March 2026 News
Tips on Avoiding Fraud Over Phone and Text
We’ve noticed an uptick of members being targeted by fraudsters over phone calls and text messages recently, especially regarding sharing one-time passcodes (OTPs). That’s why we want to educate all our members on key warning signs and behaviors to spot these scams and take steps to protect yourself. Bellco will never call or text you and ask for your personal or account information.
Spotting a Scam
Fraudsters utilize many tricks that make them seem legitimate and urging you to panic and make rash decisions including:
- Spoofing Caller ID to make it seem like the call is coming from a Bellco phone number
- Sending fake fraud alert text messages claiming suspicious activity on your accounts
- Requesting “verification codes” or other personal information to “confirm your identity” without any previous prompting on your end
- Urgent warning that something is wrong with your accounts and immediate action must be taken.
- Requesting that you provide them with personal information about yourself even though they called you.
Other Red Flags to Watch For
Bellco representatives will never ask for information from you unprompted. If any of the following information is requested or mentioned through phone or text, it’s most likely a scam:
- Your password, PIN, verification codes, or online banking login details
- Instructions to move money into a “safe”, “holding”, or “temporary” account, including cryptocurrency like Bitcoin.
- Threats that your account will be closed if you don’t act quickly
- Prompts to visit unfamiliar links or download apps you didn’t ask for
- Requiring that you purchase gift cards or other prepaid cards as a form of fraud prevention
How to Protect Yourself
Now that you’re more aware of how scammers will try to fool you, here are some simple next steps you can take if you think you’re being targeted:
- If you’ve answered a call you think is fraudulent, hang up immediately and contact Bellco directly at 1-800-BELLCO-1 or the number on your statement, card, or our official website
- Never share verification codes or one-time passcodes no matter if they claim to be from the fraud department or other official positions
- Avoid clicking any links from unexpected texts or emails
- Report any suspicious contact to Bellco so we can take action on our end to protect other members
Once more, Bellco will never call or text you and ask for your personal or account information. Bellco will also never pressure you into making a decision right away. If you think you are being scammed based on the red flags above or just have a bad feeling, feel free to hang up the call, no matter how urgent the caller makes it seem, and contact Bellco directly at 1-800-BELLCO-1. Once someone answers the call, ask to speak to a representative that can tell you the truth about what’s going on with your accounts. If you think your account security has already been compromised, please contact our Fraud Department at 303-689-7548 and leave a message. Someone will get back to you as soon as possible and assist you.
Member Exclusive Savings on Tax Preparation Services
By Love My Credit Union®
With tax season in full swing, we have great news for those of you who have been waiting to file. As a Bellco member, you can save big with exclusive discounts on tax prep. Take a few minutes now to lock in your discount!
Plus, you can enter for a chance to win $10,000 in the Tax Time Sweepstakes from Love My Credit Union Rewards.
TURBOTAX
- Save 20% for new and returning TurboTax users
- Online tax prep, with expert help if you need it
- Click below to log in or sign up to lock in your member discount
H&R BLOCK
- New customers save $25 and returning customers save $10
- File in-person, drop off, or virtually at your local office
- Click below to get your code and present it to your tax pro to lock in your discount
NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN.
How to Get the Most Out of Boost Checking
Chances are if you’re reading this, you’ve either heard about or currently have a Boost Interest Checking account. Either way, we wanted to dive deeper into the three requirements you need to earn 4.50% APY on balances of up to $25,000*. As you’ll see, the ability to earn the highest interest rate is actually simpler than you might think.
1. Make 15 debit card purchases per month
After researching Bellco debit card usage, we found that on average, Bellco members use their debit card 25 times per month. So, using your Boost debit card 15 times should be a breeze. In fact, you don’t have to physically use your debit card as long as your purchase is connected to your debit card. For instance, if you use Apple Pay™, Google Pay™ or PayPal® to make payments, those count if they are connected to your Boost debit card. Online web services such as Amazon and eBay also accept payments linked to your Boost debit card, so those would also count towards your monthly 15 purchase requirements.
2. Log in to Online or Mobile Banking at least once per month
Every year, more people use Online Banking to manage their checking account. For some, it’s a daily glance. For others, it’s a full monthly reconciliation. Knowing the status of your checking account balance is important. Mobile and online banking can help you keep track quickly and easily. And you only need to do it once a month to meet this requirement for earning the 4.50% APY.
3. Have at least one direct-deposit transaction per month
Most payroll is in the form of direct deposit. If you make at least one qualifying direct deposit per month to your Boost Checking account, you’ve met this requirement. Trust us, your employer won’t mind you making the change and your wallet will be thankful for it. Once you open the checking account, you will have everything you need to set up the direct deposit.
Plus, no minimum balance required means you could have anywhere from $1 to $25,000 in your Boost account to earn 4.50% APY. We’ll even pay a lower interest rate on balances over $25,000 or in months where you don’t meet the requirements. Most other interest checking accounts have more restrictive balance thresholds to earn the highest interest rates.
Apple Pay is a trademark of Apple Inc. Google Pay is a trademark of Google Inc. PayPal is a registered trademark of PayPal, Inc.
*Annual Percentage Yield (APY) is accurate as of March 1, 2026. The interest rate and APY may change after the account is opened. Fees may reduce earnings on the account. 4.50% APY applies to balances up to and including $25,000. For balances greater than $25,000, the APY may range from 0.25% to 4.50%. In order to get the higher rates, you must meet certain requirements each month. If you don’t meet the requirements in any month, an APY of 0.05% applies to all balances for that month. Membership eligibility required.
Thinking About a Payday Loan? Read This First
By GreenPath Financial Wellness
It often starts with a moment of panic: a bill you didn’t plan for and not enough money to cover it before payday. In that stress, payday loans can feel like a lifeline—fast, simple, and there when you need it. Before you move forward, it helps to understand how payday loans typically work for many borrowers.
What Payday Loans Are (and Why They’re Risky)
A payday loan is a small, short-term loan (often a few hundred dollars) that is supposed to be repaid by your next payday. On the surface it seems like an easy way to cover a cash crunch. In reality, the costs can be eye-opening:
- Most payday loans carry extremely high interest rates—often an average of 391% APR—far higher than credit cards or any other kind of credit.
- Because the repayment period is so short (usually about two weeks), many borrowers struggle to pay back the loan when it comes due.
- Many customers end up repeatedly borrowing: A 2024 report from the California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation found that about 27% of payday borrowers took out 10 or more payday loans in a year, and more than 75% of the total fees charged in the state came from people with seven or more transactions.
When you add all that up, payday loans can do more harm than good. Even more so if you’re already living paycheck-to-paycheck or managing other financial obligations.
How Payday Loans Can Impact Your Financial Health
Payday loans are designed for speed, and that can come with trade-offs that aren’t always obvious at first.
Short repayment windows:
Paying back a loan in just a couple of weeks can be harder than it seems—especially if bills, rent, or food costs are already tight.
Risk of ongoing debt:
Rolling over or taking another payday loan to cover one you can’t repay on time adds up fast. Many borrowers end up paying more in fees than they originally borrowed.
High interest and fees:
Even a modest amount borrowed can end up being expensive when annualized. These aren’t small handling fees—they’re significant costs that can erode your budget.
Alternatives to Consider
Before opting for a payday loan, explore these more sustainable and potentially better, options:
Short-term small loans from your bank or credit union
Many financial institutions offer small dollar loans or “payday alternative loans” with much lower interest rates and better terms than payday lenders. These can be easier to repay and don’t trap you in cycles of renewing debt.
Personal lines of credit or credit builder loans
If you qualify, these products offer credit on better terms and give you time to pay it back without extreme costs. If you qualify for a line of credit, you will also have funds available if needed in the future, as long as you pay back what you borrowed or borrow less than the full credit limit.
Talk to a financial counselor
Nonprofit financial counseling can help you map out a budget, prioritize expenses, and explore debt repayment options you may not have considered.
No-Shame Support
Financial challenges happen to everyone. The key is choosing the path that protects your stability. If you’re considering a payday loan because you’re struggling to make ends meet, pause and consider this: there are resources that can help you find alternatives—and likely at a lower cost.
Within your financial institution:
- Ask about small-loan products designed for people like you.
- Explore budgeting and planning support.
- Inquire about overdraft protection or emergency savings plans.
As an additional resource, GreenPath offers free financial counseling to help you make informed decisions about debt, expenses, and optimizing your cash flow so you can feel confident moving forward.
Bellco is not affiliated with nor responsible for the products and services provided by GreenPath.
