The “Can I Borrow Your Phone?” Scam Hitting Credit Union Members

Have you ever had someone approach you in a parking lot asking for help—maybe to borrow your phone for a quick call or to find a lost family member? It sounds harmless, but recently, scammers have been using that exact setup to steal from people.

Once they get hold of an unlocked phone, they open mobile banking or payment apps like Zelle, Venmo, or Cash App, transferring funds or even taking out instant loans—all before handing the phone back. Victims often don’t realize what happened until they see large withdrawals or new loan accounts in their name.

How the “Can I Borrow Your Phone?” Scam Works

Across the country, reports have surfaced of members at credit unions being approached in parking lots by people pretending to be in distress—saying they’ve lost their spouse, their child is upset, or they need to make an urgent call. In just a few seconds of access, scammers can open financial apps, send money, or create fraudulent transactions that appear legitimate.

Sometimes, the fraud goes even further. Scammers may try to:

• Transfer money directly through mobile banking or payment apps.
• Steal personal information by opening your email or saved notes to find passwords or security codes.
• Swap your SIM card for their own, allowing them to intercept your calls and text messages—including one-time passcodes used to verify your identity.

One victim reportedly lost $7,000 after allowing someone to use her phone for “just a quick call.” She wasn’t alone—similar cases have resulted in millions of dollars in losses nationwide.

How to Protect Yourself from this Scam

Here are some easy ways to stay safe:

• Keep your phone locked. Use a PIN, Face ID, or fingerprint recognition.
• Never hand your phone to a stranger. If someone needs help, offer to call for them instead.
• Log out of financial apps when you’re done. Don’t leave your accounts open in the background.
• Set up alerts. Mobile banking notifications can help you spot unusual activity right away.
• If something feels off, trust your instincts. Come inside the branch and let our team know. We’ll make sure everyone is safe and help if someone truly needs assistance.

Scammers count on people’s kindness and split-second trust. But protecting your money doesn’t mean you have to stop helping others—it just means being smart about how you do it. A few simple steps, like keeping your phone locked and never handing it to a stranger, can make all the difference.

Stay Smart About Scams: A Few Simple Rules

The way these scammers target people is always changing, but most scams still boil down to one thing: getting you to panic and act before you can think straight. Don't fall for it! Here are a few common-sense ways to protect your money, no matter what new trick the scammers come up with.

Slow Down Before You React
Scammers try to get you to panic so you’ll act without thinking. Whether it’s a text that looks urgent, a phone call that sounds serious, or someone demanding help right away—pause. Take a second to think before you respond. No real business or agency will ever pressure you to make a snap decision.

Never Hand Over Your Phone
If someone says they need to make a quick call, offer to do it for them. The “parking lot” scam works because victims hand over an unlocked phone. Keep yours secured with Face ID, a PIN, or fingerprint lock—always.

Keep Your Information to Yourself
Don’t share your one-time passcodes, account numbers, or card details with anyone who contacts you first. If you didn’t start the call or message, assume it’s not legitimate. Protecting that information is the easiest way to stop a scam before it starts.

Lock Down Your Apps
When you finish using mobile banking or payment apps, log out completely. Don’t leave accounts open in the background, and never save login info on shared or public devices.

Be Careful With Payment Apps
Apps like Zelle, Venmo, and Cash App are great for paying friends, but remember—sending money on these platforms is like handing over cash. Once it’s gone, it’s usually gone for good. Only send funds to people you personally know and trust.

Check Your Accounts Regularly
Set up alerts in your Nuvision app and review your transactions often. Spotting something unusual early gives us the best chance to stop further fraud and help you recover quickly.

Trust Your Gut and Report It
If something feels off—or if someone is approaching members near a branch—come inside or give us a call right away. Our team will help verify what’s going on and make sure everyone’s safe.

At Nuvision, we work every day to stay one step ahead of new scams so our members can feel confident banking anywhere—whether online, on the go, or at the branch. We share updates like this often on our Fraud Protection Blog to help you stay informed and keep your finances safe.