ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.–The Credit Union Association of New Mexico has launched a statewide campaign to epidemic of fraud hurting members and consumers across the state.
The campaign, funded by all 36 affiliated credit unions in the state, allows the cooperatives to distribute physical and digital material to their members, reinforcing the fraud awareness message, according to the Albuquerque Journal.
“Stop, verify and report” is the phrase the campaign committee uses in hopes of preventing future fraud cases like Addison’s. The association is encouraging people to stop and think about the potential scam before making another move, verify if it is real and report it to their credit union to raise awareness, the Journal reported.
Overcoming Embarrassment
Melia Heimbuck, president and CEO of the association, told the publication that many people are embarrassed to tell their credit union they fell for a scam. But she encourages them to be honest and ask for assistance, noting that fraud reaches every population in different forms, the report added.
“Fraud does not discriminate,” Heimbuck was quoted as saying.
The report noted that the most common scams younger people fall prey to include to ticketing, rentals, jobs, inexpensive products and social media.
Older adults in the state, Heimbuck told the Journal, tend to fall victim to romance scammers. After the scammers notice their target has gained emotional trust, they use the illusion of the relationship to steal money and personal information, the report explained.
Billboards & Ads
The Credit Union Association of New Mexico has created billboards, newspaper advertisements, radio messages, flyers and social media posts as part of its campaign. Sara Rochelle, vice president of public affairs and association services for the Credit Union Association of New Mexico, told the Journal the material is available in English and Spanish, aiming to reach a wider audience.
The campaign has already had “a lot of impact,” Heimbuck told the publication..
“I imagine there will be some future life for it,” Heimbuck said. “I just don’t know exactly what that’s going to be like at this point.”
Being Realistic
Ideally, Heimbuck told the Albuquerque Journal she hopes to stop fraud altogether. But realistically, she aims to increase awareness of the issue.
“My hope for the future of fraud is that credit unions can help New Mexicans get in front of it,” Heimbuck said. “Know what it looks like, know what to do when you’re faced with it, so that we can stop New Mexicans from becoming victims.”
