Fake CWCU Facebook page detected and deleted
21 August, 2026
This week our ever-vigilant team detected that a fake CWCU Facebook page had been created using our exact branding and imagery to look just like our real Facebook page.
There is only one reason why someone would do this – to trick people into following what they thought was our real Facebook page, then contact them directly through direct messages in order to scam them.
Our team acted quickly. They took screen grabs of the site then immediately reported it to Facebook who removed it within 30 minutes of our request.
The side-by-side comparison below of the fake site and our real Facebook page shows just how difficult it can be to spot online scams.
It is a very timely reminder to be constantly vigilant when doing anything online, even if it doesn’t involve a financial transaction or providing personal information. Simply following the wrong people on social media can put you at risk.
This week the Capricornian Bank (a mutual bank in Rockhampton) and Westpac NZ also reported fake Facebook pages, so this scam risk is clearly not isolated to our wonderful part of the world.
The fake CWCU Facebook page purported to have 109 followers when we detected it. There is no way to know if these people are even real, and we have not received any adverse reports to date.
However, if you recall seeing something like this recently, or think you may be following the wrong CWCU Facebook page, please contact us immediately – see our Contacts Page for further info.
Warning signs to watch for
Central West Credit Union encourages people to be suspicious of:
- Pages with very few followers or recent creation dates
- Requests to continue conversations via private message
- Requests for personal, banking or card details
- Requests for internet banking passwords, PINs or one-time security codes
- Pressure to act urgently
- Phone numbers or website links that do not appear on the organisation's official website
Remember, Central West Credit Union will never:
- Ask for your Internet Banking password or PIN
- Ask for one-time verification or security codes via Facebook or Messenger
- Ask you to transfer money to a "safe" account
- Request sensitive banking information through social media messages
