How to Spot fraudulent content
As more of life happens online, it’s becoming easier and more common for scammers to imitate organizations you know and trust, like the YMCA. Our online Trust Center provides essential information about how the Y communicates, and how Y members can spot fraudulent content.
Official Channels
The following are the Y’s only “official channels” of communication. Be skeptical of any communication claiming to be from the Y if they do not originate from one of these official channels.
Channel
What to look for
The full sender email address ends in @ymca-snoco.org (check the email address, not just the name).
Text Message
425 249 3886 – reply STOP to unsubscribe or START to resubscribe.
Phone
425 374 5779
Letters use our logo and official address:
3120 McDougall Ave Everett, WA 98201 or
PO Box 419 Everett, WA 98206-0419
In-person
Staff wear official name badges.
If you encounter a communication claiming to be from the Y that does not originate from these channels, contact info@ymca-snoco.org for help.
Red Flags
Treat the following as red flags:
Red Flag
Things we never do
Password Reveal
We will never ask for your password (through any channel)
Payment Info
We will never ask for your full card/banking information by email or text
SSN Request
We will never ask for your Social Security Number
Alternate Payment Methods
We will never ask for payment by gift card, wire transfer, or cryptocurrency
Pressure to Act
We will never pressure you to act “right now or lose access.” Real Y notices give you time and a way to reach us.
Code Sharing
We will never ask you to read back a verification or login code.
Scams targeting our community
Fake donations and fundraising appeals. Look for messages that mimic our campaigns and send you to a look-alike donation page. Give only through links that start with ymca-snoco.org/, snoco.ymca.community/, or snoco.recliquecore.com/.
Membership or billing “problems.” Be cautious of unexpected messages stating that your payment failed or your card declined. Check your account by logging in to snoco.recliquecore.com directly, never through a texted or emailed link.
Requests for gift cards. Y staff will never ask you to buy gift cards or cryptocurrency.
Fake job postings. Be cautious of any invitations to apply for a job at that Y that do not point you to ymca-snoco.org/careers/.
Account-verification texts. Y staff will never text or email you a link to “confirm” your membership status or claim a refund.
Resources
The YMCA of Snohomish County’s privacy policy can be found on our website. Click to learn more.
If you received a communication from the Y and are unsure of its authenticity, email us at info@ymca-snoco.org or visit your local Y.
