NCUA sounds alarm on fraudulent email to CU members Updated 5/26/10 ALEXANDRIA, Va. (5/26/10)—It's always "phishing" season, and the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) Tuesday issued an alert about a new scam targeting credit unions members.      The agency warned of fraudulent emails pretending to come from the NCUA and asking credit union member participation in an "Online Survey" or "Member Survey." The emails even promise a nice $40 compensation as an inducement to respond to the email.      The emails are fraudulent, the NCUA warns, and may be an attempt to obtain confidential member information. The agency does not solicit such information from credit union members.      "This is a phishing activity with no NCUA activity or approval. If you have received these emails please do not respond. If you have any questions or concerns please email NCUA" at this address, pacamail@ncua.gov., an agency alert said.

  

SCAM ALERT: Tax Filers - Guard Against Online Scams  Updated 04/16/10 WASHINGTON - Consumers should protect themselves against online identity theft and other scams that increase during and linger after tax filing season. Such scams will likely use the name, logo or official seal of the IRS or Department of the Treasury to mislead taxpayers into believing that the scam is legitimate.   Scams involving the impersonation of the IRS usually take the form of e-mails, tweets or other online messages to consumers. Scammers may also use phones and faxes to reach intended victims. Some scammers set up phony websites that can be difficult to distinguish from the real thing.The IRS does not send unsolicited e-mails to taxpayers.   The IRS does not discuss tax account information with taxpayers via e-mail or use e-mail to solicit sensitive financial and personal information from taxpayers. The IRS will never request a taxpayer’s financial account security information, such as account numbers, passwords or PINs.  Taxpayers who receive a suspicious e-mail claiming to come from the IRS should take the following steps: Avoid opening any attachments to the e-mail, in case they contain malicious code that will infect your computer. Avoid clicking on any links, for the same reason. Alternatively, the links may connect to a phony IRS website that appears authentic and then prompts for personal identifiers, bank or credit card account numbers or PINs Visit the IRS website (www.irs.gov) to use the "Where’s My Refund?" page to determine if they are really getting a refund, rather than responding to the e-mail message Forward the suspicious e-mail or web address to the IRS phishing mailbox (phishing@irs.gov) and then delete the e-mail from their inbox Consumers who believe they are or may be victims of identity theft or other scams may visit the Federal Trade Commission’s identity theft website (www.onguardonline.gov) for guidance.  More information on IRS-impersonation scams, identity theft and suspicious e-mail is available at the IRS Web site www.irs.gov.

SCAM ALERT: Education on "Phishing" Attacks  Updated 03/26/10 The phisher focuses their efforts on sending out large phishing blasts via phone numbers and text messages. They have been successful in some cases with individuals who have provided personal and financial information.  Phishing remains a leading cause of fraud in 2010. The delivery channel of the attacks has shifted from email links to text messaging and phone calls and they continue to occur daily. Here are some definations of different types of phishing: LAND LINE TELEPHONE “VISHING” (Voice phISHING) is the voice counterpart to phishing. Rather than being directed by e-mail to a Web site, an e-mail message asks the user to make a telephone call. The call triggers a voice response system that asks for the user's card number or other personal or financial information. The initial bait can also be a telephone call with a recording that instructs the user to phone an 800 number or another area code within or outside of the United States. Because people are used to entering card numbers over the phone, this technique can be effective. TEXT MESSAGE “SMISHING” (SMS phISHING) is the mobile phone counterpart to phishing. Rather than being directed by e-mail to a Web site, a text message is sent to the user's cell phone or other mobile device with some ploy to click on a link. The link causes a Trojan to be installed in the cell phone or other mobile device.

SCAM ALERT: Don't Get Hooked on Tax Scams  Updated 03/03/10  MADISON, Wis. (3/3/10)--If Benjamin Franklin were alive today, he might amend his famous dictum, "'In this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death, taxes, and insidious attempts to cheat you via e-mail." One of the most popular online cons is "phishing," the request for personal information from an apparently legitimate source. This is the time of year when scammers often use the authoritative name of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to collect financial details from careless victims. The Credit Union National Association's Center for Personal Finance offers this advice to avoid taking the "IRS phishing" bait:  Do not respond to e-mail that purports to come from the IRS. Do not reply, click on links, or open attachments from someone claiming to represent the IRS or directing you to an IRS site. The Internal Revenue Service does not ask for passwords or other details about your credit union or bank accounts via e-mail--nor do those financial institutions.   Report suspicious e-mails to the IRS. Don't fall for fake Treasury Department or IRS logos or a tone of urgency. You can see samples of phishing attempts at the IRS website (www.irs.gov), which also includes instructions for forwarding bogus e-mails.   Teach your children to protect their personal information. Young Internet users often take online communications at face value. A healthy skepticism about the Web has become a basic consumer protection skill, and parents can find opportunities to instill it in their children.

SCAM ALERT: FBI Issues Haitian Earthquake Fraud Alert  Updated 01/15/10 Today, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has issued a warning to Internet users who receive appeals to donate funds in the aftermath of Tuesday's earthquake in Haiti. The FBI says, those intending to donate need to perform their due diligence before responding to the requests. Do not respond to any unsolicited (spam) incoming e-mails, including clicking links contained within the messages; Be skeptical of individuals representing themselves as surviving victims or officials asking for donations via e-mail or social networking sites; Verify the legitimacy of nonprofit organizations by using Internet-based resources to assist in confirming the group's existence and its nonprofit status rather than following a purported link to the site; Be cautious of e-mails that claim to show photos of the disaster areas in attached files because these files may contain viruses. Only open attachments from known senders; Make contributions directly to known organizations rather than relying on others to make the donation on your behalf to ensure contributions are received and used for intended purposes; and Do not give personal or financial information to anyone soliciting contributions; providing that information may compromise your identity and make you vulnerable to identity theft. The agency said anyone receiving a suspicious e-mail or anyone who becomes a victim of such incidents should notify the Internet Crime Complaint Center, known as IC3.  Go to: http://www.fbi.gov/pressrel/pressrel10/earthquake011310.htm for the FBI's press release.

 

SCAM ALERT: Verified by VISA Updated 10/08/09 Fraudulant emails have been circulating that appear to be from Verified by VISA.  This email displays certain characteristics that typically represent a fraudulent email. Examples would include not using the specific cardholders name and several grammatical errors. If you receive this email, please avoid clicking on any of the links and delete it immediately, preferably prior to opening. The Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) warns consumers not to open unsolicited e-mails or embedded links because they may contain viruses or malware. Providing personal information also will compromise one's identity.

SCAM ALERT: Sweepstakes Scams        Updated 09/23/09 Sweepstakes scams are on the rise and often trusting members become the victims.  Sweepstakes scams convince people that they are winners of a sum of money when they are really not. The catch - you have to pay money, for example, for taxes or shipping or a good faith down payment, or give up sensitive personal information before you can claim your alleged win. Scams are also a way that criminals commit Identity Theft.  You may be approached, often times, through an “official” looking sweepstakes letter announcing your win.  Or, sometimes it is an email that will ask for additional private information in order to share with the “lucky” winner the details of how they can go about collecting their winnings, eg. social security number, birth date, financial institution account number and routing number, etc.  Here are some tips on recognizing fraudulent sweepstakes win notifications. The communication often will have typos. You don’t recall entering the sweepstakes or don’t recognize the contest Letter requests you to send a wire with a smaller sum of money in order to collect your larger amount winnings. Offer applies pressure with deadlines or some other enticement to create a sense of urgency to convince you to send personal and financial information right away. The sender poses as a government agency or some other well known company or organization. Members who encounter a scam attempt or believe they have been a victim of scam should report it to IRCO as soon as possible and turn over any documentation they may have received such as a letter or email.  If an actual loss has occurred to you, report the incident to the local police.  The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) also gathers info on fraud and scams and reports it to the appropriate authorities.

SCAM ALERT: Oprah Millionaire Contest a Scam  Updated 4/09/09 Members should be aware of a new scam that involves fraudulent e-mails telling recipients they've been nominated for the "Oprah Millionaire Contest Show." Recipients are asked to provide their contact information, including address, telephone phone and e-mail, though no mailing address is provided. Recipients also are told they need to purchase transportation and a ticket to attend the show and complete another contest form with personal questions. The Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) warns consumers not to open unsolicited e-mails or embedded links because they may contain viruses or malware. Providing personal information also will compromise one's identity, the FBI said in a press release.

SCAM ALERT: Don't Be Fooled!  Updated 2/11/09 An e-mail purportedly from the "Federal Reserve Bank System Administration" is bogus.  The phony e-mail informs recipients that the U.S. Treasury Department has issued "new directions for U.S. Federal Wire and ACH (automated clearinghouse) online payments," according to the Pennsylvania Credit Union Association.  The message includes grammatical errors and informs recipients there are "definite restrictions on Federal Wire and ACH transfers till Feb. 20." The message includes a link to a fake website. It was not send from the Federal Reserve or the Treasury. Those receiving the message are being told, "Do not click on the links." Also, identity thieves posing as representatives of the Internal Revenue Service are sending spam e-mails promising government economic stimulus packages. The message tells the user to download an attachment that is masked as a form they must fill out and send to the IRS to receive their check. However, the document really is an identity theft tool that steals the personal information entered in the form.  Again, "Do not click on the links."

SCAM ALERT: Don't Be Fooled!  Updated 1/09/09 Once again, Phishing activity is on the rise.  Some of our members have received email and text message requests asking to verify account and personal information via an 800 number.  DO NOT RESPOND to these types of emails.  They are bogus requests to gain your personal information.  They appear to be very real.  They may look and sound like they are from IRCO, CUNA or even NCUA (the government agency that governs federal credit unions). NEVER respond to requests for information unless you initiate the request - this includes requests via email, phone, text messaging or through the mail.  REMEMBER:   IRCO will never ask for personal information through an email.  If an email looks suspicious or you don't feel the email is legitimate, do not use the links.

SCAM ALERT: Fake Checks! Updated 10/03/08 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.   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.

SCAM ALERT:  Bogus Cell Phone Text Messages Updated 1/29/08 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

SCAM ALERT: 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.

SCAM ALERT: 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.

  

SCAM ALERT:  Fraud Protection Update           Updated 06/13/07 BE AWARE:  No credit union association, federal regulator, or state league 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. For more information visit the following websites: www.onguardonline.gov www.irs.gov   www.antiphishing.org AND REMEMBER . . .IRCO WILL NEVER ASK FOR YOUR PERSONAL  INFORMATION THROUGH AN EMAIL!