Ideal Credit Union and the Minnesota Department of Commerce Team Up Against Financial Scams

Woodbury, MN. (October 26, 2026) – Minnesotans reported more than $250 million in internet crime losses last year, according to the FBI, a reminder of just how costly and convincing financial scams have become. Ideal Credit Union is partnering with the Minnesota Department of Commerce to help Minnesotans recognize the warning signs avoid scams and protect their finances and personal information.

As part of its year-round commitment to financial education and cyber security, Ideal Credit Union will host a free Cybersecurity Awareness Webinar on Thursday, October 29, from 5 to 6 p.m., featuring Jessica Danberg, Senior Financial Fraud Ombudsperson with the Minnesota Department of Commerce. The session will cover current fraud trends, how scammers manipulate victims, warning signs and practical steps everyone can take to protect themselves or someone they care about.

The Ideal Credit Union webinar is open to the community, but registration is requested: Ideal Credit Union Cybersecurity Awareness Webinar registration.

The State of Minnesota has taken additional steps to combat financial fraud this year, including an August ban on cryptocurrency kiosks. The ban followed 134 complaints investigated by the Department of Commerce between 2023 and 2025, involving nearly $1 million in reported losses.
 
The Minnesota Department of Commerce also warned consumers about scammers posing as agency employees. These scammers may claim that money is available to you but require a fee to release it. The department reminds Minnesotans that it will never ask for payment to release funds or direct them to send money to someone else.

Ideal Credit Union's Five Tips to Outsmart Scammers

1. Stop and verify. Scammers often create a false sense of urgency. If you receive an unexpected call or message about your account, hang up and contact your financial institution directly using its official phone number. If someone pressures you to send money, talk with someone you trust before acting.
2. Protect your personal information. Ideal Credit Union will never call and ask for your account numbers, Social Security number, debit or credit card PINs or Digital Banking passwords.
3. Think before you click. Avoid suspicious links in emails or text messages, even when the sender appears familiar. Navigate directly to trusted websites.
4. Monitor your accounts. Review account activity regularly and report unfamiliar transactions immediately.
5. Act quickly if you suspect fraud. Contact Ideal Credit Union (or your financial institution), secure potentially compromised accounts and report suspected scams to the appropriate authorities.

What to Do if You Suspect Fraud

Ideal Credit Union encourages members who believe they have shared personal information with a scammer or notice suspicious account activity to contact the credit union immediately at 651-770-7000.

Consumers can also report scams to the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov and access additional consumer protection and reporting resources through the Minnesota Department of Commerce.

Ideal Credit Union Supports Cybersecurity Education Year-Round

October is cybersecurity awareness month which provides an opportunity to mark your calendar for a yearly update on safe financial habits. Protecting members and educating the community is a year-round priority for Ideal Credit Union. Through its online Security Center, fraud prevention articles, identity theft resources and educational seminars, Ideal helps consumers recognize emerging threats and make informed decisions about their financial security.

Visit Ideal Credit Union's Security Center for additional information about fraud prevention, identity theft and cybersecurity.