The people who fall for scams aren’t necessarily careless. Often, they’re people who would have spotted the trick immediately if they’d been given another moment to think. That’s what a good scam is designed to prevent.

Urgency, authority, and fear: scammers use all three to keep you moving before your judgment has time to catch up. A scammer doesn’t need to fool you forever. They only need to rush you once.

Which is why the goal isn’t to become impossible to fool. It’s to have a simple response you can fall back on when the situation starts moving too fast. TCT Federal Credit Union sums that plan up in three words: Think, Check, Trust?  Each one creates a little distance between the pressure and your response, and puts your judgment back in charge. Together, they’re your best defense.

At TCT Federal Credit Union, we work hard to keep our members informed about the latest fraud trends.

Security researchers recently uncovered a new scam that targets Microsoft’s Phone Link application, a tool that connects your smartphone to your Windows computer. The scam allows criminals to steal text messages and verification codes—even without directly infecting your phone. ^1,2

What Is Microsoft Phone Link?

Microsoft Phone Link (formerly "Your Phone") allows users to sync their smartphone with a Windows computer. Once connected, you can view text messages, notifications, calls, and other phone activity directly from your PC. ^1,2

While Phone Link is a legitimate and useful tool, cybercriminals are now abusing it when they gain access to an infected computer. ^1,2

How the Scam Works

Researchers discovered a remote access malware program known as CloudZ RAT that uses a malicious plugin called Pheno to monitor active Phone Link connections.

Once a Windows computer is infected:

Deed fraud, also known as home title theft, occurs when criminals forge documents to illegally transfer property ownership. This can result in fraudulent sales or mortgages, and although it’s relatively rare, the consequences are severe—ranging from significant financial loss to major emotional distress. Victims often face lengthy and costly legal battles to reclaim their property. That’s why regular monitoring of your property records is essential—it enables early detection and fast, effective action to stop scammers in their tracks.

Fund Your College Dreams: TCT Scholarships

TCT FCU is proud to announce a scholarship opportunity for college-bound students! In partnership with New York Credit Union Association (NYCUA), we are opening applications for high school seniors attending two- or four-year accredited educational institutions as well as vocational or trade schools in 2027. The program is designed to provide funds that would be used toward tuition, room and board, books, and school supplies.

Just last year, ten outstanding student members were each awarded a $1,000 scholarship in recognition of their hard work, leadership, and community involvement.

Curt Cecala, TCT Federal Credit Union's President and CEO, was recently honored with being inducted into the inaugural class of Alloya's Hall of Champions! This well-deserved recognition celebrates Curt's exceptional leadership, dedicated service, and lasting contributions to Alloya Federal Credit Union and the credit union movement.

Alloya unveiled the thier Hall of Champions during its annual Credit Union Leadership Symposium, which took place in Nashville from Sept. 9-11. The Alloya Hall of Champions was created to recognize individuals whose leadership and service have helped shape Alloya and advance the corporate credit union movement. Induction is reserved for those who have demonstrated exceptional dedication to the movement and whose belief in the Power of Cooperation is “legendary,” Alloya said.

“It has been my privilege to serve and work with the incredible people at Alloya,” said Curt Cecala, TCT FCU's CEO. “It is truly amazing what Alloya is today for its member credit unions from our humble start 15 years ago. To serve with so many talented volunteers past and present who care about credit unions and work with the wonderful management and staff of Alloya to help credit unions has and continues to be an honor.”

TCT Federal Credit Union is here to help cover college costs when federal funding falls short.

College costs don’t come all at once, and our solution is built with that in mind. TCT Federal offers an education line of credit with greater flexibility for students & families than traditional private student loans*.

With an education line of credit from TCT, you get built-in flexibility to borrow what you need, when you need it—all from a single, pre-approved line.

Even if you’re unsure of the college you’ll be attending or the exact loan amount you may need, you can establish your private education line of credit with TCT today. Then, when you’ve finalized the details, we’ll be ready when you are.

Learn more about our private student lending solutions or get started on your application today!

What to Know About this Summer's Lending Changes

The One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB) will bring new borrowing limits for federal Parent PLUS and the elimination of Grad PLUS loans starting this July.

That’s where TCT Federal Credit Union's line of credit solution can help.