SCAM AWARENESS
We value the safety of your personal information. Scammers con people out of millions of dollars each year. Identity theft can happen to anyone. We want you to be aware of common scams so you can keep yourself safe!
PREVENTION TIPS & INFO
HELPFUL TIPS TO AVOID BECOMING A VICTIM OF A SCAM OR FRAUD:
- Never purchase gift cards when you have been instructed to provide the numbers to others
- Be cautious who you communicate with online, through email, or any digital means
- Do not accept checks, or any funds from people you do not personally know
- Do not click on links, attachments, or pop-ups from unfamiliar sources
- Recognize and avoid fraudulent websites
- Never give personal information to unknown callers such as: Date of Birth, Social Security Number, Account Number, Card Number, Online Banking Login Information, etc.
- Change your security settings to enable multi-factor authentication
- Keep computer and mobile devices up to date
- Most importantly, stop communicating with any individuals you don’t know or seem suspicious. They likely aren’t who they say they are.
- Review your credit union and credit card statements each month
- Report any suspicious or unknown transactions to the credit union or credit card company
- Keep your information safe by shredding any documents with personal information on them
COMMON SCAMS
Grandparent Scam: Scammers will call seniors and pretend to be a family member (normally a young adult grandchild), or say they are law enforcement calling on behalf of family. The call normally involves an emergency situation such as an arrest, or car accident, and the scammer asks the senior to send money. Hang up, and call your family member directly. Most times, there is no emergency and your family is safe and sound.
Romance Scam: Scammers scan social media platforms, such as online dating apps and Facebook, and look for opportunities to take advantage of the vulnerable. They gain your trust, often promises of a relationship, with the purpose to defraud you!
Gift Card Scam: Scammers will ask you to buy gift cards or wire money. Be aware that gift cards are for gifts, not payments. They normally recruit you through online banking job ads, prize offers, or dating websites.
Spoofed Phone Scam: Scammers can manipulate caller ID so that the call appears to be coming from a local or well-known number, making it more likely to be trusted or answered. If you have ANY doubt about a call, do not pick up the phone and let the call go to voicemail. A legitimate caller will leave a detailed message that you can listen to, and respond to accordingly.
IRS Imposter Scam: The IRS does not call, email, or text tax payers. If they need to get in touch with you, they will send a letter in the mail. Scammers will create fear by telling victims their taxes are overdue, and payment must be made immediately to avoid being arrested. When in doubt, hang up, and call them directly at (267) 941-1000. If they leave a voicemail with a call back number starting with (800), it is a scam.
Social Security Scam: Like the IRS, the Social Security Administration will only reach you by regular mail. These scams often put fear into victims by claiming that benefits will be suspended, and need action to be taken immediately. These robo calls will ask you to press a key to continue. Immediately hang up, and call Social Security directly. If they ask for your Social Security Number and/or bank information, do not share!
Tech Support Scam: Beware of calls, texts, or other contacts from "tech support" claiming to be from Ulster FCU/Microsoft/etc. They may send an urgent message that "your device has been hacked-contact us immediately." Clicking on links or allowing others access to your devices can also give them the ability to install viruses or malware that can steal information from you.
Lottery Scam: Scammers will call or email you, claiming that you have won a lottery or sweepstake which can be collected for a small fee.
WE ARE HERE TO HELP
If you think you may be a victim of a scam or fraud, please contact your local branch right away.
The following are the telephone numbers for the fraud departments of the three national credit bureaus:
Equifax
www.equifax.com
800-525-6285 – P.O. BOX 740250, Atlanta, GA 30374
Experian
www.experian.com
888-397-3742 – P.O. BOX 1017, Allen, TX 75013
TransUnion
www.transunion.com
800-680-7289 – P.O. BOX 6790, Fullerton, CA 92634
Additionally, a report can be filed on ic3.gov.