A Patelco Credit Union member recently visited the Folsom branch requesting two large cash withdrawals: $5,000 from one account and $13,000 from another. He stated the funds were for home repairs. However, when asked for details like the company name, scope of work, and payment timeline, he couldn’t provide clear answers and became visibly upset. He insisted he wasn’t being scammed and questioned the questions.
As part of Patelco’s Elder Abuse Prevention Program, the assistant branch manager asked the member to complete a fraud prevention questionnaire. The questionnaire didn’t raise red flags, but her instincts told her something was off, so she denied the transaction. That decision proved critical.
The member later revealed he’d received a flashing alert on his computer claiming he was being hacked, with a phone number to call. The scammer used fear tactics, accused him of illegal activity, and coached him on what to say to Patelco staff. The scammer was still on the phone in his car during the visit. Melissa’s quick thinking protected the member from a sophisticated scam.
This story was submitted by Jennifer Mink, Director of Member Experience & Financial Wellbeing, Patelco Credit Union.
