DON'T LET FAKE CHECK SCAMS FAKE YOU OUT! Updated 10/30/08
|
Scam artists are using legitimate and familiar names--such as Publishers Clearing House, Martha Stewart Living, and Oprah Winfrey's O Magazine--to lure you into falling for a fake check scam, and you're left holding the bag (MSNBC.com Oct. 30). How do fake check scams work? There are many variations, but all involve someone asking you to deposit a realistic-looking check and send money elsewhere in return.
Remember: There is no valid reason for a person who is giving you money to ask you to wire some back. If you are doing business with strangers, have them write a cashier's check for the exact amount. Also, be wary of an offer arriving by regular mail, phone, fax, or e-mail. Legitimate checks will arrive via certified mail.
|
TRAVELER'S CHECKS - REAL OR FAKE Updated 12/18/07
If you posess a traveler's check that is from a financial institution other than your own, it could be a fake check. Recently, there has been a scam very similar to the fake check scams, you're asked to mail part of the money back, leaving you liable for that money. To verify whether Visa Travelers Cheques are legitimate, visit http://www.quickcheque.net or hold the Visa Travelers Cheques up to the light and look for the Visa dove watermark on the back of the check (on the right-hand side) and look for the silver thread on the front which runs up and down just before the customer right-hand signature line. Also, the National Consumer's League Fraud Center warns consumers to be wary of American Express Gift Cheques, they aren't issued for over $100.
|
FAKE CALLER ID NUMBERS Updated 10/2/07
| There is a new phishing scam, identity theives use phony caller ID numbers to solicit personal information and even money. The thieves gain the trust of there victims by thinking that a call is coming in from a bank, credit union or credit card company. Many victims don't even think twice that the information coming up on there caller ID screen isn't genuine and reveal personal information.
- Do not assume the information displayed on your Caller ID screen is accurate. It can be spoofed
- Never give out personal or financial information over the phone unless you are sure of the person.
- If you doubt who is on the phone, contact your financial institution or credit card company.
|
NCUA LOGO - PHISHING SCAM Updated 7/13/07
| Recently, members received an e-mail with the official blue NCUA logo. The e-mail states that you will receive $50 if you answer a brief survey pertaining to NCUA and your credit union. They claim that the money will be wire transferred to you within 24 hours. When you click on the survey page it will take you to a fake site, this is where you will be asked to take the survey and enter personal information.
REMEMBER: IRCO will never ask for personal information through an e-mail. If an email looks suspicious or you don't feel the e-mail is legitimate, do not use the links.
|
FRAUD PROTECTION UPDATE Updated 06/13/07
- BE AWARE: No credit union association, regulator, state league or association will send you a message via e-mail asking for your identification numbers.
- DO NOT: use the link in these messages, simply delete the message.
- CONTACT US: immediately if you have any questions.
|
SECURITY BROCHURES Updated 06/13/007
|
We have two brochures that help to explain how to protect yourself against new and existing threats present on the internet and the measures that have been implemented to protect your personal identity. Just click on the links below for more information:
E-Mail & Internet Fraud
Electronic Authentication
|
SCAM ALERT: BOGUS CELL PHONE TEXT MESSAGE Updated 01/29/08
|
Phone phishers are now using text messaging to lure you in. A text message is sent to direct you to use a phony website. One such recent bogus message stated that their bank accounts were expiring and they needed to register at a website. Scammers count on the few uneducated consumers to log onto this phony website and reveal their account information.
If the Internet scam originates overseas, the crooks are difficult to track down or to prosecute. To protect yourself, become an educated consumer. Australian-based SCAMwatch.gov offers tips to stay safe:
Stay alert. Don't reply to text messages that come from numbers you don't recognize or not in your contacts. It also applies to missed calls.
Beware numbers that begin with 1-900. These are premium numbers typically charged at a high rate. You could be charged for receiving a message from 1-900 numbers via SMS (Short Messaging Service, or text message) or MMS (Multimedia Messaging Service, which extends text messaging to graphics, audio, video, photos or any combination-withing size limits). And if you're asked to reply to these messages by typing "X" and hitting the send button, you may be charged for a text message to a 1-900 numbers. Immediatedely call your carrier to complain.
Don't show interest. Simply reply to a scammer opens the floodgates to receiving similar messages and calls.
Check with friends first. Some text messages sound like they're from friends, but they're not. If the message is questionable, ask friends if they called or sent a text message before you reply
|
