Two Johnston County Residents Lose $39,110 In SECU Impersonation Scams

JOHNSTON COUNTY – Two Johnston County residents lost a combined $39,110 after falling victim to similar scams this month involving callers who claimed to work for State Employees’ Credit Union.

In both cases, the victims were told their accounts were no longer secure and were persuaded to move their money elsewhere.

A 46-year-old Corinth Holders-area resident reported receiving a call from a man who identified himself as Clarence and claimed to work for SECU.

The caller allegedly said someone named Jessie had gained access to the victim’s account and the money was no longer safe.

Believing the caller, the victim transferred money through Cash App. The total loss was reported at $30,900.

In a separate case, a 40-year-old McGee’s Crossroads-area resident received a similar call from someone also claiming to work for SECU.

The caller reportedly said the victim’s account was vulnerable and instructed the resident to move the money.

The victim transferred funds using several methods, including PayPal, and also purchased gift cards and provided the card information to the caller.

The victim lost $8,210 before realizing it was a scam.

Similar SECU impersonation scams have been reported elsewhere in North Carolina. In August, a Durham woman told ABC11 she lost $5,900 after a caller who appeared to be from SECU claimed someone had gained access to her account.

SECU specifically warns its members about what it calls “financial institution imposter scams.” The credit union says scammers may call, text or email while pretending to be from a legitimate financial institution and claim there is a problem with an account.

SECU says it will not call, text or email members asking for usernames, passwords, one-time passcodes, account numbers or card information. The credit union also advises members to initiate calls themselves rather than provide personal information to someone who calls claiming to represent their financial institution.

Phone numbers can be spoofed, meaning a scam call may appear on caller ID to be coming from SECU or another legitimate financial institution.

The Federal Trade Commission warns consumers never to move or transfer money because someone claims it is necessary to “protect” an account. The FTC also warns that requests to send money through payment apps, gift cards or cryptocurrency are common signs of a scam.

Anyone receiving an unexpected call claiming there is a problem with a financial account should hang up and contact the financial institution directly using a telephone number they know to be legitimate.

Anyone who has already transferred money or provided account information to a suspected scammer should contact their financial institution immediately.