Green Country communities are currently seeing a rise in fraudulent text messages impersonating the Oklahoma Department of Public Safety (DPS) and the Oklahoma Highway Patrol (OHP). These messages claim recipients have unpaid traffic violations and threaten enforcement action if payment isn’t made immediately.

This is a scam.
State officials have confirmed that DPS and OHP do not send texts demanding payment and do not collect fines. These messages are designed to scare recipients into clicking on malicious links or sharing personal information. [okcfox.com]

Unfortunately, scams like this don’t stop with government agencies. Fraudsters often use the same tactics to impersonate credit unions and financial institutions, especially through texts, emails, phone calls, and mobile wallet requests.

What Your Credit Union Will Never Ask

Your credit union will never contact you to ask for:

• Your online banking password
• Your PIN
• A one-time security or verification code
• Your full debit or credit card number
• To send money using Zelle®, Cash App, Venmo, PayPal, or a mobile wallet
• To click a link in a text or email to “secure” or “verify” your account

If you receive a message asking for any of these — it’s a scam.

Common Scam Red Flags

Be especially cautious if a message:

• Pressures you to act immediately
• Uses fear, threats, or urgency
• Comes from an unexpected text, call, or email
• Asks you to move or send money quickly
• Claims your account will be closed, suspended, or restricted

Scammers want panic.

Text, Email & Mobile Wallet Scams Are Increasing

Fraud attempts involving texts and mobile wallets are on the rise. These scams may look convincing and may even appear to come from a trusted source.

Protect yourself:

• Do not click links
• Do not reply
• Do not send money
• Delete the message

If you’re unsure, contact your credit union using the phone number on the back of your card or through your official mobile app.

How Your Credit Union May Contact You

We may reach out to:

• Confirm suspicious transactions
• Provide account alerts
• Share important account information

But we will never ask for sensitive information or pressure you to act immediately.

If You Think You’ve Been Targeted

1. Contact your credit union right away
2. Change your online banking password
3. Monitor your accounts closely
4. Report the scam if money was lost

Quick action helps protect your account.