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A number of local Credit Unions, including NAS JRB Credit Union have been the targets of phishing attacks. Criminals are sending out fraudulent messages via email and text message requesting members to visit counterfeit websites or call fraudulent phone numbers.
The counterfeit sites and automated phone system request credit card numbers and / or PINs. Please be reminded that your financial institution WILL NEVER ask you for your personal information, whether it is via a website OR a voice recorded phone call unless you initiated the contact.
We understand that these messages are going to consumers that do not have accounts with our credit union. That does not mean you are not at risk. If you provide ANY banking/credit card information, you are at risk of being victimized.
If you have received an email or text message, you can assist financial institutions in the fight against fraudulent activity by filing a complaint with the FTC at 877-382-4357 or spam@uce.gov. When you call be sure that you provide the FTC with the phone number you have been asked to call and/or the website you have been asked to visit to provide personal financial information.
If you believe you have responded to a message and provided personal information, please contact us immediately by calling the credit union at 1-800-328-1120.
Federal Reserve Board alerts public to instances of questionable solicitations directed at consumers.
The Federal Reserve Board on Tuesday alerted the public to instances of questionable solicitations directed at consumers. These solicitations promise consumers access to personal loans through a nonexistent Federal Reserve lending program.
Under this fraudulent scheme, targeted individuals are told that that they can work through a broker to access a Federal Reserve program that extends sizable secured loans to consumers. Consumers are encouraged to deposit large sums of money into a bank account, under the guise of a security deposit, in order to receive the purported loan.
The Federal Reserve is advising consumers that it has no involvement in these solicitations and does not directly sponsor consumer lending programs. The matter has been referred to the appropriate authorities for action.
Consumers are strongly urged to verify the legitimacy of potential service providers before entering into a business transaction. Individuals seeking personal finance options are encouraged to do business only with reputable lenders and to shop around for the most favorable loan terms.
Consumers with questions about solicitations that they suspect may be fraudulent are encouraged to contact the Federal Reserve Board Consumer Help Center at:
http://www.federalreserveconsumerhelp.gov or by calling 1-888-851-1920.
Fake Check Scams: If someone you don't know wants to pay you by check, but wants you to wire some of the money back, beware- it is most likely a scam that could cost you thousands of dollars!
There are many variations of this fake scam- here are 3 examples:
* Give you the first installment on the millions you will receive for agreeing to transfer money from a foreign country to your account for safekeeping
* Buy something you advertised
* Give you an "advance" on a sweepstakes you have won
These scammers often claim to be outside the US, saying they cannot pay you directly, and they will have someone send you a check or money order. The amount of the check or money order may be more than you are owed, so you are instructed to deposit the item and wire the balance. After you have wired the money back to the scammer, you learn that the check or money order has bounced. There is NO legitimate reason for someone who is giving you money to ask you to wire money back.
To report this scam, contact the National Fraud Information Center at:
www.fraud.org or (800) 876-7060.
Jury Duty Scam: In this con, someone calls pretending to be a court official who threateningly says a warrant has been issued for your arrest because you failed to show up for jury duty. If you protest that you never received a summons for jury duty, the scammer asks you for your Social Security number & date of birth so he/she can verify the information and cancel the arrest warrant. Sometimes they even ask for credit card numbers. Give out this information and your identity has just been stolen! This scam has been reported so far in 11 states.
The FBI and the federal court system have issued nationwide alerts on their websites, warning consumers about the fraud.
Account fraud is one of the fastest growing crimes in the nation. Account fraud can come in many forms. Some examples are:
- Checking Account Fraud
- Credit Card Fraud
- ATM Fraud
- Identity Theft
- Electronic Account Fraud
Always be sure to contact your credit union or affected financial institution immediately as soon as you have been a victim of account fraud.
Additional information about fraud is available from:
The National Check Fraud Center at: www.ckfraud.org or (843) 571-2143.
The U.S. government's web site on Identity Theft at: www.consumer.gov/idtheft |
