Fraud/Scam Alerts
How To Help Protect Yourself -
- Don’t click on unfamiliar links or download unfamiliar/unexpected attachments. If you receive this in your email, contact the sender to verify they sent it and it's something you need to open.
- Don’t take phone calls at face value; be wary of the information the caller is requesting. Google the phone number presented on the caller ID to see if it’s associated with scams. Even if the number looks legitimate, hang up and call the number yourself, as caller ID numbers can be spoofed.
- Don't give anyone your personal information, ie; Social Security Number, Account Number, Debit Card Number, etc...
- DO keep in mind that no legitimate source is going to ask you to purchase any type of gift card/prepaid card and ask you to give them the numbers for it over the phone or via email.
What is Phishing?In a phishing scam, fraudsters send emails, text messages, or phone message, targeting a specific organization. The fraudsters craft their correspondence to make it appear as though they are sent by the recipient’s financial institution or trusted retailer. The fraudsters will attempt to collect personal and/or financial information by sending attachments infected with software for stealing passwords, or by including a link in the email with a request to provide personal and/or financial information, or by requesting the recipient to contact a number and provide personal and/or financial information, or even threatening to disable the recipients card or account unless the recipient click a link or provides the information requested. Champion Credit Union will not ask for personal or financial information via email or text message. Please be cautious and aware and do not provide this information to anyone, even if the email or website appears legitimate. If you have any doubt regarding whom you are speaking to or about the email or message you received, do not provide the information and contact the credit union directly. (Do not reply to email or use the phone number in the email to contact the credit union). Something for Nothing?Congratulations! You’ve been notified that you won… but have you? Many consumers are falling victim to scams perpetrated to obtain information or money from them. Recent attempts by fraudsters include sending consumers fraudulent checks that may also contain a notice that they have won a lottery or similar prize pool. The consumers are also asked to pay a fee (it may be stated that the check is to help cover these costs) to an ‘agent’ to claim their prize. The checks are most often counterfeit or fraudulent, but consumers cash them and send a portion to the ‘agent’ thinking they will receive a large sum of money. The consumer never hears from the ‘agent’ again and when the check is returned, may be legally responsible for the funds they have received—including the ones they sent to claim their alleged prize. Don’t fall victim to a scam. Protect yourself and remember these five (fun but true) pieces of wisdom:
Also see: Identity Theft. |
