Latest Scams, Preventing Banking Fraud
Fraudsters Texting Members and Non-members
Fraudsters are texting members and non-members with the following message:
"____________________(Random CU Name) FCU Alert: Your CARD has been DEACTIVATED. Please contact us at 1-800 (Fraudulent Number) to REACTIVATE your CARD"
LorMet does not contact members by text message or e-mail. If you receive a text or email message claiming to be from this credit union do not respond to the message and delete it immediately. If you have responded with personal information, contact Member Services immediately at 960-6600.
Additionally, when our fraud alert service or staff initiates contact to members to verify that a member is in possession of their card when suspicious transactions appear, staff will not ask for the member's account number, card number or PIN. When in doubt, end the call and call the number on the back of your card to make sure you are talking with credit union staff.
Email Scam Claiming to be from “CUNA Credit Union National Association”
Beware of an email scam claiming to be from “CUNA Credit Union National Association.” The email states “CUNA is having problems with the billing information on your account to go to the next page to fill out all of the information and send it back.” The page then asks for the member’s account number, financial institution routing number, social security number and their personal information.
This e-mail is a fraudulent attempt to obtain personal information. Do not access the link provided within the body of the e-mail and do not provide any personal information.
Scam Survey -"Complete NCUA Online Survey and Receive a $50.00 credit"
Please be aware of any fraudulent “$50.00 Reward” e-mails that you may receive claiming to be from the NCUA (National Credit Union Administration). These surveys are part of a recent scam aimed at securing confidential personal and financial data for possible identity theft. In exchange for providing the information requested, the "fraudsters" say that the recipient's account will be credited $50.00.
If you receive a "$50 Reward" email, do not click on the links provided. These emails should be deleted.
Phishing Scam Sounds like Official Telephone Call
In a telephone call to debit and credit cardholders, the criminal attempts to obtain the three-digit security code on the back of the card. The phishers are trying to get enough information to perform fraudulent internet & other card-not-present transactions. Unless you have initiated the transaction by placing the call or order, you should never give out this information. If a criminal obtains this three-digit number and already has your other card information, the criminal may be able to obtain authorization for fraudulent transactions.
Fraudsters placing calls to cardholders claiming that their accounts have been frozen
Fraudsters are placing calls to cardholders claiming to be from their financial institution informing them that their accounts have been frozen and that in order to release the accounts, they will have to call a toll-free number to leave their debit card information such as account numbers, card expiration dates or PIN numbers. THESE CALLS MAY BE FRAUDULENT. If you are ever unsure about a call you receive pertaining to your account do not give out any information and immediately contact your credit union using the telephone number on your statement or on our website.
Counterfeit Check Scams
Counterfeit or fake checks are being used in a growing number of fraudulent schemes, including foreign lottery scams, check overpayment scams, Internet auction scams, and secret shopper scams. Check overpayment scams target consumers selling cars or other valuable items through classified ads or online auction sites. Unsuspecting sellers get stuck when scammers pass off bogus cashier's checks, corporate checks,personal checks or money orders. These scammers attempt to steal your money by forwarding you a counterfeit cashier's check, corporate check, personal check or money order asking you to return a portion of the money after depositing into your financial institution for payment of fees, storage, shipping etc.
Read "Giving the Bounce to Counterfeit Check Scams" provided by the Federal Trade Commission. Learn more about how you can protect yourself from becoming a victim of a Counterfeit Check Scam.
Click the link FBI Fraud Alert - "If you can answer "YES" to any of the following questions, you could be involved in a FRAUD or about to be SCAMMED!
Lottery Scams
Lottery scam letters are being sent out by the thousands and thousands every day either through the email or through the mail. There are two things the fraudsters want: your identity and your money. Lottery scammers will steal your identity by asking for your personal identification. Lottery scammers attempt to steal your money by forwarding you a counterfeit check or money order asking you to return a portion of the money after depositing into your financial institution for payment of fees, storage, shipping etc.
- Be aware of any typos and incorrect usage of the English language within the email, letter, or check or money order.
- Do not open attachments in suspect e-mails because they can trigger computer viruses.
- Legitimate lotteries, free lotteries (also known as Sweepstakes) never, NEVER ask for money. If you really win a lottery or Sweepstakes, the only money you owe is the tax you personally pay directly to your government.
- If you receive a check or money order in advance, requesting that you deposit into your financial institution and return a portion of the check amount via money order or wire to pay fees and other applicable fees, it may be a counterfeit item and you may be a victim of counterfeit check fraud. Be cautious and do not deposit unless you are able to verify the origin and authenticity of the check or money order. You will be responsible for the entire amount.
- If you receive an unsolicited e-mail claiming to be from the IRS, contact the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 to find out whether the IRS is trying to contact you about a tax refund.
