Member Security & Fraud Alerts
Risk Alert - American Bankers Association Warns Consumers Of Phishing Scams
The ABA recently warned consumers not to become victims of the sudden
nationwide increase in phishing scams. The ABA indicated that perpetrators
are using automated dialers, text messages or e-mails to inform consumers
their accounts have been closed due to fraud. Consumers then are prompted
to enter their card information, including the expiration date and
three-digit CV code on the card's back to reactivate their accounts. Those
who fall for the scam risk having their information used to fraudulently
purchase goods and services or to obtain credit, the Association said. Below are several tips to help
consumers avoid becoming victims of such phishing scams:
- Never give out your personal or financial information in response to an unsolicited phone call, fax or email, no matter how official it
may seem.
- Do not respond to email that may warn of dire consequences unless you validate your information immediately. Contact the company to
confirm the email's validity using a telephone number or Web address you know to be genuine.
- Check your credit card and bank account statements regularly to look for unauthorized transactions, even small ones. Some thieves hope
small transactions will go unnoticed. Report discrepancies immediately.
- Make sure you have anti-virus and spyware software installed on your computing device and that it has been updated
- NEVER click on a link contained with-in an email to link to any site where you will enter any type of personal information
- Whenever you submit financial information online, first look for the padlock or key icon which may appear at the bottom of your Internet
browser or in the address at the top. Also, many secure Internet addresses, though not all, use "https".
- Report suspicious activity to the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3), which is a partnership between the FBI and the National White Collar Crime Center.
- If you have responded to an email, contact your financial institution immediately so they can protect your account and your identity.
September 2011 - New Scam Alerts
The Division of Consumer Protection in New York has posted recent scam alerts that could be affecting a number of unsuspecting individuals (CU members) in the Northeast or elsewhere in the United States. These scams could occur anywhere. Please read the below alerts that have been brought to the attention of the credit union, although, we have not had any complaints of any Market USA members being effected.
SCAM: Online 'Overdue Credit Card' notice
TARGETED VICTIMS: Internet and email users
THREAT: Virus and/or spyware download
A new wave of online scams has popped up claiming thet "Your credit card is one week overdue". The phony emails, which have subject lines such as "Your financial debt overdue", "Payment by credit card overdue", or "Credit card overdue", include a 10-digit customer number, a pay date, and a message that reads "If you pay the debt within 2 days, there will be no extra charges. In 2 days, a $25 late fee and a finance charge will be imposed on your account". The credit card company name and account number MAY or MAY NOT be what is on your card.
Users who are tricked into opening the file attached to these messages run the risk of downloading Troj/Invo-Zip, a malicious Trojan that could give the attackers remote acess to your computer.
WHAT STEPS SHOULD YOU TAKE?
If you receive emails like these:
- DO NOT download or open ANY of the attached files
- Report the email to your financial institution and check your statements or account on-line
- File a complaint with the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3)
- Make sure you have anti-virus and spyware software installed on your computing device and that it has been updated
- NEVER click on a link contained with-in an email to link to any site where you will enter any type of personal information
SCAM: Delinquent Loan/PayDay Loan
TARGETED VICTIMS: General Telephone Use
THREAT: Blatant Harrassment / Bullying Tactics
In these scams, a caller claims that the victim is delinquent in a payday loan and must repay the loan to avoid legal consequences. Payday
loans, also known as paycheck advances, are typically is a short-term unsecured loan to be repaid at the borrower's next pay day. The callers
purport to be representatives of the FBI, Federal Legislative Department, various law firms, or other legitimate-sounding agencies.
They claim to be collecting debts for Internet check cashing services. While Market USA does not offer any type of PayDay loans, these tactics could be utilized for any type of loan.
At times, the callers may have accurate information about the victims, including Social Security numbers, dates of birth, addresses, employer
information, bank account numbers, and names and telephone numbers of relatives and friends. The method by which the fraudsters obtained the
personal information is unclear, but victims often relay that they had completed online applications for other loans or credit cards before the
calls began.
The fraudsters relentlessly call the victim's home, cell phone, and place of employment. They refuse to provide to the victims any details
of the alleged payday loans and become abusive when questioned. The callers threaten victims with legal actions, arrests, and in some cases
physical violence if they refuse to pay. In many cases, the callers even resort to harassment of the victim's relatives, friends, and employers.
Some fraudsters instruct victims to fax a statement agreeing to pay a certain dollar amount, on a specific date, via prepaid visa card. The
statement further declares that the victim would never dispute the debt.
WHAT STEPS SHOULD YOU TAKE?
These telephone calls are an attempt to obtain payment by instilling fear in victims. Do not follow the instructions of the caller.
If you receive phone calls such as these, you should:
- Contact your credit union or financial institution
- Contact the three major credit bureaus and request an alert be put on your file
- File a complaint with the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3)
- Contact your local law enforcement agencies if you feel you are in immediate danger
- NEVER give out personal identifying or financial information (account number)to anyone that calls you. If your financial institution or companies that you actually have account with are calling you, they already have your account number and should be able to verify your identity with a few unintrusive questions
September 2011 - Text Messaging Scam Alert
Attention Members,
There has been a dramatic increase in vishing calls (automated phone calls), phishing emails, and now false text messaging targeting credit union members nationwide. By using a variety of communication mediums such as false automated voice mails, emails, and text messages, the scammers work to deceive you into thinking your debit card, credit card or account has been compromised or blocked, in an attempt to convince you to disclose account or personal information. Market USA does not contact members to obtain account or personal information. Please do not reply to such attempts to contact you. If you have any questions or concerns please contact memberservices@marketusafcu.com or call the Member Service department at 301-586.3400 or toll free at 800-914-4268.
Below is sample text of the most recent text message received by members:
sms.alert@visa.com/VISA (Card Blocked) Alert. For more information please call 1-877-362-XXXX, or 240-349-XXXX.
The automated system will prompt you to enter any and all information associated with your debit/credit card that
someone would need to make purchases against your account such as card number, expiration date, PIN #, and security code from the
back of the card).
Please remember that Market USA has not and does not contact any members via text message, emails or phone calls to elicit account information or to inform you of any 'blocks' on any accounts that you hold with us. To help protect yourself from identity theft and fraud, it is VERY IMPORTANT to only call your financial institution directly, or the phone number listed on the back of your ATM, debit or credit card(s) to obtain any information about your account.
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