NW Plus Credit Union

Your home is more than just a place to live, it’s one of your most valuable financial assets. Whether you’re tapping into your equity with a HELOC, planning a renovation, or financing a major home project, these decisions can open doors. But they can also attract scammers looking to take advantage.

How can you protect yourself from home loan scams?

➕ Work with trusted, verified professionals
➕ Get multiple quotes for construction projects
➕ Review all loan documents carefully before signing
➕ Keep communication within secure, official channels
➕ Stay informed about current scam tactics

Red flags to keep in mind:
1. High-pressure tactics or urgency
2. Requests for unusual payment methods (gift cards, wire transfers)
3. Lack of proper licensing or documentation
4. Offers that seem significantly better than market rates
5. Reluctance to provide written agreements

Remember, home projects and equity-based loans should feel exciting, not risky. With the right awareness and support, you can move forward confidently, knowing your investment is protected.

NW Plus CU is pleased to announce new hours to better serve you, including the addition of Saturday hours at our Marysville branch.

Starting Monday June 1, all branches will be open:

Monday - Friday
9am-5pm

Saturday (Marysville branch)
9:30am-1:00pm

We look forward to seeing you during our new hours!

Thanks to the incredible generosity of our members and community, we are proud to announce that together, we raised $10,000 for Dawson Place Child Advocacy Center.

These funds were raised during our Youth Month effort and will help support children in our community who turn to Dawson Place for safety, advocacy, and healing services.

We are grateful to everyone who donated, participated, and helped make this possible!

We will be closed on Monday, May 25 in observance of Memorial Day.

As home values rise and more homeowners explore financing options, scams tied to home equity and construction projects are becoming increasingly common. Knowing what to watch for can help you protect both your investment and your peace of mind.

1. Contractor Payment Scams: A contractor may ask for large upfront payments, then disappear or leave work unfinished. In some cases, the work is never started at all.

Tip: Be cautious of anyone requesting full payment upfront or insisting on cash-only transactions.

2. Fake Loan Offers: Scammers may pose as lenders offering “too good to be true” rates or guaranteed approvals - especially for HELOCs or home equity loans.

Tip: Always verify the lender and avoid sharing personal information with unsolicited offers.

3. Title or Deed Fraud: Fraudsters attempt to transfer ownership of your home without your knowledge using forged documents.

Tip: Monitor your property records and watch for unexpected mail related to ownership changes.

4. Phishing & Impersonation Scams: You may receive emails or calls pretending to be from your lender, requesting account details or login information.

Tip: Contact your financial institution directly using verified contact information before responding.

5. “Urgent Repair” Scams: Someone claims your home has a serious issue (roof damage, foundation problems) and pressures you to act immediately, often tying the fix to a financing solution.

Tip: Always get a second opinion and take time to evaluate your options.

Stay tuned for our next post on how to protect yourself from loan & construction scams.

National Senior Fraud Awareness Day is May 15, designated to combat the billion dollars in annual losses seniors face from scams.

One of the most effective defenses against scams is having a trusted network and the resources to learn about protecting yourself. A few ways that you can stay protected are:

1. Pause and verify before taking action
2. Talk it through with a trusted family member or advisor
3. Do not share sensitive information unless you initiated the contact
4. Use call screening and fraud alerts when available
5. Regularly review financial statements for unusual activity

And, if you come across any of the following red flags, don't ignore them:

➕ Requests for immediate payment or secrecy
➕ Being asked to pay via gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency
➕ Messages that create fear, urgency, or emotional pressure
➕ Unexpected calls or emails asking for personal or financial information

If you have older family members in your life, starting a conversation about scams can feel uncomfortable, but it’s essential. Sharing information, setting up safeguards, and encouraging open communication can dramatically reduce risk.

There is still time to celebrate Youth Month with us! 🎉

This month only, NW Plus is matching up to $25* when you open a SMART savings account. Plus, kids can select a free game from the branch they open their account in!

Additionally, we are proud to support Dawson Place this April. For every new member*, including new SMART members, we will be donating $50 to Dawson.

Learn more about Youth Month by visiting nwpluscu.com/youth