February 2026 - High Point FCU

Romance Scams: When Trust Is Used Against You

At High Point FCU, we care about more than finances, we care about the people behind the accounts. One type of fraud we see often is romance scams, and they can be especially difficult because they prey on trust, connection, and emotions.

Romance scams typically begin online through dating websites, social media, or messaging apps. A scammer builds a relationship over time, gaining confidence and trust before eventually asking for money or financial help.

Common Signs of a Romance Scam

Be cautious if someone you’ve met online:

Quickly expresses strong feelings or pushes for a serious relationship early on,
Avoids meeting in person or always has an excuse for why they can’t video chat,
Claims to be working overseas, in the military, or dealing with an emergency,
Asks for money, gift cards, wire transfers, cryptocurrency, or access to your accounts,
Encourages secrecy or asks you not to talk to family, friends, or your credit union.

Scammers often create urgent or emotional situations, medical emergencies, travel problems, or investment opportunities to pressure you into sending money.

How to Protect Yourself

Never send money, gift cards, or cryptocurrency to someone you haven’t met in person.
Be cautious about sharing personal or financial information online.
Talk with a trusted friend, family member, or your credit union if something feels off.
Remember: once money is sent, it can be very difficult, or impossible, to recover.

Tax Season Is Here: How to Protect Yourself and Get the Most from Your Return

Tax season can be stressful enough without worrying about scams, identity theft, or costly mistakes. Unfortunately, fraudsters know this and they often target people during tax time. As your trusted financial institution, we want to help you stay informed, protected, and confident while filing your taxes.

Below are some key tax season tips and common scams to watch out for, so you can focus on what really matters.

Watch Out for These Common Tax Scams

Scammers often pretend to be legitimate organizations to trick people into sharing personal or financial information. Be especially cautious of:

1. Fake IRS Messages
The IRS will never contact you via text, email, or social media asking for personal information or payment. If you receive a message claiming to be from the IRS, it’s likely a scam.

2. “Urgent” Payment Requests
Scammers may threaten arrest, lawsuits, or wage garnishment if you don’t pay immediately. These pressure tactics are a major red flag.

3. Tax Preparer Fraud
Be cautious of preparers who:

Promise unusually large refunds
Charge fees based on refund size
Refuse to sign your return

Always choose a reputable, credentialed tax professional or use trusted tax software.

4. Identity Theft Refund Fraud
If someone files a tax return using your stolen Social Security number, they may receive your refund before you do. Filing early can help reduce this risk.

Helpful Tips for a Safer, Smoother Tax Season

✔ File Early – Filing as soon as you have your documents helps protect against identity theft.
✔ Use Strong Passwords – Especially for tax software, email, and financial accounts.
✔ Double-Check Links & Senders – Don’t click links or download attachments from unknown or suspicious sources.
✔ Keep Your Documents Secure – Store tax records and personal information in a safe place, both physically and digitally.
✔ Monitor Your Accounts – Regularly review your bank and credit card statements for unusual activity.

What to Do If You Think You’ve Been Targeted

If you believe you’ve received a scam message, or your information may be compromised:

Do not respond or click any links
Report the scam to the IRS and appropriate authorities
Contact your credit union immediately so we can help protect your accounts

We’re Here to Help

At High Point FCU, your financial well-being is our priority, especially during high-risk times like tax season. If you have questions, notice suspicious activity, or want tips on managing your refund wisely, our team is always here for you.

Have questions? Reach out or stop by any of our branches, we’re happy to help.

HIGH POINT FEDERAL CREDIT UNION ANNOUNCES PROMOTIONS

High Point Federal Credit Union (FCU) recently promoted two employees to Vice President roles.

Michelle Freeman has been promoted to Vice President of Finance. Michelle has been with High Point since 2011 and has advanced through roles of increasing responsibility within the Finance department. She most recently served as Finance Director, providing leadership over financial reporting, budgeting, and financial operations. Michelle holds a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting and a Master of Business Administration from St. Bonaventure University. She resides in Shinglehouse, PA, with her husband, Keith, and her daughter, Elizabeth.

Tamara Warner has been promoted to Vice President of Human Resources. She joined High Point in 2022 as Human Resources Director and brings more than 15 years of human resources experience. Tamara holds a Master’s degree in Human Resources Management from Nazareth College. In her new role, she will continue to lead human resources efforts that support the Credit Union’s long-term goals. Tamara resides in Portville, NY, with her husband, Ty, and two children, Adelyn and Jackson.

“Over the past several years, High Point has navigated significant growth, and Michelle and Tamara have played a key role in strengthening our Credit Union,” said Richard Yeager, CEO.

High Point Federal Credit Union, the second-largest credit union in Western New York, has assets exceeding $400 million and serves more than 22,000 members across four branch locations in New York, including 1201 Wayne Street in Olean, 180 West Main Street in Allegany, 160 South Main Street in Portville, and 100 Fair Oak Street in Little Valley, and one branch location in Pennsylvania at 1035 East Main Street in Bradford.