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What Is Account Takeover?

Published: January 15, 2026

What Is Account Takeover?

Account takeover happens when someone else gains access to your online account and starts using it as if they were you. Once inside, they may move money, change your contact information, or redirect payments—sometimes before you even realize something is wrong.

In most cases, this doesn’t happen because a system was “hacked.” It happens because a scammer tricked someone into sharing information or clicking the wrong link.

How Does Account Takeover Usually Happen?

Account takeover almost always starts before someone logs into your account. Here are the most common ways it begins:

Imposter Messages or Calls

You may receive a call, email, or text claiming to be from a financial institution or a government agency. The message often sounds urgent and asks you to “verify” your account or confirm suspicious activity. If you’re asked to share a one-time passcode or login information, that’s a major red flag.

One-time passcodes are designed for you to enter directly when you initiate a login or security action—legitimate organizations will never ask you to share that code with them.

Fake Login Pages

Some scams use emails, texts, or even search results that lead to look-alike websites. These fake pages are designed to capture your username and password. Once entered, scammers can use those details to access your real account.

Reused Passwords

If you use the same password on multiple websites, a data breach on one site can put other accounts at risk. Scammers regularly test stolen login information to see what works.

Clicking Unexpected Links

A single click in an unexpected message can be all it takes to give scammers a foothold—especially if it leads to a fake login page.

Small Moments That Create Big Risk

Account takeover often comes down to one simple moment:

  • Clicking a link you weren’t expecting
  • Logging in through a message or search result instead of a saved bookmark
  • Sharing a one-time passcode because the request sounded urgent

These actions may feel harmless in the moment, but they can give scammers the access they need.

What Happens After Account Takeover?

Once someone gets into an account, they often move quickly. They may:

  • Transfer money
  • Change contact details
  • Add new payment destinations
  • Lock the account holder out

That’s why early detection is so important.

How to Reduce Your Risk

Protecting your account doesn’t require technical expertise. A few simple habits can go a long way.

Use Strong, Unique Passwords

Longer passwords that you don’t reuse elsewhere make it much harder for scammers to gain access.

Never Share One-Time Passcodes

One-time passcodes are meant to protect you. If anyone asks for one, that’s a red flag—no matter how legitimate the request sounds.

Use Bookmarks or the Official App

Avoid logging in from links in messages or search results. Using a saved bookmark or the myUSSFCU app helps ensure you’re on the correct site.

Use myUSSFCU as Your Early-Warning System

Online and mobile banking tools can help you spot issues early. With myUSSFCU, you can:

  • Set up account alerts to notify you of important activity
  • Review transactions regularly
  • Use card controls to manage spending and respond quickly to suspicious charges
  • Report a card lost or stolen directly through the app

The sooner you notice something unusual, the easier it is to limit potential damage.

If You Think Your Account Has Been Compromised

If something doesn’t look right:

  1. Pause and don’t click or reply to additional messages
  2. Secure your account by updating your login information
  3. Contact USSFCU directly using a trusted phone number or official channel you initiate

Taking quick action can make a big difference.

Learn More

Want to better understand today’s most common scams and how to protect your finances? Join our upcoming webinar, Start 2026 Secure: Smart Security Habits for the New Year, on Wednesday, January 21 at 6:00 PM ET.

We’ll walk through how account takeover starts, what to watch for, and how to use myUSSFCU as part of your security routine.

Register Now

Article content is provided for information purposes only.

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