways directly at 800-367-7485.
How This Scam Typically Works
The call often begins with a warning.
A caller claiming to be from Pathways' Fraud Department tells you there has been suspicious activity on your debit card, credit card, or account. They may ask whether you authorized a specific purchase or transaction.
The transaction may sound realistic, but it could be completely fabricated.
When you say you don't recognize the transaction, the caller offers to help secure your account. That's when the scam begins.
The caller may ask for:
- Your full debit or credit card number
- The CVV security code from the back of your card
- Your PIN
- Your full account number
- Your Online Banking username or password
- A verification code sent to your phone or email
These requests are major warning signs.
Caller ID Can't Be Trusted
Many people assume a call is legitimate because the caller ID displays "Pathways" or shows a familiar phone number.
Unfortunately, scammers can manipulate caller ID through a tactic known as "spoofing." This allows them to make it appear as though they are calling from a trusted organization, even when they are not.
Never rely solely on caller ID to determine whether a call is legitimate.
If something feels suspicious, hang up and call Pathways directly using a phone number you already know is ours: 800-367-7485.
Why Scammers Want Your Information
The information requested during these calls can be used in several ways.
One common tactic is adding a stolen debit or credit card to a digital wallet on a device controlled by the scammer. Once the card has been added, they may attempt to make unauthorized purchases.
During this process, a one-time verification code may be sent to your phone or email.
Scammers know they need that code to complete the setup, which is why they often ask for it during the call.
Never share a verification code with anyone who contacts you unexpectedly. Verification codes are meant to verify your identity, not theirs.
What Pathways Will Never Ask For
Pathways takes fraud prevention seriously, but there are certain pieces of information we will never request during an unsolicited call, text message, or email.
We will never ask for:
- Your Online Banking password
- Your PIN
- Your CVV security code
- Your full debit or credit card number
- Your full account number
- A verification code sent to your phone or email
It's important to know the difference between normal verification and suspicious requests.
For example, a Pathways representative may ask you to verify the last four digits of a card. We will not ask for the entire card number.
What To Do If You Receive a Suspicious Call
If someone contacts you claiming to be from Pathways and asks for sensitive information:
- Hang up immediately.
- Do not provide personal, account, card, or login information.
- Do not share any verification codes sent to your phone or email.
- Call Pathways directly at 800-367-7485.
- Review your accounts for any transactions you don't recognize.
Taking a few minutes to verify the situation can help prevent significant financial loss and account compromise.
What To Do If You Already Shared Information
If you've already provided information to a caller, contact Pathways immediately.
Call 800-367-7485 and let us know exactly what information was shared. Our team can review your account and recommend steps to help protect it.
You should also:
- Change your Online Banking password if it was shared.
- Change passwords on other accounts that use the same password.
- Review account and card activity for unauthorized transactions.
- Report suspicious activity as soon as possible.
You may also report fraud to the Federal Trade Commission through the FTC Fraud Reporting Portal.
When in Doubt, Hang Up and Call Us
Scammers use phone calls, emails, text messages, and other methods to impersonate trusted organizations every day. Their tactics continue to evolve, but the best defense remains the same:
Never provide sensitive information to an unsolicited caller.
If you're ever unsure whether a contact claiming to be from Pathways is legitimate, hang up and call us directly at 800-367-7485.