Individuals out to commit fraud pressure people to make important decisions on the spot by using innovative schemes and new twists on existing age-old scams. They use phone calls, emails, online banking, and mobile technology. These bad actors look for victims who find their stories convincing and will willingly share sensitive information, which can be used to authorize and transact wires, ACH, plastic card, and other types of transactions. Unfortunately, the fraudulent transaction is often a legit exchange based upon a tall tale.
How to prevent falling victim to a scam:
- Let us know when something seems off, fishy, or ‘too good to be true.
- Regularly review your account statements, history, and other financial documents.
- Check your credit report for inaccuracies or accounts you don’t recognize. You can review your credit report for free once a year at www.annualcreditreport.com.
- Be direct. Don’t be afraid to hang up the phone or shut the door on unwanted solicitations.
- Never pay money up front to collect a prize.
- Be aware that wiring money is just like sending cash. Once it’s sent, it’s gone for good.
- Don’t carry your social security card, birth certificate, or passport in your purse or wallet, except when absolutely necessary.
- Call law enforcement immediately if you think you have been victimized.
- Shred or destroy personal confidential information you no longer need such as credit card and bank statements, insurance forms, credit applications, blank checks or any other documents with your name, account number, social security number or birthdate on them.
Have you fallen victim to identity theft or other financial SCAMS?
Contact the Nebraska Attorney General if you believe you have been a victim of a scam, identity theft, or other suspicious financial transaction. The Attorney General’s website can be found here. Contact the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) if you believe you have been a victim of a scam, identity theft, or other suspicious financial transactions. The FTC website can be found here.You can make a difference by pay attention to the news or emails from the credit union about current SCAMS, remaining vigilant and letting us know when something isn’t quite right.
Visit the links below for additional information about SCAMS
https://consumer.ftc.gov/scams
https://mycreditunion.gov/fraud-prevention-center/scams