How Belco Community Credit Union is protecting its members from fraud through education and service

In today’s increasingly digital world, financial fraud is not just a risk—it’s a growing epidemic. From phishing emails to romance scams, fraudsters are constantly evolving their tactics to exploit vulnerabilities and steal from unsuspecting individuals. At the forefront of the fight against this threat is Belco Community Credit Union, central PA’s trusted community financial partner deeply committed to protecting its members through a powerful combination of education, proactive service, and community collaboration.

At Belco, our members are at the heart of everything we do. We understand that financial fraud is not just a threat to people’s money—it’s a threat to their peace of mind. That’s why we are deeply committed to empowering our members with the knowledge, tools, and support they need to protect themselves. Through education, innovation, and strong community partnerships, we are working every day to ensure our members feel safe, informed, and confident in their financial journey.

Belco recognizes that the first step in combating fraud is understanding the many forms it can take. The credit union has identified several common scams that are particularly dangerous:

These scams involve fraudulent emails (phishing) or text messages (smishing) that appear to come from reputable companies or financial institutions. Victims are often tricked into clicking malicious links or providing sensitive information, leading to account takeovers and even large-scale business email compromises. These attacks can result in devastating financial losses, especially when wire or ACH transfers are involved.

Targeting the lonely and vulnerable, romance scams are emotionally manipulative schemes where fraudsters build fake relationships online. Over time, they coerce victims into sending money, sharing banking credentials, or even laundering illicit funds. These scams are particularly insidious because they exploit trust and emotional connection.

With the rise of cryptocurrency and online trading platforms, investment scams have become more prevalent. Fraudsters pose as financial advisors or investment experts, convincing victims to hand over money or access to their accounts. Once they gain control, they disappear—often with significant sums.

Even the most cautious individuals can fall victim to identity theft, especially when third-party data breaches occur. Fraudsters may use stolen or fabricated identities to open accounts, take out loans, or commit other financial crimes. Monitoring credit and protecting personal information is more important than ever.

Belco’s philosophy is clear: education is the strongest defense against fraud. The credit union’s marketing and fraud prevention teams work tirelessly to keep members informed and vigilant. Here’s how:

Belco uses social media, email alerts, website updates, and in-branch materials to share real-time fraud alerts and prevention tips. When smishing attacks target Belco or other institutions, members are notified immediately.

Members are educated on red flags such as:

Belco regularly hosts fraud prevention seminars for high school students, employees, and nonprofit organizations.

“When we teach financial education to young people, we’re not just preparing them for adulthood—we’re protecting entire families,” said Angela Barlup, Financial Education Program Manager at Belco. “By helping youth understand how to spot scams and manage money wisely, we reduce the risk of fraud in our communities and empower the next generation to make smart, secure financial choices. It’s an investment in their future and in the safety of our neighborhoods.”

Beyond education, Belco employs a robust set of internal strategies to detect and prevent fraud before it causes harm:

Belco’s fraud specialists stay ahead of emerging trends by using both proactive and reactive investigative techniques. They monitor suspicious activity, analyze fraud patterns, and collaborate with other financial institutions to share insights and best practices.

“Fraud is constantly evolving, and so are we,” said Lauren Greenaway, Fraud Assistant Manager at Belco. “Our team is committed to staying one step ahead by analyzing trends, sharing intelligence with our peers, and adapting our strategies in real time. It’s not just about reacting to fraud—it’s about anticipating it and protecting our members before harm can occur.”

Belco will never ask members to provide online banking credentials or Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) codes via phone, email, or text. This policy is clearly communicated to members to help them recognize and avoid impersonation attempts.

Members are encouraged to regularly review their accounts and set up alerts for unusual activity. Belco also recommends using credit monitoring services and checking credit reports through trusted sources like AnnualCreditReport.com.

Belco understands that fighting fraud is not a solo mission. The credit union actively collaborates with law enforcement, peer institutions, and community organizations to strengthen its defenses:

By sharing information and strategies, Belco and its peers can respond more effectively to new fraud tactics. This collaboration helps identify vulnerabilities and implement stronger safeguards.

Working with the South Central Pennsylvania Financial Security Officer’s Association (SCPFSOA), the Secret Service, the FBI, local police departments and the Internal Association of Financial Crimes Investigators (IAFCI) allows Belco to reach broader audiences and receive and provide expert-led fraud education. These partnerships also ensure that fraud cases are reported and investigated promptly.

In addition to Belco’s Fraud team, the credit union also has a dedicated Financial Education team committed to providing education to all members and the communities served. These teams, and other Belco employees, volunteers and partners, frequently participate in local events, offering presentations and resources to help residents stay informed. These efforts reinforce the credit union’s role as a trusted community partner. A recent highlight was a co-hosted event with a local township police department titled “Protecting Widows from Fraud and Scams”, which focused on safeguarding one of the most vulnerable populations.

“Financial education is one of the most powerful tools we can offer our community,” said Tricia Heisey, Financial Education Program Manager at Belco. “By meeting people where they are—whether in schools, community centers, or local events—we help them build the knowledge and confidence they need to recognize scams, make informed decisions, and protect their financial well-being. It’s about creating lasting impact through education and empowerment.”

At its core, Belco is driven by a commitment to member safety, trust, and empowerment. The institution’s fraud prevention efforts are not just about stopping crime—they’re about building a culture of vigilance and resilience.

By combining education, proactive service, and strategic partnerships, Belco is setting a high standard for fraud prevention in the financial industry. As fraud continues to evolve, so too will Belco’s efforts to protect its members—because at Belco, safeguarding our members’ financial future is more than a priority—it’s a promise.